Arizona fishing regulations

              Arizona Game and Fish Department
2005 & 2006 Fishing Regulations
2 azgfd. gov
Index
Accessible Fishing Opportunities .............................. 4
Amphibian Regulations ........................................... 27
Angler Code of Ethics .............................................. 41
Aquatic Reptile Regulations .................................... 28
Arizona Fish Records ......................................... 34– 36
Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules ....... 47– 51
Arizona Game and Fish Department Contacts .......... 5
Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17— Laws ........ 44– 46
Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine ............................. 4
Baitfish Regulations ................................................ 26
Bald Eagle Closures ................................................. 42
Big Fish- of- the- Year ................................................. 35
Boating and Watercraft Information ....................... 38
Catch and Release Record Program ........................ 35
Changes Since 2004 .................................................. 6
Common Violations .................................................... 8
Crayfish ........................................... 7, 8, 28, 39, 47
Crustaceans and Mollusks Regulations .................. 28
Definitions ........................................................ 44, 47
Fish Identification .............................................. 29– 32
Fish Weighing Scale Locations ............................... 37
Fishing Clinics .......................................................... 43
Fishing Waters
Central Arizona ............................................ 22– 23
Colorado River Northwest ........................... 18– 19
Colorado River Southwest ........................... 20– 21
Fishing Waters ( continued)
Mogollon Rim .............................................. 16– 17
North Central ............................................... 14– 15
Southeast Arizona ....................................... 24– 25
Urban Fishing Program ................................ 10– 11
White Mountains ........................................ 12– 13
Free Fishing Day .................................................. 3, 43
General Sport Fishing Seasons ................................. 9
General Statewide Regulations ............................ 3– 8
Health and Environmental Information ................... 40
Hitchhiking Plants and Animals .............................. 39
Hook and Line Methods ............................................ 6
Lead and Fishing ...................................................... 40
Licenses ..................................................................... 3
Family Fishing License ......................................... 6
Fees ..................................................................... 5
Lifetime Fishing License ...................................... 5
Lost ...................................................................... 6
Pioneer ............................................................ 5, 6
Requirements ............................................... 3, 10
Revocation ..................................................... 8, 46
Where to Buy ....................................................... 3
Length Limit ............................................................... 7
Limits ............................................... 7, 9, 10, 16, 29
Live Bait, Capturing ................................................... 7
Live Baitfish ............................................................. 26
Monofilament Recovery Program ............................ 41
Nonresident ........................................................ 5, 44
Operation Game Thief .................................. 8, 33, 41
Pioneer Fishing License ....................................... 5, 45
Protected Native Fish ................................................ 9
Residency ...................................................... 5, 8, 44
Resource Agency Directory ....................................... 4
Special Regulations ........................................... 10– 26
Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs ........ 42
Stamps
Colorado River Special Use ............. 5, 6, 18, 20
Fees ..................................................................... 5
Lifetime Trout Stamp ........................................... 5
Trout Stamp .................................................... 5, 6
Two Pole Stamp .............................................. 5, 6
Utah Lake Powell Stamp ..................................... 6
Where to Buy ....................................................... 3
Transportation and Storage of Fish ........................... 7
Urban Fishing Program ...................... 10, 11, 22, 23
Violations ................................................................... 8
Watercraft and Motor Restrictions ......................... 38
Where to Fish in Arizona ......................................... 33
Whirling Disease ..................................................... 40
Youth Fishing ........................................................... 43
Contents
How To Use This Booklet ............................................ 3
General Statewide Regulations .................................. 3
License Information .................................................... 3
2005 and 2006 Fishing License and Stamp Fees ......... 5
Special Licenses and Stamps ..................................... 6
Changes Since 2004 ................................................... 6
Statewide Fishing Regulations ................................... 6
Common Violations .................................................... 8
Statewide Daily Bag and Possession Limits ............... 9
Protected Native Fish ................................................. 9
General Sport Fishing Seasons—
Commission Order 40: Fish ...................................... 9
Special Regulations— Commision Order 40: Fish
Designated Urban Fishing Program Waters .............. 10
White Mountains ..................................................... 12
North Central ............................................................ 14
Mogollon Rim ........................................................... 16
Colorado River Northwest ........................................ 18
Colorado River Southwest ........................................ 20
Central ...................................................................... 22
Southeast ................................................................. 24
Legal Areas for Live Baitfish ..................................... 26
Know Your Baitfish ................................................... 26
Commission Order 41: Amphibians ........................... 27
Commission Order 42: Crustaceans and Mollusks .... 28
Commission Order 43: Reptiles ( aquatic only) ........... 28
Arizona Fish Identification ........................................ 29
Where to Fish in Arizona .......................................... 33
Arizona Fish Records ................................................ 34
2003 Big Fish- of- the- Year Finalist ............................. 35
Catch and Release Record Program .......................... 36
Fish Weighing Scales ............................................... 37
Watercraft Regulations… ........................................ 38
Hitchhiking Plants and Animals ................................ 39
Health and Environmental Information ..................... 40
Monofilament Recovery Program ............................. 41
Bald Eagle Fishing Closures ...................................... 42
Youth Fishing ............................................................ 43
Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws
17- 101. Definitions ................................................... 44
17- 301. Times when wildlife may be taken;
exceptions; methods of taking ............................... 44
17- 303. Taking or driving wildlife from
closed areas .......................................................... 44
17- 304. Prohibition by landowner upon hunting; posting;
exception ............................................................... 44
17- 306. Importation, transportation, release or
possession of live wildlife ..................................... 45
17- 309. Violations; classification .............................. 45
17- 314. Civil liability; illegal taking or wounding ...... 45
17- 331. License or proof of purchase required; violation
of child support order ............................................ 45
17- 335. Minors; blind residents .............................. 45
17- 336. Complimentary licenses ............................ 45
17- 340. Revocation, suspension and denial
of right to obtain license; notice; violation; classifica-tion
........................................................................ 46
17- 341. Applying for or obtaining license or
permit by fraud or misrepresentation;
classification .......................................................... 46
17- 342. Colorado river special use permit ................. 46
Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules
R12- 4- 101. Definitions .............................................. 47
R12- 4- 117. Indian Reservations ................................ 47
R12- 4- 305. Possessing, Transporting,
Importing, Exporting, and Selling Carcasses
or Parts of Wildlife .................................................. 47
R12- 4- 308. Wildlife Inspections, Check
stations, and Roadblocks ....................................... 47
R12- 4- 310. Fishing Permits ....................................... 47
R12- 4- 311. Exemptions from Requirement to
Possess an Arizona Fishing License while
Taking Aquatic Wildlife ......................................... 48
R12- 4- 312. Special Use Permits and Stamps for Fishing
on Waters with Shared Jurisdiction ...................... 48
R12- 4- 313. Lawful Methods of Taking Aquatic
Wildlife; Restrictions ............................................. 48
R12- 4- 315. Possession of Live Fish; Unattended
Live Boxes and Stringers ....................................... 49
R12- 4- 316. Possession, Transportation, or
Importation of Live Baitfish, Crayfish, or
Waterdogs ............................................................. 49
R12- 4- 317. Seasons for Lawfully Taking Fish, Mollusks,
Crustaceans, Amphibians, and Aquatic Reptiles ... 49
R12- 4- 402. Live Wildlife: Prohibited Acts ............... 49
R12- 4- 404. Possession of Live Wildlife Taken
on an Arizona Hunting or Fishing License .............. 49
R12- 4- 801. General Provisions .................................. 50
R12- 4- 802. Wildlife Area Restrictions ...................... 50
Arizona Game and Fish Department 3
General Statewide Regulations ( for up- to- date information, visit azgfd. gov)
How To Use This Booklet
This booklet contains the information you need to legally
fish in Arizona. Please consult regulations carefully before
fishing. Regulations differ on many bodies of water, so be
sure to follow the steps below before you go fishing:
1. Make sure that you have read and are familiar with the
information on General Statewide Regulations ( pages
3, 5– 8) concerning the requirements for licenses,
stamps, bag and posses-sion
limits, gear and bait
restrictions, harvest
methods and common
violations.
2. Review the General
Sport Fishing Sea-sons—
Commission
Order 40: Fish ( page 9)
for information on daily
bag and possession
limits for each species
that applies to all fishing
waters statewide.
3. Consult the statewide
map, right, to find your
fishing area of interest.
Note: Urban Fishing
Program waters are
listed separately on
pages 10– 11.
4. Locate your fishing area
of interest in the Special
Regulations— Commis-sion
Order 40: Fish
( pages 10– 25). Now look
to see if the body of
water you will be fishing is listed, then note any Special
Regulations that apply such as catch limits, length
limits, seasons, method of take, bait and hook restric-tions,
closed areas, or other restrictions.
5. If specific references to a body of water, species, catch
limits, length limits, seasons, method of take, or other
restrictions are not made in the Special Regulations for
a particular body of water, then General Statewide
Regulations and General Sport Fishing Seasons apply.
It is the angler’s responsibility to know what regula-tions
apply to the body of water they are fishing. New
or changed regulations for 2005 and 2006 are summa-rized
on page 6.
License Information
License Requirements
• A valid fishing or combination license is required for
resident and nonresident anglers 14 years of age or older
fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.
• Youth under the age of 14 and blind residents do not need
to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona.
• All required licenses,
permits and/ or stamps must
be in possession while
engaging in fishing.
• A valid fishing or combina-tion
license is required for take
of frogs, waterdogs, crayfish
and softshell turtles. See
Commission Orders 41
( Amphibians), 42 ( Crustaceans
and Mollusks) and 43 ( Aquatic
reptiles) on pages 27- 28 for
regulations on open and
closed areas, methods of take,
seasons, and bag and posses-sion
limits.
• Licenses expire on the
date printed or written on
them. No license is transfer-able.
Arizona Fishing Licenses
Are Not Required When
• Fishing any public water
on Free Fishing Days, Satur-days,
June 11, 2005, and
June 10, 2006.
• Registered and participating in a Department sponsored
fishing clinic.
• Fishing private waters, tanks, or ponds with permission
of the property owner.
Where to Buy Licenses and Stamps
• Online at azgfd. gov
• 340 license dealers statewide ( includes many local
sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major
retailers, and convenience stores)
• Arizona Game and Fish Department offices
• Call toll- free ( 866) 462- 0433
4 azgfd. gov
Accessible Fishing Opportunities
Bartlett Lake
Rattlesnake Recreation Site, 21
miles east of Cave Creek
• Parking, restrooms, fishing piers
Becker Lake
2 miles west of Springerville
• Parking close to shoreline
Big Lake
29 miles south of Eagar
• Parking, restrooms
Black Canyon Lake
18 miles southwest of Heber
• Parking close to shoreline,
shoreline access
Canyon Lake
LaBarge Cove, 18 miles north of
Apache Junction
• Parking, fishing piers, restrooms,
picnic facilities
Crescent Lake
29 miles south of Eagar
• Parking, restrooms, fishing dock
Fain Lake
City of Prescott Valley
• Restrooms, paved fishing access
Fool Hollow Lake
4 miles west of Show Low
• Parking, restrooms, fishing dock
Kaibab Lake
2 miles north of Williams
• Designated fishing pier
Lake Havasu
Mesquite Cove and Site Six, near
Lake Havasu City
• Parking, restrooms, fishing piers
Havasu Springs, Parker Dam at
Havasu Springs Resort
Take- Off Point, Parker Dam
Lake Mary, Upper
17 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake
Mary Road
• Designated access at the Narrows
Lake Mohave
Katherine Landing, 5 miles north of
Bullhead City
• Restrooms, fishing pier
Lake Powell
Wahweep, 5 miles north of Page
• Developed fishing pier
Lynx Lake
7 miles east of Prescott
• Fishing pier, interpretive trail,
parking, restrooms
Mittry Lake
14 miles north of Yuma
• Parking, fishing jetty, asphalt trail
Nelson Reservoir
7 miles southwest of Springerville
• Parking, fishing ramada, restrooms
Parker Canyon Lake
30 miles southwest of Sierra Vista
• Parking, restrooms, fishing piers
Patagonia Lake
10 miles east of Nogales
• Parking, restrooms, dock
Riggs Flat Lake
15 miles southwest of Safford
• Parking, trail access to shoreline
Roper Lake
6 miles south of Safford
• Accessible shoreline
Rose Canyon Lake
30 miles north of Tucson
• Parking, restrooms, shoreline
access
Saguaro Lake
Butcher Jones Cove, 20 miles north
of Mesa
• Parking, restrooms, fishing piers
Keyhole Road, 20 miles north of
Mesa
• Picnic facilities
Topock Marsh
Catfish Paradise, 4 miles north of
Golden Shores
• Restrooms, boat ramp
Willow Springs Lake
15 miles west of Heber
• Parking, restrooms
Woodland Lake
Pinetop/ Lakeside
• Parking, restrooms, fishing dock
All 20 designated Urban
Fishing Lakes
• Consult the 2005 Urban Fishing
Program brochure
Resource Agency Directory
To Purchase a Fishing License ............................................ on the Web at azgfd. gov
or call toll- free ..................................................................... ( 866) 462- 0433
For the Weekly Fishing Report ............................................ on the Web at azgfd. gov
or call ................................................................................. ( 602) 789- 3701
To Report a Game or Fish Violation ................................................... ( 800) 352- 0700
To Report Vandalism or Livestock Depredation
........................................................................ ( 800) VANDALS ( 826- 3257)
For Fire Restrictions and/ or Closures
on State and Federal Lands in Arizona
or New Mexico................................................................. visit www. fs. fed. us/ r3/ fire
or call toll- free ..................................................................... ( 877) 864- 6985
Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests ................................................ ( 928) 333- 4301
Coconino National Forest .................................................................. ( 928) 527- 3600
Coronado National Forest ................................................................. ( 520) 670- 4552
Kaibab National Forest ...................................................................... ( 928) 635- 8200
Prescott National Forest .................................................................... ( 928) 443- 8000
Tonto National Forest ........................................................................ ( 602) 225- 5200
U. S. Bureau of Land Management State Office ....................... visit www. az. blm. gov
or call ................................................................................. ( 602) 417- 9200
Arizona State Parks State Office .................................... visit www. azstateparks. com
or call ................................................................................. ( 602) 542- 4174
• Alamo Lake State Park ....................................................................... ( 928) 669- 2088
• Buckskin Mountain State Park ............................................................ ( 928) 667- 3231
• Cattail Cove State Park ....................................................................... ( 928) 855- 1223
• Dead Horse Ranch State Park ............................................................. ( 928) 634- 5283
• Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area ....................................................... ( 928) 537- 3680
• Lake Havasu State Park ...................................................................... ( 928) 855- 2784
• Lyman Lake State Park ....................................................................... ( 298) 337- 4441
• Patagonia Lake State Park .................................................................. ( 520) 287- 6965
• Red Rock State Park ........................................................................... ( 928) 282- 6907
• Roper Lake State Park ........................................................................ ( 928) 428- 6760
• Slide Rock State Park ......................................................................... ( 928) 282- 3034
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service ..................................... visit http:// southwest. fws. gov
or call ................................................................................. ( 505) 248 6911
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona
Fisheries Resources Office ............................................. ( 928) 367- 1953
Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge................................... ( 928) 667- 4144
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge ..................................................... ( 760) 326- 3853
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge .................................................... ( 928) 783- 3371
Send no money now. We’ll bill you later.
