Sabino Canyon

Sabino Canyon lies in the Santa Catalina Mountains and is part of the Coronado National Forest. The canyon has been a source of life for several cultures over the centuries. The Clovis people used the canyon nearly 13,000 years ago to hunt bison and mammoths. Then the Hohokam Indians arrived in the canyon to use the water for their ingenious irrigation systems. The Papago and Pima Indians came along and hunted game in Sabino Canyon. During the 1870’s pony soldiers from Fort Lowell rode up to the canyon for a day of swimming.

Then in the 1940’s, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed bridges, picnic tables and walls to help preserve the canyon. Today visitors can enjoy the trail and amenities provided at Sabino Canyon. The canyon offers a variety of outdoor fun for its visitors. You may chose from swimming, bird watching, picnicking, hiking and horseback riding.

There are many kinds of wildlife that make their home in the canyon, such as deer and birds. Sabino Creek flows all year round, except for one or two months, depending on the weather season for the year. The color of the creek’s water is a brownish shade, due to the tannin found in oak tree roots and pine needles. The water provides a good environment for crayfish and sunfish. Swimming is so much fun in the natural pools, along the creek. One of the special highlights of this canyon is the Sabino Canyon Tours. These tours offer a narrated tram tour into the canyon. It is a great way to take in nature’s beauty.

The 45-minute tour takes visitors along a three and a half mile paved round trip journey through the canyon. You will travel through cottonwoods, willow trees and sycamores. It is a great choice, if your time is short. The tram makes nine stops on the way to the top. These stops are great for hikers to get to the trailhead or for picnickers to get to a great spot
to enjoy a meal. You can get on and off as often as you like, as long as it is it a designated point. Another tram will take hikers up to the Bear Canyon Trail. This two and a half mile hike takes you to the Seven Falls. This waterfall drops 500 feet down the side of a hill and is an amazing sight.

There is a moonlight tram tour offered in April through December, three nights a week. It takes visitors on a wonderful journey. The tour is much slower paced than the daytime tram ride, but it does stop at the top. The moonlight tour is approximately 75 minutes long and does not have narration. You will need to make a prepaid reservation to attend the moonlight tram tour. If you are interested, you may call 520-749-2327. There is a visitor reception desk at the canyon to help you enjoy your visit to Sabino Canyon completely. Please may sure you allow a minimum of one hour to see the canyon. Pets and motor vehicles are not permitted in the canyon.

The canyon is open everyday from 8:00 to 4:30 pm. There is no admission fee, but if you are interested in the tram there is a charge. The tram tour is $6.00 and $2.50 for ages 3 to 12. If you have more questions, you may call 520-749-2861. You can get to Sabino Canyon from Tucson by taking Sabino Canyon Road north into the Sabino Canyon or by taking Sunrise Drive east into Sabino Canyon. If you are coming from Phoenix take Interstate 10 south out of town to Tucson. Just as you get to Tucson take the Ina Road exit and head east on Ina Road.

The road then veers southeast and changes into Skyline Drive. Continue on Skyline Drive for a while, until the road change to Sunrise Drive. Take Sunrise Drive right into Sabino Canyon. Sabino Canyon is a real nature lover’s treat. The tram tour is a delightful way to see the area.

Chiricahua National Monument

President Coolidge signed the bill in 1924, making the most scenic section of the Chiricahua Mountains a national monument. The Chiricahua National Monument covers approximately 12,000 acres. The Chiricahua Mountain range is part of the Coronado National Forest. This land was once the home of the Cochise and Chiricahua Apache Indians. The area has the nickname “Standing-Up Rocks.” This is not surprising, because many of the rock formations found in the Chiricahua’s are quite impressive. The Chiricahuas are noted for the rock spires and boulders balancing on top of smaller rocks.
Geologists believe that the formations were made from volcanic eruptions.

The theory is that twenty seven million years ago, a volcanic eruption shook the land around the Chiricahua National Monument. This eruption was one thousand times greater that the 1980 eruption of the Mount St. Helens. This eruption called the Turkey Creek Caldera eventually laid down two thousand feet of highly silicious ash and pumice. This mix of ash and pumice fused into a rock called rhyolitic tuff. After years of erosion, the unusual rocks that are in the monument were formed. The Chiricahua National Monument is also filled wildlife and a variety of plants. You will find this spot great, if you are a birder. There are hummingbirds, Zone-tailed hawks and trogons in the area. The Chiricahua’s also have both Southwestern and Sierra Madrean flora and fauna.

The first stop to the national monument is the visitor center. Here you will learn about the history of the area. There is a slide show and exhibits detailing the geology, wildlife and the numerous sightseeing spots in the monument. The rangers are happy to answer questions and recommend hiking trails. The visitor center also offers books, videos and maps for purchase. The visitor center is open everyday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is a $4.00 charge to cars on you way in to the center. If you have any questions about the monument, you may call 520-824-3560.

Visitors can get an overview of the park by taking a drive. The Bonita Canyon Drive travels along a paved 6 mile winding road. The mountain road goes through oak-juniper and pine forests up to the top of the Chiricahua Mountains. Here, at the top, on Massai Point you can see the park, valleys and Cochise Head. The point also has a geology exhibit and a variety of hikes begin at this spot. Hikers can see the beauty of the area by taking one of the many trails in the Chiricahua National Monument. There are nearly 100 miles of hiking trails to choose from during your visit. It is important to be prepared when embarking on a trail. The visitor center is a great place to make your hiking plans. Hikes are best made during the months of March to May or October to November.

