Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 629
Lakes to receive fish until July; stocking numbers to remain similar to 2023 . The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has announced waters in the Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside areas will be stocked with catchable-size trout from March to July, a change from the traditional stocking schedule of April to September. Those waters include Fool Hollow, Rainbow, Show Low, and Woodland lakes, as well as Scott Reservoir. AZGFD is expected to maintain the schedule change until at least 2026 to... Full story
TowBoatUS Fisher's Landing, Ariz., helps boaters and anglers get home after running aground. It's a shallow, sandy-bottomed, blue ribbon of Colorado River that stretches 44 miles across the low desert of the remote Arizona Southwest. Now, recreational boaters and anglers navigating here from the Interstate 10 bridge down steam to the Imperial Dam have professional, 24/7 on-water towing and assistance available with the opening of TowBoatUS Fisher's Landing, Arizona. The company, located at... Full story
Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, and many states offer "free fishing days" where residents and visitors can fish without a license. These days are a great opportunity for people to try out fishing for the first time, or for experienced anglers to introduce a friend or family member to the sport. Free Fishing Day: June 1, 2024 The Arizona Game and Fish Department invites anglers to fish Arizona waters for free Saturday, June 3. It's an ideal time to take the family out for some fun and... Full story
Did you know that invasive quagga mussels cause millions of dollars in damage to boat motors, docks and water intake systems? Or that unwanted turtles, tortoises, and other pets illegally released into the wild can hurt our native species by introducing disease or outcompeting them for habitat and food? Awareness Week The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) participated in National Invasive Species Awareness Week, which ran through the beginning of March. The nationwide event aimed to... Full story
Whether you're new to angling or a seasoned pro, the fishing challenges provide opportunities to pursue and catch your "big fish" and have it posted on our website. Find your challenge, see how to enter, and explore the official rules. Fishing Challenges Offered By AZGFD Bass Anglers: The Arizona Hawg Bass Challenge Arizona is home to great largemouth bass fishing! The Arizona Game and Fish Department works to provide great opportunities for anglers to catch huge largemouth bass all over the... Full story
States and U.S. territories that shared $19.8 million in total BIG funding in the 2023 grant cycle included Arizona. Does your town or region make it easy for boaters to visit and spend locally? Having safe, protected dockage and offering amenities to these tourists by water can bring boaters in, but how do you pay for it? The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, first championed by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), has proven effective in attracting boaters and... Full story
A lot of old-timers will tell you that the best way for a crappie fisherman to deal with a cold front is to stay home. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the luxury of choosing which days to go fishing. Why does it always seem like the dreaded cold fronts pass through just before the weekend, or right in the middle of the tournament? Crappie Recover Faster The effects of a cold front are particularly devastating in the spring. A five degree drop in surface temperature can drive the fish off... Full story
The late Aaron Martens, Rick Clunn, Gary Dobyns, and Eddie Johns are four of the most consistently successful anglers I've ever known, but their prowess isn't due just to natural ability, although that does play a part. Aaron was known as a finesse fisherman. People used to say that Rick Clunn was the Zen master of fishing. Gary Dobyns is known as a power fisherman. You may not know Eddie Johns, but if you lived anywhere near him, you'd be familiar with his name. He dominates the tournaments in... Full story
You are in luck! There is never a challenge when shopping for a gift for the boater(s) in your life. Whether your recipient sails, operates a powerboat, PWC, enjoys paddle-sports on a Stand-up paddle board, in a canoe or a kayak, chances are they are always in need of something that will enhance their day, safety or activity. Some Ideas If they’re not dropping any hints for you and you’re not comfortable asking them what they’d like, you might give their watercraft and equipment / gear a look... Full story
Stowing long push poles on deck can be a challenge. With 710-Series Push Pole Holders from Accon Marine, it's simple for anglers to install premium hardware that not only secures the gear in the choppiest water but folds flat and out of the way when casting. Built from polished marine-grade 316 stainless steel, 710-Series Push Pole Holders have durable UV-resistant glass-filled nylon hooks that pull up when needed. The 3.7" W x 5.4" L x .5" H hardware surface mounts with three #10 screws,... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and the nonprofit conservation organization Trout Unlimited (TU) have entered into an agreement for a co-shared position to focus on angler recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3). This is the first such shared R3 arrangement in the U.S. between a state fish and wildlife agency and a non-governmental organization (NGO) for fishing. The model has been used successfully between some wildlife agencies (including AZGFD) and NGOs (such as the... Full story
Hello FishAZ Network, With cooler weather just around the corner, I hope you are all finding some time to get out on the water! FishAZ Network Update Thanks to the help of all of our partners (you), we have had an exciting few months here with the Fishing R3 Program and would like to give you all an update! We hired and onboarded Alec Young, our new Angling R3 Coordinator shared position with Trout Unlimited. This position is the first of its kind in the Nation and is modeled after the... Full story