CALL 1- 800- 777- 0015
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine
The official magazine
of the Arizona Game
and Fish Department
1 YEAR
SIX BIG ISSUES
40 FULL- COLOR PAGES
ONLY $ 8.50
Arizona Game and Fish Department 5
2005 & 2006 Fishing License and Stamp Fees
All licenses and stamps sold are valid for a calendar year ( January 1 to December 31) unless
otherwise noted. License and stamp fees subject to change according to R12- 4- 102.
Resident ( see A. R. S. 17- 101 definition, page 44)
Class A General Fishing ( valid for all species except trout) .................................................. $ 18.00
General Fishing purchased for November and December only
( valid for all species except trout) ............................................................................ $ 9.00
Class D One- day Fishing ( valid for all species) ..................................................................... $ 12.50
Class F Combination Hunting and Fishing ( valid for all species)........................................... $ 44.00
Class F Youth Combination Hunting and Fishing ( valid for all species) before
and through 20th birth year ...................................................................................... $ 25.50
Resident Youth Group1 two- day ( valid for all species, not valid on Colorado River) .......... $ 25.00
Class I2 Family Fishing ( valid for all species)
Cost for first parent .................................................................................................. $ 28.50
Cost for second parent ............................................................................................. $ 22.80
Cost for each dependent child age 14 through 17 ..................................................... $ 2.00
Class U Urban Fishing ( valid for all species at Designated Urban Fishing Waters only)...... $ 16.00
100% Disabled Veteran1 ( valid for all species, license required) .............................................. free
Pioneer1 70 years of age and Arizona resident past 25 years ( valid for all
species, license required) ......................................................................................... free
Trout Stamp ( validates Class A or Lifetime License for taking of trout) ............................... $ 10.50
Two Pole Stamp ( for use with any Arizona Fishing License) ............................................... $ 4.00
Lifetime Fishing License1,3 ( valid for all species except trout) based on age
Lifetime Trout Stamp1,3 ( validates Lifetime Fishing License for taking of trout) based on age
Nonresident ( see A. R. S. 17- 101 definition, page 44)
Class A General Fishing ( valid for all species except trout) .................................................. $ 51.50
General Fishing purchased for November and December only
( valid for all species except trout) ............................................................................ $ 25.75
Class B Four Month ( valid for all species; can apply across calendar years) ....................... $ 37.50
Class C Five- day ( valid for all species; can apply across calendar years) ............................ $ 26.00
Class D One- day ( valid for all species) .................................................................................. $ 12.50
Class E Colorado River only ( valid for all species) ................................................................ $ 42.50
Class F Combination Hunting and Fishing ( valid for all species)........................................... $ 177.50
Class F Youth Combination Hunting and Fishing ( valid for all species) before
and through 20th birth year ...................................................................................... $ 25.50
Class U Urban Fishing ( valid for all species at Designated Urban Fishing Waters only)...... $ 16.00
Trout Stamp ( validates Class A for taking of trout) ............................................................... $ 49.50
Two Pole Stamp ( for use with any Arizona Fishing License) ............................................... $ 4.00
Colorado River Special Use Stamps
California Stamp For use on any Arizona Fishing License ................................................... $ 3.00
Nevada Stamp For use on any Arizona Fishing License ....................................................... $ 3.00
Utah Lake Powell Stamp Only for use on any Arizona Resident Fishing License ............. $ 8.00
Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required when fishing from a boat on waters which form
mutual boundaries between Arizona and California or Nevada. Utah Lake Powell Stamp allows an
Arizona resident licensee to fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell. These stamps are available at
Department offices and some license dealers near the boundary waters.
To purchase Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Go online at azgfd. gov or call toll- free ( 866) 462- 0433.
Notes
1 Only available at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.
2 Only available for sale at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices or online at azgfd. gov.
3 Contact Arizona Game and Fish Department office for information.
General Statewide Regulations ( continued)
Janet Napolitano Governor
GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
SUSAN E. CHILTON, Chair Arivaca
W. HAYS GILSTRAP Phoenix
JOE MELTON Yuma
MICHAEL M. GOLIGHTLY Flagstaff
WILLIAM H. MCLEAN Gold Canyon
Arizona Game and Fish Department
2221 West Greenway Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023
( 602) 942- 3000
azgfd. gov
DUANE L. SHROUFE Director
STEVE K. FERRELL Deputy Director
REGIONAL OFFICES
Region I
2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop 85935
( 928) 367- 4281
Region II
3500 S. Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff 86001
( 928) 774- 5045
Region III
5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman 86401
( 928) 692- 7700
Region IV
9140 E. 28th St., Yuma 85365
( 928) 342- 0091
Region V
555 N. Greasewood Road, Tucson 85745
( 520) 628- 5376
Region VI
7200 E. University Drive, Mesa 85207
( 480) 981- 9400
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
To conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona’s
diverse wildlife resources and habitats through
aggressive protection and management pro-grams,
and to provide wildlife resources and
safe watercraft and off- highway vehicle recre-ation
for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by
present and future generations.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimi-nation
on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age,
or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes
that they have been discriminated against in any of the
AGFD’s programs or activities, including its employment prac-tices,
the individual may file a complaint alleging
discrimination directly with the AGFD Deputy Director, 2221
W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85023, ( 602) 942- 3000 or
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite
130, Arlington, VA 22203. If you require this document in an
alternative format, please contact the AGFD Deputy Direc-tor
as listed above or by calling TTY at 1- 800- 367- 8939.
© 2005 Arizona Game and Fish Department
Cover photos by George Andrejko
6 azgfd. gov
Special Licenses and Stamps
Trout Stamp The department stocks trout in selected
waters throughout the state. The $ 10.50 resident trout
stamp ($ 49.50 nonresident) is required to validate the
Class A, general fishing license for all persons who
take or attempt to take trout. The trout stamp must be
affixed to the back of the Class A license and signed.
All other license categories ( Class B through U) cover
all fish species including trout.
Two Pole Stamp The $ 4 two pole stamp is an optional
stamp that validates a Class A, B, C, D, E, F, I, U, Disabled
Veterans, Lifetime or Pioneer license for the taking of
fish by no more than two lines ( poles) and not to
exceed two hooks or two artificial lures or flies per line.
Family Fishing License The Family Fishing License is
a good value if your family fishes for trout, there is
more than one adult in your family and/ or there is one or
more dependent children ages 14- 17. The first adult pays
full price for the equivalent of a Class A license with a
Trout Stamp. If there is a second adult, they pay 80
percent of the value of the same license. For an unlim-ited
number of youth of 14 through 17 years of age, the
same license is only $ 2 each.
Pioneer Fishing License To be eligible for a free
Pioneer License ( hunt, fish, urban fish, and trout), you
must be a resident who is 70 years of age or older and
who has continuously resided in Arizona for at least
twenty- five ( 25) years immediately preceding the
application for the license.
Colorado River Special Use Stamps and Utah Lake
Powell Stamps These stamps are required to validate
an Arizona fishing license when fishing from a boat on
any waters that form mutual boundaries between
Arizona and California, or Nevada, or Utah, or when
fishing from the California, or Nevada, or Utah shore-lines
of these waters. Note: Fishing privileges on
Colorado River boundary waters common to Arizona
and an adjoining state are mutually agreed upon by the
two states. It is your responsibility to know which state
you are fishing in and the regulations that apply to the
waters that you are fishing.
Lost Your License? If you lose or damage your license,
you can get a replacement at any license dealer or
Department office. You will be required to complete an
“ Affidavit for Duplicate License” form and pay a $ 3
replacement fee. You will be issued a duplicate license
of the same type. Stamps cannot be replaced; they
must be repurchased.
General Statewide Regulations ( continued)
Arizona Fishing Regulation
Changes Since 2004
• Steele Indian School Park Pond ( city of Phoenix) is designated an
Urban Fishing Program water requiring a Class U ( Urban) fishing
license. See page 10.
• Bag limits are reduced for all designated Urban Fishing Program
lakes less than three acres in size. This new, Urban Pond manage-ment
concept applies to Canal Park Pond ( city of Tempe), Papago
Park Ponds # 1- 3 ( city of Phoenix), Rio Vista Park Pond ( city of Peoria),
and Steele Indian School Park Pond ( city of Phoenix). See page 10.
• Bag limits for largemouth bass are reduced at all Urban Fishing
Program lakes. See page 10.
• Fossil Creek ( Yavapai and Gila Counties) is temporarily closed to
fishing through January 1, 2007 to allow fish populations to recover
after renovation of the creek. See page 14.
• Bag limits are reduced at Dead Horse State Park Lagoons ( near
Cottonwood). See page 14.
• A spear, spear gun, and bow and arrow season for carp and striped
bass is established at Lake Powell, during daylight hours only. See
page 18.
• Bag limits for sunfish are reduced at Fortuna Pond ( near Yuma). See
page 20.
• Bag limits are established at the newly completed Yuma West
Wetlands Pond. See page 20.
• Anglers are now allowed to snag for carp, tilapia and shad at Lake
Havasu during two seasonal periods. See page 20.
• Fishing at the Crystal Garden Water Treatment Facility ( city of
Avondale, 17 lake complex) is catch and release only; single
barbless hook only. See page 22.
Note: All changes take effect January 1, 2005.
Statewide Fishing Regulations
This synopsis of fishing regulations is prepared for conve-nience
only. The regulations are now valid for two years,
2005 and 2006. For specific laws and regulations relating
to fishing, see Arizona Revised Statute, Title 17 Laws, and
Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules, most of which
are included on pages 44- 51.
Hook and Line Methods
• Anglers may use only one line or pole with no more than
two hooks. An artificial lure is considered one hook.
• The exception to the use of one line or pole is when an
angler purchases a two- pole stamp that allows the angler
Arizona Game and Fish Department 7
day. Additionally, an angler who has taken and kept a limit
of fish may not continue to fish on subsequent days,
unless the angler has first consumed or given away all or
a portion of the possession limit.
• Where only catch and release fishing is allowed, fish
must be returned unharmed immediately to the water
after being caught.
• For waters listed under the Special Regulations, the
possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a
different possession limit is specified.
• Unlicensed youth under the age of 14 and unlicensed
blind residents may take and keep only one- half the bag
and possession limit of trout established for each water.
For all other legal fish species, youth under the age of 14
and blind residents may take their own separate limits as
established for each species.
Length Limits
Most fishing waters in Arizona do not have length limits.
Check the Special Regulation waters ( including Designated
Urban Fishing Program waters) to determine if length limits
apply to species found in the water you wish to fish. A
minimum length means that a fish shorter than a designated
length must be returned to the water
unharmed immediately after being
caught. A slot length limit or protected
length range means that fish within a
designated length range must be returned
to the water unharmed immediately after
being caught. Fish that are shorter or
longer than the protected length range may be kept.
How to Measure the Length of a Fish
1. Place the fish flat on its side with the jaw closed.
2. Squeeze the tail fin lobes together to produce the
maximum length.
3. Measure in a straight line from the tip of the snout to
the extreme tip of the tail.
4. Where length limits apply, you must release unharmed
all fish not measuring within the legal length limit.
Transport and Storage of Fish
• Anglers may transport up to a possession limit of any
fish species.
• It is illegal to transport live fish, including in live wells or
other containers. All fish must be killed or released
before transportation from the body of water. This does
not apply to some live baitfish. See page 26 for Live
Baitfish Seasons and Regulations.
• Fish must be transported in a way that they can be
counted and species of fish can be identified. All fish must
have a piece of skin attached to the carcass or fillets so
species can be determined. If minimum, maximum or slot
length limits apply to the species, the head, tail and skin
must be intact so fish length and species can be deter-mined.
