Category Archives: Recreation

Extra trout stockings in White Mountains lakes to provide great fall fishing

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white-mountain-fishingPINETOP — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has recently stocked thousands of catchable size rainbow trout into many of the White Mountain lakes. This gives anglers an extra incentive to get out to the lakes this fall.

Show Low Lake was stocked with 4,000 rainbow trout. Bear Canyon and Willow Springs Lake received 5,000 fish each. Another 7,000 trout went into Woods Canyon Lake. Fool Hollow Lake and River Reservoir each received 8,000 trout.

The AZGFD hatcheries had a surplus of fish that needed to be stocked into lakes to make room for next year’s trout. These fish were all stocked within the last 2 weeks, and the fishing should be great—especially with the cooler temperatures of fall.

This time of year, try fishing for rainbow trout using green, garlic scented PowerBait or worms. Tiger trout were also stocked for the first time in Arizona this year into Willow Springs and Woods Canyon lakes. Catch tiger trout using lures—they are more aggressive than rainbow trout. Bear Canyon Lake is a hike-in-only lake, but worth the short, steep hike. All others are easily accessible.

Deadline to apply for 2017 spring hunt permit-tags is Tuesday, Oct. 11

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PHOENIX — Time is running out to apply for 2017 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear.

To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov/ and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.”

The deadline by which the Arizona Game and Fish Department must receive all applications – online or paper – is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, Oct. 11. Postmarks do not count. Paper applications can be dropped off at the department’s headquarters in Phoenix or any regional office statewide.

As a reminder, all Game and Fish offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 10, in observance of Columbus Day. Offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on deadline day, Tuesday, Oct. 11, but applications still will be accepted until 11:59 p.m.

The “2017 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” booklet is available online at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Printed booklets are available at all Game and Fish offices and license dealers statewide.

As a reminder, applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license to apply online for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the application period (Oct. 11). Licenses now are valid for one full year from date of purchase. Licenses are available online, as well as all Game and Fish offices and license dealers statewide.

For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw, or call (602) 942-3000.

Meanwhile, PointGuard is available to applicants who apply online for a hunt permit-tag. PointGuard, the newest benefit for AZGFD Portal customers, ensures that if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated.

All applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD Portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create an Account” option). PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application, or prior to the application period deadline.

Fatal ATV rollover a reminder to practice OHV safety

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DSC_4103_-_reduced_flippedPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and passengers to ride safely by remembering to always wear a helmet.

The reminder comes after an 81-year-old man died when the ATV he was driving rolled end-over-end while attempting to climb a 70-percent incline hill southeast of Meadview early Friday afternoon, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. Neither the man nor another rider on a separate ATV were wearing helmets.

“Our condolences go out to the family,” said Kim Jackson, AZGFD OHV Safety Education program manager. “It is absolutely imperative that everyone wears a helmet whenever they head out on an OHV. Many of these tragic accidents are survivable, but only if you wear a helmet.”

There were 28 OHV-related deaths in Arizona last year, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Helmets are required by law for all riders under the age of 18 regardless of the off-highway vehicle type. They are also strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of age. In addition, riders should remember to:

  • Wear a seat belt at all times, if equipped.
  • Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
  • Never ride alone.
  • Be prepared and equipped with a map, a first aid kit, whistle and have basic tools on hand.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Take an OHV safety education course designed to teach off-road motorists how to ride safely and responsibly.

For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s OHV program and safety course options, visit www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

Silver Creek seasonal trout fishery opens today

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silver-creekSHOW LOW — The seasonal catch-and-release fishery at Silver Creek opens Saturday, October 1.

This upper catch-and-release section of Silver Creek requires trout to be immediately released unharmed, and is artificial flies and lures only with single barbless hooks. This segment of Silver Creek is open for fishing from Oct. 1 through March 31 of each year.

See blog article of this announcement.

Contributions of hunters, anglers benefit everyone

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conservaationPHOENIX — Even if you don’t actively participate in the time-honored traditions of hunting or angling, National Hunting and Fishing Day is a day of celebration for everyone.

Whatever your interest in wildlife, hunters and anglers—the original conservationists—have made countless contributions over the decades to the conservation of fish and wildlife through sound, science-based management.

Governor Doug Ducey recently signed a proclamation (PDF) celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, as well as recognizing the role that the state’s hunting and angling community plays as an economic driver.

