Arizona - Urban Fishing Waters Meet Many Anglers’ Needs

Every fall, a total of four catfish stockings are scheduled at two-week intervals before fish stockings switch over to rainbow trout in mid November. Sept. 19-24 will be the first stockings for this autumn.

CATS ARE COMING -- Deliveries of catfish are scheduled to restart the week of Sept. 19-24. During the hot summer months from July 4 through Sept. 17, there are no scheduled catfish stockings at any of the 21Urban Fishing Program waters. Once lake temperatures begin to decline entering the fall season, then catfish stockings can resume again.

Fishing at Urban Program waters remains slow throughout the summer. Catfish can still be caught, especially from the larger lakes, with bluegill, bass and catfish still providing some fun for patient anglers.

Throughout 2010 Urban Fishing Program, biologists visited all 21lake locations to survey urban anglers as part of an important study. Conducted at five-year intervals, this extensive 12-month study allows Game and Fish biologists and interns to meet with anglers face-to-face at the lakes and ask a series of questions.

More than 7,000 anglers of all ages were asked questions about their fishing success and habits. Participation in urban fishing has grown to include over 62,000 anglers who contribute nearly $7 million into local economies. Valuable information on angling use, fish catch rates, angler demographics and economics, fishing satisfaction, and angler participation across the state were gathered. Key findings show increases in fishing participation and angler satisfaction levels.

Fish stocking adjustments will be made to stock more fish into lakes that get the heaviest use—most notably Cortez, Desert West, Rio Vista, Silverbell and Surprise Lakes.

More than 70 percent of the urban anglers did not fish anywhere else in Arizona, suggesting that all their needs are met in the heavily stocked, convenient, accessible, and inexpensive Urban Fishing Program waters at local parks.

Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times
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