General Statewide Regulations ( continued)
to fish with two poles or lines simultaneously. In no case
are more than two lines allowed to be used simulta-neously.
• Fishing lines must be constantly attended and in imme-diate
control.
• The hook, fly or lure must be used in such a manner that
the fish voluntarily attempts to take it in its mouth.
• For artificial fly and lure waters, check the Special
Regulations to determine if hooks must also be barbless
or single barbless hook only.
• A single barbless hook is a fish hook with a single point,
without barbs on or which barbs have been removed or bent
completely closed. Regulations limiting tackle to single
barbless hooks do not eliminate the angler’s option for
simultaneous fishing as defined. Anglers may use a single
line with no more than two single hooks, as with a primary
hook and a dropper hook or fly.
Capturing Live Bait ( includes legal baitfish and
crayfish only)
• Live bait may be taken by minnow trap, dip net, cast net,
pole and line, handline, crayfish net or seine.
• Cast nets shall not exceed a 4- foot radius ( or an 8- foot
diameter).
• Seine nets shall not exceed 10 feet in length and 4 feet
in width.
• Landing nets or dip nets may be used for the capture of
baitfish or crayfish only or to land a legally hooked fish.
• Any unattended traps or devices used to catch or hold
aquatic wildlife or fish must have attached water resis-tant
identification legibly bearing the name, address, and
fishing license number of the person using the device.
• All aquatic wildlife taken incidentally while capturing live
bait with nets or traps must be returned immediately
and unharmed to the water after being caught.
• All legal baitfish and crayfish caught must be for per-sonal
use only and are not to be sold or used for
commercial purposes.
Daily Bag and Possession Limit:
• The daily bag limit is the maximum number of fish that
may be legally caught and reduced to possession in one
day. Daily limits are for 24- hour periods ( midnight to
midnight). Possession limits are the same as daily limits
unless otherwise noted.
• No person shall have in their possession ( in the field, in
camp, in transit, or at permanent residence) more than
one daily limit of any fish species. Fish are in an angler’s
possession whether on hand, in cold storage, in trans-port,
at home, or elsewhere under their ownership.
• An angler may take daily limits of several types of fish
per day. Daily catch limits apply to all Arizona waters
fished that day. An angler who has taken and kept a limit
of fish may not continue to fish for the same species that
Length
Pinch
mouth
closed
Pinch
tail to
point
8 azgfd. gov
License Revocation
You can have your fishing and hunting license privi-leges
revoked by the Commission for up to five years
for a conviction of:
• unlawful taking or possession of wildlife ( includ-ing
fish)
• careless use of firearms resulting in human in-jury
or death
• destroying or injuring livestock
• acts of vandalism or littering while hunting
or fishing
• unlawful entry into a closed area for purposes of
taking wildlife
• unlawful posting of state or federal lands
• license fraud
Such revocations may be recognized by other states
that are members of the Interstate Wildlife Compact.
You may also be civilly liable for the loss of wildlife
to the state ( see below). ( A. R. S. 17- 340) page 46
Civil Liability
Under state law anyone who is found to have un-lawfully
wounded or killed, or unlawfully possessed
any of the following wildlife may be subject to civil
action by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in
the form of recovery of the following minimum sums
factoring in the current Consumer Price Index for
2004 ( updated annually):
Endangered species ( includes fish) ........ $ 2,277.23
Game fish ..................................................... $ 30.36
( A. R. S. 17- 314) page 45
You May Not:
• Refuse to produce a license or fish for inspec-tion
upon request of an enforcement officer.
• Snag or attempt to snag fish except as provided
at Alamo Lake and Lake Havasu.
• Attempt to take fish by hand, with or without
a hook.
• Use a landing net to capture fish, except to land
a legally- hooked fish. Dip or seine nets are only
legal for the capture of bait or forage fish.
• Waste game fish by intentionally leaving or aban-doning
any commonly edible portion of any fish.
• Offer any recreationally caught fish or aquatic
wildlife for sale or barter.
• Use electrical devices, explosives, firearms,
drugs, chemicals or poison that may kill or injure
fish and aquatic wildlife.
• Use or possess bait in areas or on waters where
fishing is permitted by use of artificial flies and
lures only.
Common Violations
It is each angler’s responsibility to protect our
fishing heritage. You can help ensure responsible
and ethical fishing by reporting violations
immediately to our Operation Game Thief
hotline 1- 800- 352- 0700.
Fish or Take Aquatic Wildlife Without a
License or With the Wrong License. In order to
fish or take any aquatic wildlife in Arizona, you
must have a current year’s fishing license, as
applicable, in your possession if you are 14 years
of age or over. You should check your license every
time that you go fishing or collecting. Remember, a
general state fishing license is not valid at
designated Urban lakes; you must have a valid
Class U ( urban) fishing license. Conversely, an
urban fishing license is not valid at state waters.
( A. R. S. 17- 331) page 45
No Trout Stamp. A trout stamp validates a
general or lifetime Class A license for the take of
trout. This stamp is required to fish for or possess
trout in any water of the State where trout are
found. Trout means all species of the family
Salmonidae, including grayling. ( A. R. S. 17- 331
page 45 and 17- 333A2)
Unlawful Angling or Fishing with Two Lines
( or Poles) without a Two- Pole Stamp. Angling
is defined as “ the taking of fish by one line and not
to exceed two hooks, or by one line and one
artificial lure which may have attached more than
one hook, or by one line and not to exceed two
artificial flies or lures.” In order to use two lines at
once ( i. e. simultaneous angling) you must have a
current two- pole stamp affixed to the back of your
valid fishing license. ( A. R. S. 17- 301C) page 44
Fishing with an Unattended Line. Anytime
you are fishing your line must be constantly
attended and within your immediate control.
Before you leave the area, your line must be
reeled in and removed from the water. ( A. R. S.
17- 301C) page 44
Exceed Bag and/ or Possession Limit. Fish may
only be taken as prescribed by Commission Order
for bag and/ or possession limit. Please consult
Commission Orders for specifics. After you have
caught and kept your daily bag limit, it is illegal to
continue to:
• Fish for that same species of fish and practice
catch- and- release;
• Fish for that same species of fish with the intent
of replacing any fish in your bag with a “ better
fish;” this is also known as culling;
• Fish for that same species of fish with the intent
of “ helping” another angler get his/ her bag limit;
or
• Fish for a species of fish if you already have the
possession limit for that species ( e. g., in an ice
chest at camp, or at home in your freezer).
( A. R. S. 17- 309A15 and 16) page 45
Possess Unlawfully Taken Wildlife ( fish). Any
aquatic wildlife or fish that is unlawfully taken may
not be legally possessed. Whether or not you were
involved in the illegal taking of wildlife or fish, you
cannot legally possess such parts thereof. ( A. R. S.
17- 309A17) page 45
Obtain License or Permit by Fraud. Only
persons who have been a bona fide resident
( A. R. S. 17- 101, page 44) of Arizona for the
previous six months may obtain resident fishing
licenses and permits. Factors that may establish
residency would include most, if not all of the
following: a resident is considered to be someone
who primarily or permanently resides in Arizona,
possesses an Arizona drivers license and registers
their vehicle in Arizona, maintains a home in
Arizona, votes in Arizona and pays Arizona resident
income taxes. For the purposes of a fishing license,
a person cannot be considered a resident of two
states at the same time. ( A. R. S. 17- 341) page 46
Unlawful Possession, Transportation or
Release of Live Fish. Except for designated
baitfish, it is illegal for a person to transport live
fish away from the waters where caught. It is also
illegal to release live fish into a body of water if
they did not come from that body of water or
without a proper stocking permit. ( A. R. S. 17- 306
and 17- 309A 1, R12- 4- 315 and R12- 4- 316) pages
45 and 49
Unlawful Possession or Transportation of
Live Crayfish. Except for Yuma County and a
portion of La Paz County or under a live wildlife
license authority, it is unlawful for a person to
import, transport or possess live crayfish other than
on or at the body of water where caught. ( A. R. S.
17- 309A1, R12- 4- 316) pages 45 and 49
Littering While Taking Wildlife ( fish). All
anglers are responsible for cleaning up after
themselves. All camp and shoreline areas should
be left clean. Bait containers, wrappers, hooks, line
and associated debris constitute litter and should
be picked up, packed out, and properly disposed of.
Also, all anglers are responsible for the proper care
and disposal of their fish carcasses. Shorelines and
waterways must be kept as clean as they were
found. ( A. R. S. 17- 309A9) page 45
General Statewide Regulations ( continued)
Arizona Game and Fish Department 9
Open Statewide, January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006.
Before you fish any body of water, be certain to review the General Statewide Regulations and the Special Regulations
for the area you intend to fish. Anglers are responsible for knowing what regulations apply to the body of water
they are fishing. See azgfd. gov for up- to- date information including any changes.
Statewide Daily Bag and Possession Limits
The following are the legal fish and general bag and possession limits that apply to all fishing waters statewide. These
regulations apply statewide unless site specific Special Regulations ( pages 10– 26) apply to that body of water. Statewide
includes all state and federal refuges, parks and monuments; open areas do not include any area closed to hunting,
fishing, or trapping under A. R. S. sections 17- 303 and 17- 304 or Commission rules R12- 4- 301, R12- 4- 801, R12- 4- 802, and
R12- 4- 803.
LEGAL FISH DAILY AND POSSESSION BAG LIMITS
Trout ( includes rainbow, cutthroat, brown, brook and Apache trout; grayling) 6 Any combination
3 Any combination. Unlicensed persons
under the age of 14 and unlicensed blind
residents may take and possess only 3 trout.
Bass ( including largemouth and smallmouth) 6 Any combination
Striped Bass 10
Walleye 6
Northern Pike Unlimited Immediate kill or release
Catfish ( including channel and flathead) 25 Any combination
Crappie ( white and black) Unlimited
White Amur ( grass carp) Unlimited
Roundtail Chub minimum size 13 inches 1
Sunfishes ( includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish and hybrid sunfish) Unlimited
All Other Species ( except protected native fish): including, but not limited to,
white bass, yellow bass, carp, suckers, buffalofish, bullhead, yellow perch and tilapia Unlimited
Protected Native Fish— The following native fish are protected statewide and may not be possessed.
Beautiful Shiner Humpback Chub Spikedace
Bonytail Chub Little Colorado Spinedace Virgin River Spinedace
Colorado Pikeminnow Loach Minnow Virgin River Roundtail Chub
Desert Pupfish Mexican Stoneroller Woundfin
Gila Chub Quitobaquito pupfish Yaqui Catfish
Gila Topminnow Razorback Sucker Yaqui Chub
Gila Trout Sonora Chub Yaqui Topminnow
If any of these protected native fish are incidentally caught, they must be immediately released unharmed. See fish identifi-cation
section on pages 29– 32.
General Sport Fishing Seasons— Commission Order 40: Fish
10 azgfd. gov
Designated Urban Fishing Water Regulations Urban Lakes Urban Ponds
3 acres or more less than 3 acres
Legal Fish Daily and Possession Bag Limits
Trout 4 2
Unlicensed persons under the age of 14 and blind residents 2 1
Catfish Any combination
( including channel and flathead) 4 2
Bass minimum size 13 inches 2 1
Sunfishes Any combination
( includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish and hybrid sunfish) 10 5
White amur ( grass carp) minimum size 30 inches 1 1
All other species
( including, but not limited to, crappie, yellow bass, carp and tilapia) Unlimited Unlimited
The following bodies of water identified under Special Regulations ( pages 10– 25) have special restrictions or regula-tions
for one or more species of fish that differ from General Statewide Regulations ( pages 3, 5– 8) or Statewide
Daily Bag and Possession Limits ( page 9). Only exceptions to General Statewide Regulations and General Sport
Fishing Seasons are shown for each area. Unlicensed blind residents and unlicensed persons under the age of 14
may take only one- half the legal limit of trout for each body of water listed.
The Urban Fishing Program
The Game and Fish Department and the Parks and Recre-ation
Departments from 11 cities have joined together to
provide enjoyable fishing opportunities for anglers of all
ages in urban areas. Waters listed on pages 10– 11 are
specially designated Urban Fishing Program lakes.
New Urban Pond Management Concept
The Urban Pond management concept was developed to
provide a quality fishing experience at small fishing
waters less than three acres. Four ponds will be managed
under the Urban Pond concept: Canal Park Pond ( city of
Tempe), Papago Park Ponds # 1- 3, Rio Vista Park Pond ( city
of Peoria), and Steele Indian School Park Pond ( city of
Phoenix). Urban Ponds will be stocked just as frequently
as Urban Lakes, however, they will be stocked at a lower
rate of fish per acre. The daily bag and possession limits
for stocked fish is reduced. These management changes
were made to sustain good fishing over time, decrease
crowding, allow for fair distribution of fish, and encourage
recreational angling. All other designated urban lakes of
three or more acres will continue to be stocked at two
week intervals at full stocking rates, while maintaining
existing bag limits.
License Requirements
Special fishing regulations apply to these heavily stocked
waters including reduced daily bag limits and some minimum
size limits. If you are age 14 or over, you must buy a $ 16 Class
U Urban Fishing license ( rates are the same whether a resident
or non- resident). The class U license covers all fish species
found in the designated Urban Fishing Program lakes. Juveniles
under the age of 14 do not need a license. The following
licenses are also valid: Class D one- day fishing license; resident
youth- group two- day fishing license; and Pioneer and disabled
veteran complimentary licenses. Other Arizona fishing licenses
including Class A, B, C, F or I are not needed nor valid.
