The reaction bite is especially good under a new moon. Later in the morning the fish go deeper and the bite slows. Fishing at Big Lake is said to be good on worms. Information: (602) 266-2624.Surface boils have started up again. One angler reported catching a 9-pounder on his first cast. Information: (480) 986-2515.Alamo: 7% full. One angler said he caught five fish on five straight casts. Also try anchovies at 30 feet along the steep embankment on the main lake east shoreline between the entrance to the Agua Fria River and Humbug Bay. Elsewhere in the Flagstaff area, try Ashurst and Kinnikinick lakes. During the day the fish can be found as deep as 20 feet. Big Lake and Sunrise Lake on the Ft. Apache are offering excellent trout fishing. The current new-moon phase is being touted as a big help for anglers using submersible lights at night on such Colorado River lakes as Mead, Mohave and Powell. According to a recent report, angler using split-tail grubs have been doing most of the catching of trout, sunfish and crappies. Apache: 92%. Throw gold, silver and white spinnerbaits and chatterbaits along with watermelon and green pumpkin Brush Hogs. Powell: 49%.
The Cholla launch ramp is available and the main launch ramp should be open as well. Also available are striped and largemouth bass throughout Lake Mo. Try top-water baits such as Spooks, Skitter Walkers and Rico’s. Becker Lake and Silver Creek are worth the effort for hefty fish, however anglers are limited to the use of artificial flies and lures with single, barbless hooks.
Mohave: 94%. He suggests anglers use frogs in and around grass as well as Ricos, and Whopper Ploppers in the early mornings. Always a good idea to toss spinners, shiny spoons. Also check for catfish with bait. Trout were planted in the lake last week. Largemouths are in transition from deeper water to shallow water. The crappie spawn is under way. San Diego Dock totals for the day included 380 anglers fishing on 13 trips and catching 583 rockfish, 78 yellowtail, 12 bluefin tuna, three yellowfin and additional species.
“Those fish were big as I saw the photos.” LaPorte said the anglers were trolling with minnows on a dropshot setup and jigs. Mead: 41%. The lucky angler caught mostly 2- to 3-pounders while using a Bomber Long A trout pattern lure.
Mead: 39%. Apache: 96%. Information: (602) 942-3000.Fishing is rated fair at the East Fork of the Black River in the White Mountains thanks to roads still open from Alpine.
Information: (928) 468-0263.Anglers should know the following Arizona winter road closures are in place, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Check out the Verde River for good bass fishing. Yellow and orange Power Bait is said to be the best bait, but also try nightcrawlers and small spinners. The largemouth bite has been good as well.