It’s important to understand how those outdoor pursuits benefit wildlife. Since 1939, hunters and anglers have generated more than $15 billion toward wildlife restoration through an excise tax imposed on the sale of hunting, angling and shooting-sports equipment.

Those funds are administered by the federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program, one of the most significant programs benefiting wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. WSFR funds, along with the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, provide a substantial portion of wildlife conservation funding for activities such as fish and wildlife population management, habitat management, research, surveys, land acquisition, hunter education, shooting and archery ranges, boating access, and more.

Who benefits? The general public gets better stewardship of natural resources. Hunters and anglers get more and better places to hunt and fish. State and federal agencies receive more funds to meet their conservation needs.

More than 786,000 Arizona hunters and anglers certainly are doing their part to keep the state in the black, spending more than $1.2 billion annually and supporting 18,220 jobs, according to the latest report (2011) by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. As a result, $132 million in state and local taxes, and another $155 million in federal taxes, are collected annually.

“I want to thank Governor Ducey for this proclamation that recognizes hunters and anglers as the cornerstone of conservation in Arizona,” said Edward “Pat” Madden, chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. “They are being recognized for job creation, financial impact, conservation efforts and wildlife enhancement.

“On their day, the citizens of Arizona should take a moment and thank a hunter or angler for their contributions to our state.”

As part of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be hosting a free public fishing event as part of “Verde River Days” at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. For more information, including a listing of additional free public fishing events statewide in October, visit https://fishazblog.com/free-public-events/.

Free fishing clinic October 1 at Kinnikinick Lake

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fishing-clinicFLAGSTAFF — Want to learn about fall fishing in northern Arizona? Join the Arizona Game and Fish Department on Saturday, October 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kinnikinick Lake for a free fishing clinic. The event is for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Approximately 50,000 rainbow trout and 10,000 brown trout have been stocked into Kinnikinick during the past two months. Game and Fish staff, along with members from the Northern Arizona Fly Casters and Trout Unlimited Flagstaff Chapter, will be on hand to assist all participants.

Those attending will learn fishing basics, types of equipment to buy on a budget, casting and catching, and what species of fish are in the lake. Participants might also get the opportunity to try fly-fishing. Loaner fishing poles and tackle will be available, and fishing licenses will not be required for those participating.

The weekend also marks the opening of fall small game hunting season. So squirrel, rabbit, dove and quail hunting tips and tricks will be shared by the Game and Fish experts. Come on out and learn about great spots for small game hunting — and maybe even pick up a recipe or two.

Participants should bring food and dress appropriately for fall weather.

To get to Kinnikinick Lake, drive 30 miles south out of Flagstaff on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road) and turn east on Forest Rd. 125, then go 4 miles to Forest Rd. 82. Turn southeast and head 5.5 miles to the lake.

Fisheries experts reclassify three native fish species as one

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1473410181403-rnau2comnz-5e72c45ae3ecacbeef050b26f9d90acaPHOENIX — A professional committee of fisheries scientists has determined that three species of chub found throughout the lower Colorado River basin—roundtail chub, headwater chub, and Gila chub—will now be recognized as one species, referred to as roundtail chub.

The decision last week by the American Fisheries Society and American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists Joint Committee on the Names of Fishes resolves a long-term disparity among scientists, as these chub populations are physically similar and have been genetically indistinguishable at the currently recognized species classifications. The inability to differentiate them at a species level made management highly complex, especially given that Gila chub is listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act and roundtail and headwater chub were proposed for listing as threatened in 2015.

Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists last year conducted a complete review of all data and scientific literature available to determine if the available science supported the recognized taxonomic designations of the three species of chub. The department’s review found no justification to support the separation of chub into three separate species, and concluded they should be classified as a single species.

Subsequently, Game and Fish formally requested that the American Fisheries Society re-evaluate the recognized taxonomic designation of the three species. The analysis was assigned to the joint committee, which conducted months of review and listened to presentations by fisheries scientists on the morphology and genetic status of chub. The committee concluded there is no morphological or genetic data that define populations of roundtail chub in the lower Colorado River basin as members of more than one species.

The committee’s decision is strongly supported by Arizona Game and Fish and will result in more effective management and conservation of roundtail chub throughout the state. Based on this decision, the species is found in more than 70 streams in Arizona alone. .