Sources of More Information
• 2005 Arizona Urban Fishing Program brochure. Available
at Department offices, license dealers or on the Web at
azgfd. gov.
• Urban Fishing Bulletin. Published every two weeks and
posted on park bulletin boards. Also available at Depart-ment
offices or on the Web at azgfd. gov.
• Go to “ ONLINE SERVICES” on the Web at azgfd. gov to
sign up for AZGFD eNews and receive copies of the Urban
Fishing Bulletin, Fishing Reports and other information.
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish
Designated Urban Fishing Program Waters
Arizona Game and Fish Department 11
1 Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park
2 Kennedy Park Lake
3 Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford- Lakeside Park
4 Sahuarita Park Lake
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Tucson Area Designated Urban Fishing Program Lakes
Payson Green Valley Park
Urban Fishing Program Lakes
Scottsdale
6 Chaparral Park Lake
Tempe
7 Canal Park Pond
8 Kiwanis Park Lake
Chandler
9 Desert Breeze Park Lake
Mesa
10 Red Mountain Park Lake
11 Riverview Park Lake
Gilbert
12 Water Ranch Park Lake
Surprise
13 Surprise Park Lake
Peoria
14 Rio Vista Park Pond
Phoenix Area Designated Urban Fishing Program Lakes
Phoenix
1 Alvord Lake at Cesar
Chavez Park
2 Cortez Park Lake
3 Desert West Park Lake
4 Encanto Park Lake
5 Papago Park Ponds 1– 3
15 Steele Indian School
Park Pond
● Managed under the new
Urban Pond Concept
● Designated Urban Fishing Lakes
12 azgfd. gov
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession
limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to
fishing.
Notes:
1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish
species within the White Mountains area except as listed
below.
2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the
daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified.
Ackre Lake Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only.
Becker Lake The limit is 2 trout; artificial fly and lure only from
October 1 through May 24. Note: from May 25 through
September 30 bait may be used.
Burro Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only.
Carnero Lake The limit is 2 trout; artificial fly and lure only;
barbless hooks only.
Coyote Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Hayground Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must
be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only.
Home Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Lee Valley Lake The limit is 2 trout ( includes any combination of
trout and grayling), minimum size 12 inches; artificial fly and
lure only.
Mamie Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Nelson Reservoir Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from
September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through
August 31 the limit is 6 trout.
Nutrioso Creek From its confluence with the Little Colorado
River upstream to Highway 180 in the city of Nutrioso
including Nelson Reservoir. Unlimited rainbow and brown
trout from September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1
through August 31 the limit is 6 trout.
Silver Creek In Navajo County within the boundaries of the
Arizona Game and Fish Commission- owned property,
excluding the portion designated as state fish hatchery. Catch
and release only for trout from October 1 through March 31.
Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may
White Mountains
be kept; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Note:
from April 1 through September 30 bait and barbed hooks
may also be used, and the limit is 6 trout.
Stinky Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only.
Thompson Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must
be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only.
West Fork of the Black River From the confluence of
Hayground Creek upstream to the Fort Apache Indian
Reservation including tributaries. Catch and release only
for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed;
no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only.
Wildcat Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing
• Bear Wallow Creek In Greenlee County, through January 1,
2006.
• Becker Lake Posted portions are closed to all public entry
from December 15 through June 15.
• Lee Valley Creek Above Lee Valley Lake.
• Luna Lake Wildlife Area From April 1 through July 31.
• Mineral Creek In Apache County upstream of the Apache-
Sitgreaves National Forests boundary.
• Raspberry Creek In Greenlee County.
• Region I headquarters in Pinetop Posted boundary.
• Snake Creek In Greenlee County, through January 1, 2006.
• Soldier Creek In Apache County.
• State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries.
• West Fork of the Black River From the upper Apache trout
barrier 1⁄ 4 mile below Forest Service Road 116, downstream
to a point 100 yards below the lower Apache trout barrier in
Apache County.
Live Baitfish Regulations
No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters in
this fishing area in Navajo or Apache Counties, no exceptions.
See page 26.
Watercraft and Motor Restrictions
The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some
waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of re-stricted
waters found on page 38.
Arizona Game and Fish Department 13
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Fishing Waters — White Mountains
1 Ackre Lake
2 Becker Lake
3 Big Lake
4 Black River
5 Burro Creek
6 Carnero Lake
7 Coyote Creek
8 Crescent Lake
9 Fool Hollow Lake
10 Greer Lakes
11 Hayground Creek
12 Home Creek
13 Lee Valley Lake
14 Little Colorado River
15 Luna Lake
16 Mamie Creek
17 Nelson Reservoir
18 Nutrioso Creek
19 Rainbow Lake
20 Show Low Lake
21 Silver Creek
22 Stinky Creek
23 Thompson Creek
24 West Fork of the Black River
25 Wildcat Creek
26 Woodland Lake
Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only.
14 azgfd. gov
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only.
Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and
possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters
and areas closed to fishing.
Notes:
1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish
species within the North Central area except as listed below.
2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the
daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified.
Beaver Creek ( Wet and Dry) Unlimited smallmouth and
largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish.
City Reservoir The limit is 4 channel catfish.
Dead Horse State Park Lagoons The limit is 4 trout; the limit is
2 bass; the limit is 4 catfish; the limit is 10 sunfish.
East Verde River Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass;
unlimited channel and flathead catfish.
Elk Tank Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immedi-ately
released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and
lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Fain Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination.
Granite Basin Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination.
J. D. Dam Lake Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial
fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Lake Mary, Lower The limit is 4 channel catfish.
Lake Mary, Upper The limit is 6 northern pike. Pike taken must
be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately
released unharmed.
Middle Tank Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial
fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Oak Creek
• Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited
channel and flathead catfish.
• Between Junipine Crossing and Call- of- the- Canyon Crossing
spanning the confluence of Oak Creek, and West Fork Oak
Creeks. Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Perkins Tank Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial
fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Sante Fe Reservoir The limit is 4 channel catfish.
Stoneman Lake The limit is 6 northern pike. Pike taken must
be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately
released unharmed.
Verde River and its tributaries Downstream from Granite
Creek to Horseshoe Dam Unlimited smallmouth and large-mouth
bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish.
West Clear Creek Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass;
unlimited channel and flathead catfish.
West Fork of Oak Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout
must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.
Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing
• Fossil Creek In Yavapai and Gila counties, through January
1, 2007.
• Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence
with the Verde River.
• Lake Mary, Upper Posted area immediately above the dam.
• State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries.
Live Baitfish Regulations
No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters in
Coconino County, no exceptions. For waters in other counties
within this fishing area, see page 26.
Watercraft and Motor Restrictions
The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some
waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of re-stricted
waters found on page 38.
North Central
Arizona Game and Fish Department 15
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued) s
Fishing Waters — North Central
1 Ashurst Lake
2 Beaver Creek, Wet and Dry
3 City Reservoir
4 Dead Horse State Park
Lagoons
5 Dogtown Reservoir
6 East Verde River
7 Elk Tank
8 Fain Lake
9 Fossil Creek
10 Granite Basin Lake
11 J. D. Dam Lake
12 Kaibab Lake
13 Kinnikinick Lake
14 Lake Mary, Lower
15 Lake Mary, Upper
16 Long Lake
17 Lynx Lake
18 Middle Tank
19 Oak Creek
20 Perkins Tank
21 Santa Fe Reservoir
22 Stoneman Lake
23 Verde River
24 West Clear Creek
25 West Fork of Oak Creek
26 White Horse Lake
27 Cataract Lake
16 azgfd. gov
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only.
Mogollon Rim
Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and
possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters
and areas closed to fishing.
Notes:
1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and
fish species within the Mogollon Rim area except as
listed below.
2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same
as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is
specified.
All waters within the city park systems of Payson The
limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination.
Blue Ridge Reservoir Unlimited rainbow and brown trout
from September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1
through August 31 the limit is 6 trout.
Canyon Creek
• From the creek source to the O. W. Bridge. The limit is 4
trout.
• From the O. W. Bridge to the Fort Apache Indian Reserva-tion.
Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be
immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept;
artificial fly and lure only.
Chevelon Creek In Coconino and Navajo counties down-stream
from Chevelon Crossing to the Little Colorado River.
Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from September 1
through March 31. Note: from April 1 through August 31
the limit is 6 trout.
Chevelon Lake Trout between 10 and 14 inches may not
be possessed; the limit is 6 trout; artificial fly and lure only.
Trout taken from Chevelon Lake shall be killed and retained
as part of the bag limit or immediately released.
Cholla Lake The limit is 6 bass; bass between 13 and 16
inches ( protected slot limit) may not be possessed and
must be immediately released unharmed.
East Clear Creek In Coconino and Navajo counties and its
tributaries upstream from the confluence of East Clear
Creek and Willow Creek including Blue Ridge and Knoll
reservoirs. Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from
September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through
August 31 the limit is 6 trout.
East Verde River Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth
bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish.
Green Valley Park Lakes ( Town of Payson) See Desig-nated
Urban Fishing Lake Regulations, pages 10– 11.
Knoll Lake Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from
September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through
August 31 the limit is 6 trout.
Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing
• State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries.
• Dude Creek In Gila County.
Live Baitfish Regulations
No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters
in Navajo or Coconino Counties, no exceptions. For waters in
other counties within this fishing area, see page 26.
Watercraft and Motor Restrictions
The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on
some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the
list of restricted waters found on page 38.
Arizona Game and Fish Department 17
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Fishing Waters — Mogollon Rim
1 Bear Canyon Lake
2 Black Canyon Lake
3 Blue Ridge Reservoir
4 Canyon Creek
5 Chevelon Canyon Creek
6 Chevelon Lake
7 Cholla Lake
8 Christopher Creek
9 East Clear Creek
10 East Verde River
11 Green Valley Park Lakes
12 Knoll Lake
13 Tonto Creek
14 Willow Springs Lake
15 Woods Canyon Lake
18 azgfd. gov
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and
possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters
and areas closed to fishing.
Notes:
1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and
fish species within the Colorado River Northwest area
except as listed below.
2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same
as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is
specified.
Bright Angel Creek Unlimited trout; unlimited striped
bass; unlimited catfish. Trout taken at Bright Angel Creek
shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or
immediately released.
Colorado River
• From Glen Canyon Dam to the beginning of the Paria riffle
( Lees Ferry). Trout over 12 inches may not be possessed.
The limit is 4 trout per day and 8 trout in possession;
artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Trout taken
from this portion of the Colorado River shall be killed and
retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released.
• From the beginning of the Paria riffle to 21- Mile Rapids,
including all tributaries within the Grand Canyon National
Park. The limit is 6 trout per day and 8 trout in possession.
Trout taken from this portion of the Colorado River shall
be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immedi-ately
released.
• From 21- Mile Rapids to Separation Canyon, including all
tributaries within the Grand Canyon National Park.
Unlimited trout; unlimited striped bass; unlimited catfish.
• From Separation Canyon to Hoover Dam ( including Lake
Mead). The limit is 5 trout; the limit is 20 striped bass;
the limit is 15 crappie.
• From Hoover Dam to Davis Dam ( including Lake
Mohave). The limit is 10 trout.
• From Davis Dam to the California- Nevada boundary. The
limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13
inches.
• From the California- Nevada boundary to I- 40 bridge. The
limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13
inches; the limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit
is 25 crappie.
Lake Powell The limit is 20 for smallmouth bass and 5 for
largemouth bass; unlimited for striped bass; the limit is 10
walleye; the limit is 10 crappie. Carp may be taken by
spearfishing and bow and arrow during daylight hours.
Striped bass may also be taken by spearfishing and bow
and arrow during daylight hours; unlimited for striped bass
up to 30 inches, but only one striped bass over 30 inches
may be taken by spearfishing or bow and arrow.
Lake Mead The limit is 20 striped bass; striped bass may
be taken by spear or spear gun; the limit is 15 crappie.
Lake Mohave The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 20 for
striped bass 20 inches in length or larger; unlimited for
striped bass under 20 inches in length; striped bass may be
taken by spear or spear gun from that portion of the lake
between Hoover Dam and Cottonwood Landing; the limit is
15 crappie.
Topock Marsh The limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13
inches; the limit is 25 crappie.
Virgin River Unlimited bass; unlimited catfish.
Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing
• Colorado River ( those portions listed below)
• Posted areas immediately below Glen Canyon Dam
( Lake Powell).
• One- half mile upstream and one- half mile downstream
from its confluence with the Little Colorado River.
• Posted areas immediately below Davis Dam ( Lake
Mohave).
• Lake Mead Posted portions and the area immediately
above Hoover Dam.
• Little Colorado River That portion lying within the
Grand Canyon National Park.
• State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries.
Live Baitfish Regulations
No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any
waters in Coconino County, no exceptions. For waters in
other counties within this fishing area, see page 26.
Watercraft and Motor Restrictions
The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on
some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the
list of restricted waters found on page 38.
Note: Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required
when fishing from a boat on waters that form mutual
boundaries between Arizona and California or Nevada.
Utah Lake Powell Stamp allows an Arizona resident
licensee to fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell. See
pages 5 and 6.