NEEDLES, Calif. -Las Vegas native Bryan Sloan once answered a classified job post for a part-time professional lake patroller. He applied, got the job, and immediately knew that working on the water was his calling. He next became first-mate, then captain of an 84-foot dinner yacht, and earned his U.S. Coast Guard license. He's since run 100-plus mph twin-hull tour boats on Lake Havasu and most recently was a towing captain with TowBoatUS Lake Mead, helping boaters with on-water troubles. Now... Full story
Don McDowell Outdoors is hosted by Don McDowell with a slew of guests from politicians, members of the AZ Game & Fish, avid hunters and anglers and so many more! Each Sunday you can be sure to hear great insight into current events both around the country and locally as well as the perfect guides for the current state of hunting, fishing, and conservation. Meet Don McDowell Don McDowell, Arizona native, is an avid outdoorsman and has been an active bass pro fisherman for over 22 years and in... Full story
In 1972, Richard Nixon signed the first ever Presidential proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, writing: "I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations." On the fourth Saturday of every September (Sept. 23, 2023), NHF Day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the conservation of our nation's rich sporting heritage and natural... Full story
Bait Finesse System 101 Get Hooked On This System (originally published on Bassresource.com) The Bait Finesse System uses very small and light baitcasting rods and reels and it's gaining popularity with bass fishermen everywhere. But John and I love it for trout fishing on the small forest lakes and even in streams – we're long-time bass anglers who are more comfortable with baitcasting gear than a fly rod or a spinning rod. Ideal For Panfish The BFS method is ideal for trout and other p... Full story
Director's Orders (list of waters with aquatic invasive species) updated to include Tonto Creek; Tonto Creek Hatchery closed to public. PAYSON, Ariz. - The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species (AIS), in upper Tonto Creek approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Tonto Creek Hatchery. AZGFD continues to conduct surveys in the area to determine the extent of infestation. Tonto Creek Hatchery will remain closed to the... Full story
Recreational Fishing and Boating Community Opposes Vessel Speed Restrictions In The Gulf of Mexico, Calls for Collaboration in Conserving Rice's Whales The leading organizations representing recreational fishing and boating in the United States have urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to reject a petition to establish a year-round 10-knot (11 mph) vessel speed limit and other vessel-related measures in the Rice's whale "core" habitat area in the Gulf of Mexico. The... Full story
NEW FOR FISHING - Visit pheasanttailflyfishing.com to welcome this new business at 4041 E Thomas Rd. Suite 117 Phoenix, AZ 85018 , open Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 6.p.m. At Pheasant Tail Fly Fishing, we curate the products we offer by using the equipment ourselves, ensuring our rods, reels, flies, apparel and accessories are the best available. Visit the shop and talk with our knowledgeable team members; whether you're a seasoned fly fisherman or just starting out, we're here to help you make... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds anglers that the record-setting heat has raised water temperatures in many trout lakes and streams. Trout thrive in cool (below 68 degrees), clean, well-oxygenated water. During the summer months, when water levels and flows decrease due to lack of rainfall, water temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen decreases, which in turn causes additional stress on trout. Anglers are reminded to consider these conditions and take some personal responsibi... Full story
Years ago, when I was in my home town of Yakima, Wash., my dad gave my husband and me tickets to see Louis Armstrong. He was marvelous, and I still remember his singing "Summer time and the livin' is easy; fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high ... ". In fact, as I read the fishing stories that come across my desk, I can still hear Armstrong's fantastic rendition of "Summertime". Here in Arizona, the fish are definitely "jumpin", and there are great reports available from those who know:... Full story
Monsoon weather is just around the corner, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) cautions boaters, anglers and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users that weather conditions can quickly change and become dangerous for those who aren't prepared. The severity of monsoon storms varies greatly, from a minor dust storm to a violent thunderstorm capable of producing hail, deadly lightning and flash flooding. "Arizona is known for its often unbearable summer heat; it's also known for great places... Full story
Carolina rig fishing is simple. A large weight and a glass or plastic bead are strung onto the main line. The bead protects the knot from the heavy weight. A swivel is then tied to the end of the line, and a leader, usually of slightly lighter line, is attached to the swivel. Tie on a hook and you're rigged, Carolina style. Choosing The Right Weight To click or not to click, that is the question. When the water is really dirty, or you're fishing really deep, you may want your rig to make some... Full story
TowBoatUS responds more than 90,000 requests from boaters for routine on-water assistance each year – towing, ungroundings, battery jumps and fuel drop-offs. For the captains at the helm of the 600-plus red TowBoatUS response vessels, that means much of their waking day is spent on the water where there's always a chance for more grave trouble. Five TowBoatUS captains who acted as good Samaritans to save lives and help their communities in 2022 were recently honored by their peers at a c... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds anglers that the record-setting heat has raised water temperatures in many trout lakes and streams. Trout thrive in cool (below 68 degrees), clean, well-oxygenated water. During the summer months, when water levels and flows decrease due to lack of rainfall, water temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen decreases, which in turn causes additional stress on trout. Anglers are reminded to consider these conditions and take some personal... Full story