“This is a huge success for chub and for those who manage and conserve chub in the lower Colorado River basin,” said Chris Cantrell, aquatic wildlife chief for Arizona Game and Fish. “The taxonomic history of this species has been debated for decades, which has influenced our management strategies and our ability to implement conservation on a range-wide basis. We know the decision will open doors to more opportunities to protect and conserve chub in Arizona.”

The Joint Committee on the Names of Fishes is a collaborative group of the American Fisheries Society and the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. It maintains a list of scientific and common fish species names to achieve uniformity and avoid confusion in nomenclature. Their work is important to help fisheries professionals know exactly what species or subspecies is under discussion. Fish identification is particularly important when the species is under endangered species protections.

To view the department’s 2015 letter sent to the American Fisheries Society and the joint committee’s final decision, visit In the Current, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s native aquatic species news site.

Williams suffering chlorophyll depletion

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800-16-09-08-86WILLIAMS — Trees around Williams are hinting of the coming climate change commonly called fall. The heavy rainfall from the monsoons has filled the oaks and aspens and other trees in and around the city with lovely green leaves.

Some leaves with their yellow color which still contain some chlorophyll.

Some leaves with their yellow color which still contain some chlorophyll.

Prevailing science indicates that the leaves actually have the different colors that appear to create a picturesque fall. The trees produce chlorophyll in abundance during the summer causing the leaves to appear green. As the climate changes for fall, however, the trees stop producing the chemical and the true color of the leaves come through.
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The autumnal equinox begins September 22, but some of the trees can’t wait. During the transition you will still see wild flowers in abundance.

As summer wanes, some outsiders might believe that there is less to do in Williams. They miss the some great hiking a photographic opportunities leading us into the major holiday seasons of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Mountain Village Holiday.

Benham trail—two-miles out of Williams across Perkinsville Road from the turn to Dogtown Road—is a nice hike. The aspens at Buckskinner reservoir are popular with photographers. There is, however, another hiking trail at the day-use area of the park. It meets up with the Williams Trail at the end of Sheridan Avenue. It is a fairly stringent hike, however.

The acorns are sprouting on the oaks.

The acorns are sprouting on the oaks.

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the change of season, but the road to Bill Williams Mountain makes a lovely drive for those who cannot make the four-mile hike. The road to Dogtown Lake is also a beautiful drive.

If you drive about seven-miles east of Williams on Route 66, you will find Oak Hill Snow Play area on the left. Across Route 66 from the Oak Hill Snow Play area is a nice hiking trail which leads to the Keyhole Sink where you will find ancient petroglyphs. The hike is about a mile and is beautiful during the fall.

Even during the cooler fall weather, we recommend taking water. If you plan on hiking with your dog, or cat, take water for them and remember to keep them on a leash. Others may be hiking with their animals. Also carry bags to clean up your dogs leavings.

There are other places to hike and other things to do during the season. To find out more visit the Williams Visitor Center on Railroad Avenue.

Applications sought for Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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PHOENIX — The Governor’s Office is currently accepting applications for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Applications must be received or postmarked no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. Applications received or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered.

Governor Doug Ducey is seeking members who are well-informed and passionate about Arizona wildlife and its long-term conservation. In accordance with Arizona law, the Game and Fish Commission is required to be politically balanced and representative of all 15 counties (i.e., no more than three commissioners may be from the same political party, and no two commissioners may be residents of the same county).

Therefore, this Commission vacancy is NOT available to registered residents of Apache, Coconino, Pima, or Yuma counties. Residents of all other counties—Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yavapai—are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals may apply by clicking here: Boards and Commissions Application.

For further information about the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and its mission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission. Individuals also may contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at (602) 542-2449.

Paper applications for 2017 spring hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the “2017 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

The department now is accepting paper applications for 2017 spring hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear. The online application service is expected to be available in early to mid-September.

Paper applications can be mailed: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or dropped off at any department office statewide.

The deadline for all spring hunt permit-tag applications is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Paper applications must be received by the department by the deadline. Postmarks do not count.

The printed “2017 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” booklets are expected to be available at department offices and license dealers statewide in early September.

Applicants must possess an Arizona hunting license to apply for a spring hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid through the last day of the spring hunt permit-tag application period (Oct. 11). Licenses now are valid one year from the time of purchase. Licenses can be purchased online at https://www.azgfd.com/license, or at any department office or license dealer statewide.

As a reminder, applicants should thoroughly read and understand the appropriate regulations before submitting a hunt permit-tag application or before going afield.