Colorado River Northwest
Arizona Game and Fish Department 19
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Fishing Waters — Colorado River Northwest
1 Bright Angel Creek
2 Colorado River below Davis Dam
3 Lake Mead
4 Lake Mohave
5 Lake Powell
6 Lees Ferry on Colorado River
7 Topock Marsh
8 Virgin River
9 Willow Beach on Colorado River
20 azgfd. gov
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Colorado River Southwest
Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and
possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters
and areas closed to fishing.
Notes:
1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and
fish species within the Colorado River Southwest area
except as listed below.
2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same
as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is
specified.
Alamo Lake The limit is 6 bass in possession of which no
more than 1 may be between 13 and 16 inches ( protected
slot limit). Snagging of carp and tilapia allowed in January,
February, and December ( see R12- 4- 313 B. 2, page 48).
Colorado River
• From I- 40 bridge to Parker Dam. The limit is 10 trout; the
limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10
catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 crappie.
• From Parker Dam to Morelos Dam. The limit is 10 trout;
the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10
catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 crappie.
• From Morelos Dam to the Southern International Bound-ary.
The limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit is
25 crappie.
Fortuna Pond The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 2 bass, mini-mum
size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination;
the limit is 10 sunfish.
Growler Pond The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches.
Lake Havasu The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass,
minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish any combi-nation;
the limit is 25 crappie. Snagging for carp, tilapia, and
shad is allowed from January 1 through March 31, and
from October 1 through December 31.
Martinez Lake The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass,
minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish in any
combination; the limit is 25 crappie.
Mittry Lake The limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches;
the limit is 25 crappie.
Quigley Pond The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches.
Redondo Lake The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches.
Wellton- Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District Canal
System Catch and release only for white amur. White
amur must be immediately released unharmed; no white
amur may be kept.
Yuma County Water Users’ Association Canal System
Catch and release only for white amur. White amur must be
immediately released unharmed; no white amur may be kept.
Yuma West Wetlands Pond The limit is 2 trout; the limit is
1 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 2 catfish; and
the limit is 5 sunfish.
Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing
• Alamo Lake Posted area immediately above the dam.
• Cibola Lake From the first Monday in September ( Labor
Day) through March 15.
• Lake Havasu Posted portions.
• Martinez Lake Posted portions from October 1 through
March 1.
• Mittry Lake Posted portion from November 15 through
February 15.
• Spawning Pond Number 1 and Number 2 Located
along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. Posted.
Live Baitfish Regulations
See page 26 for details.
Watercraft and Motor Restrictions
The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on
some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the
list of restricted waters found on page 38.
Note: Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required
when fishing from a boat on waters that form mutual
boundaries between Arizona and California. See
pages 5 and 6.
Arizona Game and Fish Department 21
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Fishing Waters — Colorado River Southwest
1 Alamo Lake
2 Colorado River – Parker Strip
3 Colorado River – Yuma area
4 Fortuna Pond
5 Growler Pond
6 Lake Havasu
7 Martinez Lake
8 Mittry Lake
9 Quigley Pond
10 Redondo Lake
11 Wellton- Mohawk Irrigation and
Drainage District Canal System
12 Yuma County Water Users’
Association Canal System
13 Yuma West Wetlands Pond
22 azgfd. gov
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only.
Central
Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits,
size limits, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing.
Notes:
1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish
species within the Central area except as listed below.
2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the
daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified.
All waters not in the Urban Fishing Program, but within the
city park systems of Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe,
Glendale, Youngtown, Litchfield Park, Chandler, and Gilbert.
The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination.
Designated Urban Fishing Program waters See designated
urban fishing lake and pond regulations on page 10- 11.
• Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park ( city of Phoenix)
• Canal Park Pond ( city of Tempe)
• Chaparral Park Lake ( city of Scottsdale)
• Cortez Park Lake ( city of Phoenix)
• Desert Breeze Park Lake ( city of Chandler)
• Desert West Park Lake ( city of Phoenix)
• Encanto Park Lake ( city of Phoenix)
• Kiwanis Park Lake ( city of Tempe)
• Papago Park Ponds 1, 2 and 3 ( city of Phoenix)
• Red Mountain Park Lake ( city of Mesa)
• Rio Vista Park Pond ( city of Peoria)
• Riverview Park Lake ( city of Mesa)
• Steele Indian School Park Pond ( city of Phoenix)
• Surprise Park Lake ( city of Surprise)
• Water Ranch Park Lake ( town of Gilbert)
Crystal Gardens Water Treatment Facility ( city of Avondale, 17
lake complex) Catch and release only for all resident fish species.
All fish must be immediately released unharmed; single barbless
hooks only. Note: Urban license not valid; the city of Avondale
requests that anglers use artificial flies and lures, and not use any
prepared baits with the exception of worms.
Horseshoe Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass;
unlimited channel and flathead catfish.
Lake Pleasant Unlimited for striped bass.
Maricopa Lake ( city of Youngtown) The limit is 4 trout; the limit is
4 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any
combination. Note: Urban license not valid.
Roosevelt Lake The limit is 6 bass; bass between 13 and 16
inches ( protected slot limit) may not be possessed and must be
immediately released unharmed.
Salt River From Roosevelt Diversion Dam upstream to the
boundary junction of the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian
Reservations. Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass;
unlimited channel and flathead catfish.
Salt River Project Canal System ( 135 miles of canals)
Catch and release only for white amur. White amur must be
immediately released unharmed; no white amur may be kept.
Tempe Town Lake ( city of Tempe) The limit is 4 trout ( 2 for unli-censed
anglers under the age of 14); the limit is 4 bass, minimum
size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination; and the limit
is 10 sunfish in any combination. Note: Urban license not valid.
The Pond at Town Hall ( town of Gilbert) Catch and release only
for all resident fish species. All fish must be immediately released
unharmed; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Note:
Urban license not valid.
Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing
• Agua Fria River Posted areas immediately below Waddell
Dam ( Lake Pleasant)
• Apache Lake Posted areas immediately below Roosevelt
Dam ( Roosevelt Lake)
• Canyon Lake Posted areas immediately below Horse Mesa
Dam ( Apache Lake)
• Powers Butte Wildlife Area Posted portions closed to entry
for the purpose of taking wildlife ( including fish)
• Roosevelt Lake Posted portions of the Tonto Arm from
November 15 through February 15
• Saguaro Lake Posted areas immediately below Mormon Flat
Dam ( Canyon Lake)
Live Baitfish Regulations
See page 26 for details.
Watercraft and Motor Restrictions
The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some
waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of restricted
waters found on page 38.
Arizona Game and Fish Department 23
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Fishing Waters — Central
1 Apache Lake
2 Bartlett Lake
3 Canyon Lake
4 Horseshoe Lake
5 Lake Pleasant
6 Roosevelt Lake
7 Saguaro Lake
8 Salt River ( lower)
9 Salt River Project Canal
System
10 Tempe Town Lake
11 Verde River ( lower)
12 Crystal Gardens Water
Treatment Facility
13 Designated Urban Fishing Lakes
( Class U license required):
Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park
Canal Park Pond
Chaparral Park Lake
Cortez Park Lake
Desert Breeze Park Lake
Desert West Park Lake
Encanto Park Lake
Kiwanis Park Lake
Papago Park Ponds
Red Mountain Park Lake
Rio Vista Park Pond
Riverview Park Lake
Steele Indian School Park Pond
Surprise Park Lake
Water Ranch Park Lake
24 azgfd. gov
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
Southeast
Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and
possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters
and areas closed to fishing.
Notes:
1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and
fish species within the Southeast area except as listed
below.
2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same
as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is
specified.
All waters, not in the Urban Fishing Program, but
within the city park systems of Tucson The limit is 4
trout; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination.
Designated Urban Fishing Program waters See desig-nated
urban fishing lake and pond regulations on pages
10- 11.
• Kennedy Park Lake ( city of Tucson)
• Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford- Lakeside Park ( city of
Tucson)
• Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park ( city of
Tucson)
• Sahuarita Lake ( town of Sahuarita)
Arivaca Lake Catch and release only for largemouth bass.
Bass must be immediately released unharmed.
Cluff Ponds 1 and 3 The limit is 4 catfish in any combination.
Dankworth Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination.
Kearny Lake The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 bass, mini-mum
size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination;
the limit is 1 white amur ( grass carp), minimum size 30
inches.
Pena Blanca Lake The limit is 4 bass, minimum size 13
inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination.
Roper Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination.
Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing
• Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham Counties
• Bog Hole Wildlife Area Posted portions
• Cienega Creek Posted portions in Pima County
• Lower Sabino Canyon From the confluence of the
East and West forks of Sabino Creek, downstream to
the U. S. Forest Service boundary in Pima County
• O’Donnell Canyon in Santa Cruz County
• Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County
• West Turkey Creek in Cochise County
Live Baitfish Regulations
No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters
in Pima or Cochise Counties, no exceptions. For waters in
other counties within this fishing area, see page 26.
Watercraft and Motor Restrictions
The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on
some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the
list of restricted waters found on page 38.
Arizona Game and Fish Department 25
Special Regulations— Commission Order 40: Fish ( continued)
1 Arivaca Lake
2 Cluff Ponds 1 and 3
3 Dankworth Lake
4 Kearny Lake
5 Parker Canyon Lake
6 Patagonia Lake
7 Pena Blanca Lake
8 Roper Lake
9 Riggs Flat Lake
10 Rose Canyon Lake
Fishing Waters — Southeast
11 Tucson Urban Fishing Lakes ( Class U
license required):
Kennedy Park Lake
Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford- Lakeside Park
Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park
12 Sahuarita Lake ( Class U license re-quired)
26 azgfd. gov
Live Baitfish Use Seasons— Commission Order 40: Fish
Know Your Baitfish
Legal Areas for Live Baitfish
Live baitfish may be obtained and used only in
the legal areas identified below.
Legal baitfish can be obtained from bait dealers
and from wild capture for personal use. For
information on legal capture methods, possession,
and transport of live baitfish, see R12- 4- 305, 313,
and 316 on pages 47- 49.
Dispose of all unwanted baitfish by burying
them on land far from the water.
No live baitfish may be used or possessed while
on any waters in Coconino, Navajo, Apache, Pima
and Cochise counties. All other counties have
specific baitfish regulations by body of water or
area. Waterdogs are not considered baitfish.
It is illegal:
• To release live baitfish into any Arizona waters.
• To use or possess any restricted live baitfish while
fishing waters prohibiting use of that baitfish.
• To keep or harm any game fish or aquatic
wildlife incidentally taken while capturing
bait with seines, dip nets, traps or cast nets.
Notes:
1. Live baitfish may not be transported to the Verde River upstream from Horseshoe
Dam and the Salt River above the Roosevelt Diversion Dam in Gila County.
2. Threadfin shad are permitted for use at Patagonia Lake in Santa Cruz County.
Carp ( 6- 16 inches)
Legal Areas Allowed
Carp are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz and
Yuma. No waters of any other counties are open except: 1) Lake
Mead, 2) the Colorado River downstream from Hoover Dam to
the Southern International Boundary with Mexico, including
impounded reservoirs, 3) the Gila, Salt, and Verde rivers,
including impounded reservoirs, 4) urban waters in Maricopa
County, 5) Lake Pleasant, and 6) Alamo Lake. Notes: 1
Sunfishes ( includes bluegill, redear
sunfish, green sunfish, and hybrid
sunfish) ( 3- 8 inches)
Legal Areas Allowed
Sunfishes are permitted on all waters of the counties of La
Paz and Yuma. No waters of any other counties are open
EXCEPT: 1) the Colorado River south of the Nevada- California
boundary downstream to the Southern International
Boundary with Mexico, including impounded reservoirs, 2)
the Gila, Salt, and Verde rivers, including impounded
reservoirs, 3) urban waters in Maricopa County, 4) Lake
Pleasant, 5) Alamo Lake, and 6) Patagonia Lake. Notes: 1
Golden Shiner ( 2- 7 inches)
Legal Areas Allowed
Golden shiner and goldfish are permitted on all waters of the
counties of La Paz and Yuma. No waters of any other counties are
open except: 1) Lake Mead, and 2) the Colorado River downstream
from Hoover Dam to the Southern International Boundary with
Mexico, including impounded reservoirs, and 3) Alamo Lake.
Legal Areas Allowed
Fathead minnows, threadfin shad, red shiner and mosquitofish are
permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave,
Pinal and Yuma. No waters of any other counties are open except: 1)
the mainstream portions of the Gila and Salt rivers, and that portion
Fathead minnow ( 2- 4 inches) Threadfin shad ( 3- 7 inches) Red shiner ( 1- 3 inches) Mosquitofish ( 1- 3 inches)
Goldfish ( 2- 8 inches)
of the Verde River below the Tuzigoot Bridge, including impounded
reservoirs, 2) Tonto Creek from Gisela downstream, 3) those
portions of Apache, Roosevelt, Pleasant and Horseshoe Lakes
lying outside of these counties, and 4) that portion of the San
Francisco River in Greenlee County. Notes: 1, 2
Tilapia ( 3- 10 inches) Legal Areas Allowed
Tilapia are permitted on all
waters of Yuma County. No
waters of any other counties
are open except: 1) waters in
La Paz County located west of
Highway 95 and south of
Interstate 10, and 2) the
Colorado River from the Palo
Verde Diversion Dam
downstream to the Southern
International Boundary with
Mexico, including impounded
reservoirs.
