Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

The most recent catfish stocking at press time was the week of April 29 – May 4 at all Phoenix and Tucson area Urban waters. Cats from previous stockings have been biting very well on worms, stink baits, and hot dogs or shrimp fished on the bottom.

Catfish have been active throughout the day with mornings and evenings best. Worms (night crawlers) have been the top bait for three Urban category Big Fish-of-the-Year entries, all in March.

Robert Foy hauled in an 8.2-pound, 22-inch largemouth bass from Red Mountain. Kyle Johnson harvested a 26-inch channel catfish out of Kiwanis Lake that went 8.3 pounds. Tucson’s Kennedy Lake gave up a 13 pound, 28-inch common carp to Roy Castleman. Check out these and other big fish entries at http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/edits/big_fish.shtml.

Sunfish Spawn

Bluegill and other sunfish species are beginning to spawn at all urban waters, which causes them to become more aggressive and active. Best baits for the feisty, 5-8 inch bluegill are worms or mealworms fished under a small bobber or on the bottom using a small split shot.

Bass Action Slows

Action for largemouth bass has slowed as they move into the post-spawn period over the next few weeks. Please exercise catch and release for largemouth bass and remember the minimum keep-able size for bass is 13 inches.

Green Valley Lakes

At Green Valley lakes (Payson) fishing is good for trout in the 11-13 inch range. Try Power Bait or worms off the bottom. Trout stockings at this higher elevation Urban lake were set to stop for the season in mid-May. Also at Green Valley, there is a good bite going on for crappie and bass. Use small jigs and plastic worms.