Arizona Game and Fish Department 27
Commission Order 41: Amphibians
Statewide as defined in ARS section 17- 101, excluding wildlife areas not opened for hunting ( R12- 4- 802). Open areas do not
include any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A. R. S. sections 17- 303 and 17- 304 or Commission Rules R12- 3-
301, R12- 4- 801, R12- 4- 802, and R12- 4- 803.
Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Amphibians
A. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 3, 6, and 7 Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 All amphibians, except those named in
January 1 through December 31, 2006 Subsections B, C, D, E, F, G, and H
Bag and Possession Limit: Ten ( 10) per year or in possession of each species live or dead.
B. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 3, 6, and 7 Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Bufo cognatus ( Great Plains toad), B. punctatus
January 1 through December 31, 2006 ( red- spotted toad), Scaphiopus couchi ( Couch’s spade-foot),
and Spea multiplicata ( Mexican spadefoot)
Bag and Possession Limit: Ten ( 10) per day or in possession per species live or dead.
C. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 3, 6, and 7 Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Eleutherodctylus augusti ( barking frog)
January 1 through December 31, 2006
Bag and Possession Limit: Two ( 2) per year or in possession live or dead
D. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 5 and 6 Ambystoma tigrinum ( waterdog or tiger sala-
January 1 through December 31, 2006 mander)
Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited live or dead.
E. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 Statewide, including Havasu, Bill Williams River, Rana catesbeiana ( bullfrog)
January 1 through December 31, 2006 Cibola, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges
( as permitted by refuge regulations; posted areas
closed), except areas closed in Note 6
Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead; see Note 2.
F. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 3, 6, and 7 Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 All species in the genus Xenopus ( clawed frogs)
January 1 through December 31, 2006 and Bufo marinus ( giant toad)
Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead.
G. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 6, and 7 That area east of the Colorado River; north of I- 8; Rana berlandieri ( Rio Grande leopard frog)`
January 1 through December 31, 2006 west of I- 10 and I- 17; and south of State Route
74, U. S. 60, and I- 10; except that portion of the
Hassayampa River between Wickenburg and
Morristown and areas closed in Note 6
Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead.
H. There is no open season on Rana tarahumarae ( Tarahumara frog), Rana blairi ( plains leopard frog), Rana chiricahuensis ( Chiricahua leopard frog), Rana pipiens
( northern leopard frog), Rana yavapaiensis ( lowland leopard frog), Rana onca ( relict leopard frog), and Rana subaquavocalis ( Ramsey Canyon leopard frog); see Note 4.
Notes:
1. A fishing or combination license is required for take of amphib-ians.
Amphibians may be taken day or night per R12- 4- 313( E).
2. The possession limit for live bullfrogs legally held prior to closure
of live bag limits ( January 1, 1996, in Mohave, La Paz, and Yuma
counties, or January 1, 1988, in all other counties) is 12 per person.
3. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the
taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation.
4. The possession limit for native species of leopard frogs legally
held prior to January 1, 1993, and for barking frogs legally held
prior to January 1, 2005, when season closure went into effect,
respectively, is 10 per species per person.
5. No waterdogs or salamanders may be taken in that portion of
Santa Cruz County lying east and south of State Highway 82 or
that portion of Cochise County lying west of the San Pedro River
and south of State Highway 82.
6. Amphibians may not be taken at any time ( or during periods
specified) within the following areas:
( 1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except
for Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsored fishing
clinics.
( 2) Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in
Pinetop.
( 3) The Colorado River one- half mile upstream and one- half mile
downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado
River.
( 4) That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand
Canyon National Park.
( 5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake.
( 6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence
with the Verde River.
( 7) Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the Apache-
Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary.
( 8) Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake
Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead.
( 9) Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Can-yon,
Waddell ( Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and
Mormon Flat dams.
( 10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond
Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma.
( 11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31.
( 12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake.
( 13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from
January 1 through February 15 and from November 15
through December 31.
( 14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through
February 15 annually.
( 15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry
from December 15 through June 15.
( 16) Posted portions of Lake Mead.
( 17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to
entry for the purpose of taking wildlife.
( 18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area.
( 19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu.
( 20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County.
( 21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties.
( 22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County.
( 23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September ( Labor Day)
through March 15.
( 24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through
March 1.
( 25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17- 303 and
304.
7. The Grand Canyon- Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert,
Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monuments are open
to the take of wildlife as permitted by Monument regulations.
28 azgfd. gov
Commission Order 42: Crustaceans and Mollusks
Open areas do not include any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A. R. S. sections 17- 303 and 17- 304 or Commission rules R12- 4- 301, R12- 4- 801, R12- 4- 802, and R12- 4- 803.
Open Season Dates Open Areas Legal Crustaceans And Mollusks
A. January 1, 2005- December 31, 2006 Statewide, except areas in Notes below. All crustaceans and mollusks, except those in Subsection B
Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead, except that area in Note 3
B. There is no open season on the Kanab ambersnail ( Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis), the San Xavier talussnail ( Sonorella eremita), the Huachuca springsnail ( Pyrgulopsis
thompsoni) ( see Note 2), the Page springsnail ( Pyrgulopsis morrisoni), the Three Forks springsnail ( Pyrgulopsis trivialis), the Wet Canyon talussnail ( Sonorella macrophallus), the
Quitobaquito tryonia ( Tryonia quitobaquitae), and the California floater ( Anodonta californiensis).
Notes:
1. By law, crustaceans and mollusks are con-sidered
aquatic wildlife and a fishing or com-bination
license is required for take. Meth-ods
of take are prescribed at R12- 4- 313( E).
2. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation con-trols
access to the taking of aquatic wildlife
on its installation.
3. Crayfish may be possessed live or dead in
that portion of La Paz County west of High-way
95 and south of Interstate 10; in Yuma
County and on the Colorado River from Palo
Verde Diversion Dam downstream to the
southern international boundary with Mexico.
4. Wildlife areas are open or closed in accordance
with R12- 4- 802 Wildlife Area Restrictions ( see
Arizona Hunting Regulations). Open areas do
not include any area closed to hunting, fishing
or trapping under A. R. S. sections 17- 303 and
17- 304 or Commission Rules R12- 3- 301, R12- 4-
801, R12- 4- 802 and R12- 4- 803.
5. Intentional transport of live or dead New Zealand
mudsnails ( Potamopyrgus antipodarum), zebra
mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha), and/ or Quagga
mussels ( Dreissena bugensis) in Arizona is pro-hibited.
6. Crustaceans and mollusks may not be taken at
any time within the following areas:
( 1). Posted boundaries of State or Federal
hatcheries, except for Arizona Game and
Fish Department sponsored fishing clin-ics.
( 2). Posted boundary of the Region I regional
headquarters in Pinetop.
( 3). The Colorado River one- half mile upstream
and one- half mile downstream from its
confluence with the Little Colorado River.
( 4). That portion of the Little Colorado River
lying within the Grand Canyon National
Park.
( 5). Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Reser-voir.
( 6). Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin
and its confluence with the Verde River.
( 7). Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream
of the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forest
Boundary.
( 8). Posted areas immediately above the dams
at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake
Mead.
( 9). Posted areas immediately below Davis,
Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell ( Lake Pleas-ant),
Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon
Flat dams.
( 10). Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and
Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the
Salinity Canal north of Yuma.
( 11). Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through
July 31.
( 12). Posted portions of Alamo Lake.
( 13). Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt
Lake from January 1 through February 15 and
from November 15 through December 31.
( 14). Posted portions of Mittry Lake from Novem-ber
15 through February 15 annually.
( 15). Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to
all public entry from December 15 through
June 15.
( 16). Posted portions of Lake Mead.
Commission Order 43: Reptiles ( aquatic only)
Consult the 2005 Arizona Reptile and Amphibian Regulations for a complete listing of Commission Order 43.
Open areas do not include any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A. R. S. sections 17- 303 and 17- 304 or Commission Rules R12- 3- 301, R12- 4- 801, R12- 4- 802, and R12- 4- 803.
Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Aquatic Reptiles
D. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 5, 7, 8, and 9 Statewide, except areas Apalone spinifera ( spiny softshell), Trachemys scripta ( slider), and all
January 1 through December 31, 2006 closed in Notes 5 and 8 species of the family Chelydridae ( snapping turtles)
Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead.
Notes:
1. A hunting or combination license is required
for take of reptiles other than softshell turtles.
Reptiles may be taken day or night. See R12-
4- 304 for restrictions on the use of artificial
light. By law, softshell turtles are considered
aquatic wildlife and a fishing or combination
license is required for take. Methods of take
are prescribed at R12- 4- 313( E).
5. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation, the
Yuma Proving Ground, and Camp Navajo
control access to hunting on their installa-tions.
7. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation con-trols
access to the taking of aquatic wildlife
on its installation.
8. Turtles may not be taken at any time ( or
during periods specified) within the follow-ing
areas:
( 1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal
hatcheries, except for Arizona Game
and Fish Department sponsored fishing
clinics.
( 2) Posted boundary of the Region I re-gional
headquarters in Pinetop.
( 3) The Colorado River one- half mile up-stream
and one- half mile downstream
from its confluence with the Little Colo-rado
River.
( 4) That portion of the Little Colorado River
lying within the Grand Canyon National
Park.
( 5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake.
( 6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin
and its confluence with the Verde River.
( 8) Posted areas immediately above the
dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake
and Lake Mead.
( 9) Posted areas immediately below Davis,
Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell ( Lake
Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and
Mormon Flat dams.
( 10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and
Spawning Pond Number 2 located along
the Salinity Canal north of Yuma.
( 11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1
through July 31.
( 12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake.
( 13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt
Lake from January 1 through February 15 and
from November 15 through December 31.
( 14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from No-vember
15 through February 15 annually.
( 15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed
to all public entry from December 15
through June 15.
( 16) Posted portions of Lake Mead.
( 17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife
Area are closed to entry for the purpose of
taking wildlife.
( 18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area.
( 19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu.
( 20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in
Pima County.
( 21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham
counties.
( 22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County.
( 23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in Sep-tember
( Labor Day) through March 15.
( 24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from
October 1 through March 1.
( 25) Posted in accordance with and pursu-ant
to ARS 17- 303 and 304.
9. The Grand Canyon- Parashant, Vermilion
Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and
Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to
the take of wildlife as permitted by Monu-ment
regulations.
( 17). Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife
Area are closed to entry for the purpose of
taking wildlife.
( 18). Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area.
( 19). Posted portions of Lake Havasu.
( 20). Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima
County.
( 21). Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham coun-ties.
( 22). Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County.
( 23). Cibola Lake from the first Monday in Septem-ber
( Labor Day) through March 15.
( 24). Posted portions of Martinez Lake from Octo-ber
1 through March 1.
( 25). Posted in accordance with and pursuant to
ARS 17- 303 and 304.
( 26). The Grand Canyon- Parashant, Vermillion
Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and
Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to
the take of wildlife as permitted by Monu-ment
regulations.
Arizona Game and Fish Department 29
Arizona Fish Identification
Trout Family ( includes all species of trout, brook trout, and grayling)
Rainbow Trout
Description: Olive to bluish on the back, sil-very
sides, a pink band on the sides from head
to tail. Many small black spots on back, sides,
adipose and dorsal fin. Distinct radiating rows
of black spots on tail fin. Generally, no spots on
pectoral, pelvic and anal fins. Length: 8 to 32
inches. Weight: up to 21 pounds.
Brown Trout
Description: Olive- brown with yellowish sides.
Some orange or red spots on the sides, spots
often encircled with light yellow or white Dark
spots on back and sides. Tail fin usually unspot-ted
or vaguely spotted. Adipose fin usually
orange or reddish. Length: 6 to 29 inches.
Weight: up to 22 pounds.
Cutthroat Trout
Description: Body shape similar to rainbow trout.
Back and sides are lightly spotted; Dorsal, adipose
and tail fins are heavily spotted. Red or reddish-orange
slash on throat. Length: 8 to 22 inches.
Weight: up to 6 pounds.
Apache Trout ( native)
Description: Native to Arizona. Body color is yel-lowish-
gold; tip of the head and back dark olive.
Dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are white tipped. Yel-low
to gold cutthroat mark usually present under
lower jaw. Dark, bold spots on dorsal and tail fin.
Body spotting is sparse and may extend below lat-eral
line. Two small black spots on either side of
pupil, give appearance of black stripe through eye.
Length: 6 to 24 inches. Weight: up to 6 pounds.
Brook Trout
Description: Gray to olive- green on the back.
Vermiculations or worm- like markings on the
back and dorsal fin. Sides lighter in color with
blue halos around pink or red spots. White edge
on lower fins and lower tail. Length: 4 to 21
inches. Weight: up to 4 pounds.
Grayling
Description: The dorsal fin is large, dark- gray,
blotched with pale spots, with cross- rows of deep
blue spots and edged with red or orange. The dor-sal
fin has 17 to 25 rays. The tail fin is forked. The
body has scattered black spots on silver- gray, some-times
pink sides. Scales larger than for trout.
Length: 10 to 16 inches. Weight: up to 1 pound.
Arizona is home to more than 85 species of fish. Knowing
what fish species you are catching is not only fun, it is
also important to correctly identify the fish you catch so
you can abide by the daily bag limits, length limits and
other regulations. Fish coloration, by itself, is not a good
basis for identifying fish since it varies widely and there is
considerable overlap between species. When in doubt
about the identity or legal length, play it safe and return
the fish to the water unharmed immediately. The follow-ing,
by family, are fish species most commonly sought or
encountered by anglers.
General Statewide Bag Limits Per Day
To determine daily bag and possession limits for each
fish species, refer to page 9, Statewide Daily Bag and
Possession limits. Bag limits may vary on some bodies
of water, so be sure to also check out fishing waters
listed under Special Regulations ( pages 10- 25) to find out
if bag and size limits are different on the body of water
you plan to fish.
Fish art by Mary Hirsch
30 azgfd. gov
Arizona Fish Identification
Bass and Sunfish Family
Largemouth Bass
Description: Large mouth with upper jaw of
adults extending beyond rear margin of eye. Dark
olive- green on back, green sides shading to
white belly. Dark horizontal band on each side.
Deep notch in dorsal fin. Soft dorsal fin with 12
to 13 rays. Length: 10 to 28 inches. Weight: up
to 16 pounds.
Smallmouth Bass
Description: Smallmouth bass most often are
bronze to brownish green in color, with dark ver-tical
bars on sides. In contrast to the largemouth
bass, the upper jaw does not extend beyond rear
margin of eye. Eye reddish in color. Shallow notch
in dorsal fin. Soft dorsal fin has 13 to 15 rays.
Length: 12 to 22 inches. Weight: up to 7 pounds.
Bluegill
Description: The bluegill has blue coloring on the
chin, a solid black opercle flap, a small mouth and
a dark spot at the rear of the dorsal fin. The body
is very compressed or flat and has from five to
nine dark vertical bars on the sides. Length: 4 to
13 inches. Weight: 3 ounces to over 3 pounds.
Redear Sunfish
Description: The “ Red- ear” sunfish has a black
opercle flap which is bordered with a reddish or
orange color on the rear of the flap. Sides of head
have olive- brown speckling. Body is compressed
or flat with an olive- green cast, light speckling on
sides. Pectoral fin long and pointed, usually ex-tends
far past eye when bent forward. Length: 6
to 14 inches. Weight: 3 oz. to over 3 pounds.
Green Sunfish
Description: Large mouth with blue- green stria-tions
on the cheeks. Opercle flap is black with
reddish or orange border. Body olive- green in color,
dark vertical bars on sides. Pectoral fin short and
rounded. Caudal fin and lower fin margins are
white or yellowish with dusky spots at rear of
dorsal and anal fins. Length: 3 to 12 inches.
Weight: 3 ounces to 1 pound 8 ounces.
Black Crappie
Description: Head and back heavily and irregu-larly
spotted with black blotches on a silver- olive
background; Tail, dorsal and anal fins are spotted.
Seven or eight spines on dorsal fin. Body is com-pressed.
Length: 6 to 12 inches. Weight: up to 4
pounds.
Temperate Bass Family
Striped Bass
Description: Body has six to nine black horizontal
stripes on silvery- white sides. Dorsal fins are dis-tinctly
separate, unlike yellow bass, which are joined
at the base. Pelvic fins in large adults, white with
anal fin edged in white. Lower jaw protrudes beyond
upper jaw. Generally two patches of teeth on tongue.
2nd anal spine distinctly shorter than the 3rd. Tail is
slightly forked. Length: 10 to 56 inches. Weight: up
to 67 pounds.
White Bass
Description: Body silver- white, 4 to 7 dark hori-zontal
lines; Lines below lateral line often faint and
broken. Dorsal fins are distinctly separate, unlike
the yellow bass, which are joined at the base. 2nd
anal spine distinctly shorter than the 3rd. Lower jaw
protrudes beyond upper jaw; Generally a single
patch of teeth at base of tongue. Length: 8 to 19
inches. Weight: 5 ounces to 5 pounds.
Yellow Bass
Description: Body has golden- yellow sides with
5 to 7 horizontal lines; Lines appear broken and
offset about midway on the lower side. Dorsal fins
are connected. 2nd anal spine is about as long as
the 3rd anal spine. No patches of teeth on tongue.
Length: 6 to 14 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over
1 pound.
Arizona Game and Fish Department 31
Arizona Fish Identification
Catfish Family
Channel Catfish
Description: Scattered black spots on a silver
or gray colored back and sides with a white belly.
Few spots on large adults. Smooth, scaleless
skin. 8 barbels or “ whiskers.” Short base on
small adipose fin. Deeply forked tail. Anal fin
has 24 to 30 rays and is slightly rounded. Length:
10 to 39 inches. Weight: 12 ounces to over 35
pounds.
Flathead Catfish
Description: Back and sides mottled, dark- brown
to yellow- brown; belly is yellowish- white. Head
is broad and flat with small eyes. Large mouth,
lower jaw projecting beyond the upper jaw. Adi-pose
fin is large; Tail fin is flat or slightly notched.
Length: 12 to 52 inches. Weight: 1 to 74 pounds.
Bullhead ( black, yellow, brown)
Description: Body is yellow- olive to brown on
back with yellowish sides, and yellow to white
belly. Slight to no mottling. Chin barbels are al-ways
light in color, either white or pale yellow.
Anal fin is moderately long with a straight profile;
Tail fin is rounded. Length: 6 to 18 inches.
Weight: 4 ounces to over 4 pounds.
Pike and Perch Family
Walleye
Description: Back is yellow- olive with a brassy
cast. Sides brassy- yellow with dark mottling. Belly
is white. Dark spot at rear of spiny dorsal fin. Anal
fin and lower lobe of tail fin are white. Eyes are
opaque- silver in color. Length: 12 to 29 inches.
Weight: 10 oz. up to 16 pounds.
Northern Pike
Description: Back and sides, dusky olive- green
with rows of light oval spots. Dorsal, anal and tail
fin have round to oblong darkened spots. Dorsal
fin located far back on an elongated body. Large
canine- like teeth. Cheeks completely scaled, only
upper half of the gill cover is scaled. Length: 12
to 47 inches. Weight: up to 29 pounds.
Yellow Perch
Description: Back olive- green; sides brassy- yel-low
with 6 to 9 dark vertical bars; Belly is white.
Anal fin, pectoral and pelvic fins are amber- orange
tinted. Small teeth, not canine- like. Soft ( rear)
dorsal fin has 12 to 13 rays. Length: 4 to 12 inches.
Weight: 3 to 16 ounces.
Minnow Family
Common Carp
Description: Back olive- yellow with yellowish
gold sides. Scales on back and upper sides are
dark- edged, with a dark spot at the base. The dor-sal
fin has 17 to 22 rays. One saw- toothed spine
at front of long dorsal and anal fin. Two barbels at
each corner of the mouth on the upper jaw. Large
adults have reddish- orange anal and tail fin.
Length: 10 to 43 inches. Weight: up to 42 pounds.
Roundtail Chub – native to Arizona
Description: Body is thick and streamlined, dark
olive- gray above with silver sides. Mouth extends
to front of eye. Dorsal fin and anal fin usually have
8 to10 rays. Large forked tail fin. Breeding males
develop red or orange coloration on lower half of
cheek and bases of paired fins. Length: 8 to 18
inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 3 pounds.
White Amur ( grass carp)
Similar to common carp only in general color ( brassy
yellow) and large scales. Notable differences in-clude
no barbels on bony mouth, no spine on a short
dorsal fin or anal fin, more elongated body, less
yellow in color, tail darker and more deeply forked.
These fish are highly effective weed eaters and are
stocked to control nuisance weeds and algae.
Length: 12 to 46 inches. Weight: up to 47 pounds.
32 azgfd. gov
Arizona Fish Identification
Other
Desert Sucker – native to Arizona
Description: Body sharply bi- colored, olive- brown
above and deep- yellow below. Scales on upper
half of body have dark spots forming faint dashed
lines. Lower lip is about 3 times as thick as upper
lip. Dorsal fin has 10 to 11 rays. Length: 8 to 31
inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 4 pounds.
Buffalofish
Description: Heavy bodied fish. Back is gray to
olive- bronze with green- copper reflections. Sides,
black to olive- yellow; Belly, pale yellow to white.
Head large and ovoid with a sharply oblique, ter-minal
mouth. No barbels or spines. Length: 12 to
41 inches. Weight: up to 39 pounds.
Tilapia
Description: At least four distinct species of tilapia
have been introduced into Arizona. Extensive hybrid-ization
often makes identification difficult. Similar in
body shape to bluegill. Two- part lateral line with front
portion higher on body than rear portion. Long, un-broken
dorsal fin and anal fin with pointed ends.
Length: 4 to 18 inches. Weight: 6 ounces to over 7
pounds.
Protected Native Fish:
See page 9 for a complete list of Commission designated protected fish. The four fish illustrated here are protected in
Arizona. Should any of these be caught ( most likely to occur in Colorado, Salt, Verde and Gila river systems), they must be
immediately released unharmed.
Colorado River Pikeminnow
Description: Body is long and slender, gray- green
back with silver sides. Scales, very small. Long, coni-cal
shaped head, flattened between the eyes; large,
horizontal mouth. Dorsal fin originates behind origin
of pelvic fins. Dorsal and anal fins almost always
with nine rays. Tail fin, large and deeply forked.
Length: 1 to 6 feet. Weight: 1 to 100 pounds.
Bonytail Chub
Description: Extremely rare. Federally listed as
Endangered. Body highly streamlined, bluish,
dusky color above, pale below. Head short, con-cave
on top, arching smoothly into a subtle hump
in adults. Dorsal fin rays almost always 10 or more;
anal fin rays 9- 11; very slender caudal peduncle.
Length: up to 24 inches. Weight: over 2 pounds.
Razorback Sucker
Description: Back, olive to brown- black, sides
brown or pinkish; belly, white to yellow. Adults
have sharp- edged keel or “ humpback.” Mouth fac-ing
downward; lower lip widely separated into two
lobes by a deep groove. 13- 16 dorsal rays; 7 anal
rays. Length: up to 36 inches. Weight: 1 to 13
pounds.
Humpback Chub
Description: Federally listed as Endangered.
Body streamlined, dark olive- gray above, silver
sides. Small head with snout overhanging mouth.
High pronounced hump immediately behind head.
This high- hump acts as a barrier to passing water
forcing the body against the bottom where cur-rents
are slightly less, thus enabling these fish to
move through rapids separating one eddying habi-tat
from another. Deeply embedded scales.
Slender caudal peduncle. Dorsal fin rays usually
9, anal fin rays 10 or more. Length: up to 18 inches.
Weight: up to 2 pounds.
Arizona Game and Fish Department 33
If you observe a fishing
violation, please call
Operation
Game Thief
Call toll free
24 hours a day
1- 800- 352- 0700
Where to Fish in Arizona
The following list of waters are only some of the more popular places
where these fish can be found. Because water conditions change rapidly
please contact Arizona Game and Fish when planning your fishing trip.
For the latest fishing reports, visit the department’s Web site at
azgfd. gov, or call ( 602) 789- 3701.
Bluegill ( sunfish): Apache Lake, Roper Lake, Saguaro Lake, Lake
Pleasant, Arivaca Lake, Lake Powell, Bartlett Lake, and designated Urban
Fishing Program waters.
Carp: Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake,
Bartlett Lake, Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and Apache Lake.
Channel Catfish: Colorado River below Parker Dam, Saguaro Lake,
Roosevelt Lake, Alamo Lake, Upper Lake Mary, Bartlett Lake, Lake
Powell, Fool Hollow Lake, Lake Havasu, Show Low Lake, Rainbow Lake,
Verde River and designated Urban Fishing Program waters.
Crappie: Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, Lake Pleasant, and Alamo Lake.
Flathead Catfish: Colorado River at Yuma, Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett
Lake, the Verde River at Camp Verde and below Horseshoe Lake, and the
Gila River at Safford.
Grayling: Lee Valley Reservoir
Largemouth Bass: Alamo Lake, Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Apache
Lake, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Rainbow Lake, Lake
Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lake Pleasant, Mittry Lake, and Tempe
Town Lake.
Northern Pike: Upper Lake Mary.
Smallmouth Bass: Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, Fool
Hollow Lake, and Verde River.
Striped Bass: Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, Lake Mead, Lake Pleasant,
and Lake Powell.
Trout Waters: Ashurst Lake, Bear Canyon, Becker Lake, Big Lake,
Black Canyon Lake, West and East Fork of the Black River, Blue Ridge
Reservoir, Canyon Creek near Payson, Chevelon Canyon Lake, West
Clear Creek near Camp Verde, Cresent Lake, J. D. Lake, Knoll Lake,
Lee Valley Lake, Lees Ferry and the Colorado River in the Grand
Canyon, Little Colorado River near Greer, Lake Mohave, Luna Lake,
Lynx Lake, Nelson Reservoir, Oak Creek near Sedona, Parker Canyon
Lake, River Reservoir, Salt River below Saguaro Lake, Show Low
Lake, Tempe Town Lake, Tonto Creek near Payson, Verde River at
Camp Verde, Woods Canyon Lake, White Horse Lake, Willow Springs
Lake, and designated Urban Fishing Program waters.
Walleye: Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Show Low Lake, Upper Lake Mary,
Fool Hollow Lake, and Saguaro Lake.
White Bass: Lake Pleasant.
Yellow Bass: Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Tempe
Town Lake.
To report Fishing or other wildlife
violations including unlawful:
• Take or possession
• Over limits of fish
• Fishing without a license
• Methods— including netting, explosive
devices, electrical stunning devices
• Fishing with bait in artificial fly and lure
only areas
• Commercialization- selling fish
Callers will remain confidential upon
request. Rewards from $ 50 to $ 10,000 may
be offered in some cases. Rewards are paid
immediately upon arrest of the violator.
Poachers are Thieves
Simply defined, Poaching is any illegal
taking of fish, game or nongame wildlife.
Poachers steal from you, the honest law-abiding
anglers. Their illegal activities
affects all citizens of the State of Arizona.
34 azgfd. gov
Note
Records are based upon weight re-corded
on state- certified ( legal for
trade) scales and two witnesses to
the weighing. Record fish must be
available for inspection by Depart-ment
personnel. New record fish
must outweigh the standing record
for the species by at least one full
ounce. Fish taken from private wa-ters
that are closed to public access
are not eligible for record status.
1. Larger than current all- tackle
world record listed by the Inter-national
Game Fish Assn. and
the National Fresh Water Fish-ing
Hall of Fame.
2. World record for all tackle as
verified by the National Fresh
Water Fishing Hall of Fame.
3. Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
4. Species now protected, may not
be taken.
Inland Waters, Hook and Line:
Bass, Largemouth Randall E. White, Mesa 16 lb. 7.68 oz. 28 in. Canyon Lake 4/ 22/ 97
Bass, Rock Buzz Hettick, Laramie, WY 0 lb. 8.1 oz. 7.6 in. Oak Creek 4/ 21/ 02
Bass, Smallmouth Dennis K. Barnhill, Mesa 7 lb. 0.96 oz. 22.75 in. Roosevelt Lake 3/ 18/ 88
Bass, Striped David Jackson, Phoenix 23 lb. 8.32 oz. 39.25 in. Alamo Lake 5/ 3/ 97
Bass, White David Amburgey, Peoria 4 lb. 11.7 oz. 19.5 in. Lake Pleasant 4/ 72
Bass, Yellow Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff 1 lb. 15.8 oz. 11.25 in. Upper Lake Mary 5/ 19/ 95
Bluegill Christopher Ray Mapes, Prescott Valley 3 lb. 15.68 oz. 15.75 in. Goldwater Lake 5/ 2/ 04
Buffalo, Bigmouth Leon Steward, Payson 36 lb. 6 oz. 38.5 in. Roosevelt Lake 3/ 14/ 95
Buffalo, Black David Hoenshell, Mesa 35 lb. 6.72 oz. 40.5 in. Canyon Lake 5/ 24/ 95
Bullhead, Black Mikki St. George, Sierra Vista 2 lb. 6.1 oz. 16.5 in. Parker Canyon Lake 9/ 9/ 02
Bullhead, Yellow 2 Patricia Simmon, Phoenix 4 lb. 8.1 oz. 17.75 in. Mormon Lake 7/ 15/ 89
Carp Jonathan Gardner, Phoenix 37 lb. 0 oz. 40 in. Bartlett Lake 8/ 8/ 87
Catfish, Blue Richard Lujan, Tucson 31 lb. 0 oz. 40 in. Randolph Park, Tucson 7/ 70
Catfish, Channel Chuck Berndt, Sierra Vista 32 lb. 4 oz. 38.75 in. Parker Canyon Lake 4/ 24/ 87
Catfish, Flathead Adrian Manzanedo, Florence 71 lb. 10.24 53 in. San Carlos Lake 1/ 5/ 03
Crappie, Black John Shadrick, Mammoth 4 lb. 10 oz. ——— San Carlos Lake 1959
Crappie, White Robert Schnell, Glendale 3 lb. 5.28 oz. 16.75 in. Lake Pleasant 2/ 22/ 82
Grayling, Arctic Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff 1 lb. 9.76 oz. 14.65 in. Lee Valley Lake 7/ 10/ 95
Mullet Robert Bayles, Yuma 5 lb. 2.24 oz. 23.75 in. Fortuna Pond 4/ 24/ 04
Northern Pike Branislav Djuric, Mesa 29 lb. 13.76 44 in. Long Lake 11/ 28/ 02
Pacu Bartt Frederickson, Phoenix 5 lb. 0.02 oz. 18 in. Lake Pleasant 9/ 8/ 99
Roundtail Chub Richard L. Walton, Chandler 3 lb. 14.9 oz. 18.5 in. Lower Salt River 3/ 3/ 84
Sucker, Desert 2 Edith Toney, Mesa 2 lb. 10.75 18 in. Verde River 9/ 20/ 92
Sucker, Sonora Jay Nochta, Phoenix 5 lb. 6.4 oz. 20.25 in. Canal Park Lake 12/ 1/ 96
Sunfish, Green Paul Bennett, Sierra Vista 1 lb. 9 oz. 11 in. Parker Canyon Lake 7/ 27/ 96
Sunfish, Hybrid 1 Mikey Alan Porter, Tucson 2 lb. 2.22 oz. 12.5 in. Patagonia Lake 6/ 5/ 98
Sunfish, Redear Jay Adkins, Prescott 3 lb. 9 oz. 14.5 in. Goldwater Lake, Prescott 8/ 12/ 93
Tilapia Tim Alan Schoenecker, Gilbert 7 lb. 8.8 oz. 20 in. Saguaro Lake 3/ 31/ 02
Trout, Apache 2 Lyle Hemphill, Lakeside 5 lb. 15.5 oz. 24 in. Hurricane Lake3 6/ 10/ 93
Trout, Brook Marshall Gregg, Whiteriver 4 lb. 15.2 oz. 20.5 in. Sunrise Lake3 10/ 20/ 95
Trout, Brown Bryce Sisson, Prescott 22 lb. 14.5 oz. 36 in. Reservation Lake3 8/ 6/ 99
Trout, Cutthroat Eric James Walter, Tucson 6 lb. 5 oz. 22.3 in. Luna Lake 10/ 76
Trout, Rainbow Brandon Childs, Gilbert 12 lb. 5.76 oz. 32.25 in. Tempe Town Lake 12/ 28/ 02
Walleye Gregg Munck, Show Low 16 lb. 1.76 oz. 31 in. Show Low Lake 11/ 18/ 02
White Amur ( Trip.) Kevin A. Baylor Jr., Phoenix 47 lb. 1.6 oz. 46.5 in. Encanto Park 7/ 12/ 02
Yellow Perch Art Ellico, Kingman 1 lb. 10 oz. 13.5 in. Stoneman Lake 3/ 21/ 84
Yellow Perch ( TIE) Curt Bryant, Flagstaff 1 lb. 10 oz. 13.5 in. Stoneman Lake 3/ 24/ 84
Inland Waters, Catch and Release
Bass, Largemouth Bill Warman, Mesa 27 in. Canyon Lake 5/ 27/ 03
Bass, Smallmouth Gregg Munck, Show Low 21 in. Fool Hollow Lake 4/ 23/ 03
Bass, Yellow Paige Weiler, Mesa 10 in. Saguaro Lake 4/ 19/ 03
Buffalo, Black Bill Groseclose, Apache Junction 41 in. Apache Lake 4/ 23/ 03
Carp Ronald Nuss, Jr., Mesa 35 in. Saguaro Lake 4/ 29/ 03
Catfish, Channel Ronald Nuss, Jr., Mesa 30 in. Saguaro Lake 4/ 29/ 03
Catfish, Flathead Loren J. Toovey, Phoenix 47 in. Bartlett Lake 4/ 26/ 03
Sunfish, Hybrid Mack Hollen, Jr., Phoenix 10 in Papago Pond # 2 6/ 19/ 04
Sunfish, Redear Warren Hollen, Phoenix 11 in. Papago Pond # 2 7/ 3/ 04
Tilapia Stan Gross, Chandler 17 in. ASU Research Park 10/ 8/ 03
Walleye Gregg Munck, Show Low 33 in. Fool Hollow Lake 6/ 27/ 04
White Amur ( Trip.) Stuart Black, Phoenix 41 in. ASU Research Park 9/ 16/ 04
Inland Waters, Non- hook and Line ( Archery)
Buffalo, Bigmouth Michael T. Young, Mesa 39 lb. 8 oz. 41.5 in. Saguaro Lake 3/ 28/ 90
Buffalo, Black Scott Darnell, Payson 40 lb. 5 oz. 42 in. Apache Lake 6/ 19/ 02
Buffalo, Smallmouth David Heater, Chandler 38 lb. 8 oz. 36 in. Canyon Lake 6/ 10/ 97
Carp Colton J. Bagnoli, Chandler 33 lb. 9.6 oz. 44.5 in. Lower Salt River 4/ 15/ 04
Mullet Daniel S. Day, Yuma 9 lb. 1.6 oz. 27.25 in. Salinity Canal 5/ 2/ 04
Sucker, Sonora Ronald Nuss Jr., Mesa 4 lb. 15.52 23.5 in. Lower Salt River 4/ 28/ 97
Tilapia Michael T. Young, Mesa 7 lb. 15 oz. 20.25 in. Saguaro Lake 4/ 26/ 04
Colorado River Waters, Hook and Line
Bass, Largemouth Dale Uden, Yuma 16 lb. 14 oz. 28.25 in. Colorado River, Yuma 3/ 8/ 96
Bass, Smallmouth Gene Albers, Fontana, CA 5 lb. 2.72 oz. 21.5 in. Colorado River, Parker 2/ 8/ 97
Bass, Striped Jeff Smith, Henderson, NV 67 lb. 1 oz. 47.5 in. CO River, Willow Beach 8/ 15/ 97
Bass, White Norman Mize, Chula Vista, CA 5 lb. 5 oz. 19.6 in. Imperial Reservoir 3/ 72
Bluegill Ben Mellott, Kingman 2 lb. 11.5 oz. 11.75 in. Bradley Bay, Lake Mead 5/ 27/ 89
Bullhead, Yellow Douglas R. Pinotti, Mesa 2 lb. 8.8 oz. 15.5 in. Colorado River near Bullhead City 3/ 24/ 86
Carp Gary Ramsfield, Lake Havasu City 42 lb. 0 oz. 43 in. Lake Havasu 3/ 79
Catfish, Channel Wando L. Tull, Barstow, CA 35 lb. 4 oz. 38 in. Topock Marsh 1952
Catfish, Flathead Walter Wilson, Bard, CA 74 lb. 0 oz. 51.5 in. CO River/ Laguna Dam 5/ 11/ 98
Crappie, Black Julia Grammer, Makanda, IL 2 lb. 12 oz. 16 in. Havasu Sprgs, Lk Havasu 3/ 11/ 96
Goldfish Jack E. Gobel, Parker 5 lb. 13 oz. 18.38 in. CO River - Castle Rock 1/ 28/ 97
Mullet Buddy E. Fike, Glendale 9 lb. 8 oz. 25.5 in. CO River/ Gila River confluence 3/ 76
Pacific Tenpounder Charles Reel Jr., Yuma 0 lb. 12.6 oz. 15.75 in. Near Pilot Knob 6/ 13/ 81
Arizona Fish Records
As reported to and verified by the Arizona Game and Fish Department— revised 10/ 05/ 04
Arizona Game and Fish Department 35
2003 Big Fish- of- the- Year Finalist
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has had an active big Fish- of- the- Year program for the past seven years. Each year
we recognize as many as 35 anglers who catch an outstanding fish. Each of these anglers has caught a memory that will
last a lifetime. Is it your turn to “ Catch a Memory”? If you catch a big fish, please share the memory! Fill out the form on
page 36 and return it to the Arizona Game and Fish Department so you too can be like these 2003 big fish anglers.
Species Weight Length Location Record Holder Date
Black Crappie 3 lb. 2.56 oz. 16 in. Alamo Lake Danny Payne. 02/ 07/ 03
Brook Trout 1 lb. 12 oz. 15.25 in. Billy Creek Logan Kindberg 10/ 02/ 03
Brown Trout 11 lb. 7.2 oz. 28 in. East Fork, Black River Eddie Sainz 7/ 23/ 03
Carp 32 lb. 8.32 oz. 38 in. Saguaro Lake Ronald Nuss Jr. 04/ 16/ 03
Channel Catfish 12 lb. 6.72 oz. 32.5 in. Roosevelt Lake Jered Lee Ellingson 08/ 24/ 03
Cutthroat Trout 5 lb. 8 oz. 24 in. Big Lake Jay Whipple 05/ 06/ 03
Flathead Catfish 71 lb. 10.24 oz. 53 in. San Carlos Lake Adrian Manzanedo 01/ 05/ 03
Hybrid Sunfish 1 lb. 3.84 oz. 12.5 in. Lake Pleasant William R. Scott Sr. 09/ 01/ 03
Largemouth Bass 11 lb. 11.84 oz. 28 in. Canyon Lake Chuck Blakesslee 05/ 13/ 03
Mullett 4 lb. 7.36 oz. 22 in. Fortuna Pond Frederick A. Grieb 02/ 19/ 03
Northern Pike 23 lb. 12.8oz. 53 in. Long Lake Steve McQuire 07/ 19/ 03
Pacu 3 lb. 9.28oz. 16.63 in. Tempe Town Lake Debbie Driscol 06/ 01/ 03
Rainbow Trout 10 lb. 8 oz. 31.25 in. Willow Springs Lake Glenn R. Murray 10/ 04/ 03
Redear Sunfish 1 lb. 8.32 oz. 13.25 in. Lake Havasu Gregory Kozlowski 04/ 11/ 03
Tilapia 2 lbs 8.64 oz. 14.25 in. Tempe Towne Lake Edward S. Zalig 03/ 08/ 03
White Bass 1 lb. 13.76 oz. 16.38 in. Lake Pleasant Chad Prince 03/ 15/ 03
Catch and Release ( Based on length only and rounded down to the nearest inch).
Black Buffalo 41 in. Apache Lake Bill Groseclo