Camping is available at the Chiricahua National Monument. The campgrounds can be found a half-mile from the visitor center. There are no showers or hook-ups at the grounds. Campers will be charged $6.00 a day. The Chiricahua National Monument requires all dogs to be on leash. Dogs are not allowed on any of the trails, except the Faraway Trail. Horseback riding is permitted, but rangers would like to be aware of their presence.

You can get the Chiricahua National Monument from Willcox by taking State Highway 186 south, until it turns into State Highway 181. There are several entrances into the National Monument from State Highway 181. If you are coming from Douglas, you will take State Highway 191 north out of town. When you get near Sunizona, you will head east on State Highway 181 to the Chiricahuas.

If you are coming from Tombstone or Bisbee, you will head south out of town on State Highway 80 to Douglas. Then you will head north on 191 through Douglas. When you get near Sunizona, you will head east on State Highway 181 to the Chiricahua’s. This National Monument is a real treasure. You should plan quite a bit of time for your visit. There is so much to see and do, that you will want to make a return visit.

Muleshoe Ranch

The Muleshoe Ranch Cooperative Management Area is a special place in Southern Arizona . This area has rugged mountains and canyon streams. The plant life includes saguaro cactus and mesquite trees. Visitors might javalina, coati mundi, fish and migratory birds. The Redfield Canyon Wilderness Area and the Galiuro Wilderness Area surround the Muleshoe Ranch Cooperative Management Area. All of these areas allow nature to thrive. Visitors will enjoy their time in this remote area.

You may get to the Muleshoe Ranch Cooperative Management Area from Willcox by taking exit 340 from Interstate 10 to Bisbee Avenue. Turn right onto Bisbee Avenue until you come upon Airport Road. Turn right onto Airport Road and continue on Airport Road for approximately 15 miles. When you reach the fork in the road bear right. Travel down the road for about 14 more miles to the Muleshoe Ranch Cooperative Management Area.

Cochise Stronghold Canyon

The Cochise Stronghold Canyon is a lovely canyon in the Dragoon Mountains. The canyon is set in a wooded area in the Coronado National Forest. This canyon was once the land of the Apache Indians. Cochise Stronghold Canyon was named after the famous Apache chief, Cochise. The Apache leader was legendary for his battles. He never lost one. One of the tactics of the leader was to use his 250 Apache warriors by hiding them in the canyon and then attack without warning. The rugged landscape and tall bluffs were perfect for lookouts for the warriors. Then in 1872, Cochise did agree to peace, only after he was promised land for his tribe.

When you visit today, you will find hiking trails, a campground and picnicking. The campground has water available from April to September. The cost to stay is $6.00 a day. The hiking trail is very interesting. It is a self-guided nature trail that explains the plant life and the different aspects of the area. The hike is approximately 6 miles long. It goes past Cochise Spring up to the Stronghold Divide.

A tough driving tour of the canyon can be done on the west side of Cochise Stronghold Canyon. The drive begins at Tombstone, where you head north out of town on State Highway 80 to Middlemarch Road. Turn right and travel east on Middlemarch Road, until the road forks. At the fork, turn right and head east on 345 Forest Service Road, which continues on to the ghost town of Pearce. The drive is approximately 24 miles across the base of the Dragoon Mountain range.

If you are interested in finding out more about this beautiful canyon, call 520-364-3468. If you would like to see this piece of history head west out of Willcox on Interstate 10. Then take State Highway 191 south to Sunsites. At the small town of Sunsites, take Ironwood Road left and head west toward the mountains. The pavement will end after a mile, but continue down the road for approximately 9 miles.

You will enjoy your trip to the Cochise Stronghold Canyon. It has something for every outdoor lover.

Garden Canyon

Garden Canyon lies in the Huachuca Mountains, in Fort Huachuca. The canyon is well maintained by thefort. It has a variety of plant and wildlife. Visitors will see wildflowers, mammals and birds. GardenCanyon is known for its butterflies.

As a matter of fact, a butterfly checklist of Fort Huachuca was
published in 1997. During a visit to Garden Canyon, you might run across mule deer, pronghorns and javelinas. In one sectionof the canyon called the Upper Picnic Area, visitors will encounter a terrific birding area. The Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Elegant Trogon and the Painted Redstart are some of the unique birds found in this spot.

If you want to continue past the Upper Picnic Area, along Scheelite Canyon Trail, it is advisable to have afour-wheel drive vehicle because the road is not maintained. In this part of the canyon, you might seeMexican Spotted Owls. The canyon is home to many ongoing archaeological studies, especially at a prehistoric village near theopening of the canyon. You can see rock paintings at higher elevations in the canyon. Some of the art is
dated back to 1200 AD. There is a white eagle painting believed to be done by Apaches in the 18th century.

Admission to the Garden Canyon is free. Drivers will however have to show proof of insurance, vehicleregistration and a driver’s license at the fort’s gate. For more information on this canyon, you can call . You can get to Garden Canyon by heading to the west side of Sierra Vista or to the south end of FortHuachuca. Enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort
Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon.

When starting out from the town of Bisbee, head east on State Highway 80 to the small town of Lowell.Then take State Highway 92 southwest, as you drive along, you will find the highway will begin to headnorth. Continue to travel on State Highway 92, until it crosses State Highway 90. Here you will take StateHighway 90 east into the town of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca. Once in town enter at the main gate ofFort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow thesigns to Garden Canyon.

Coming from the town of Tombstone, take State Highway 80 south out of town. Follow State Highway 80through the town of Bisbee to the small town of Lowell. Here you will find State Highway 92. Take State
Highway 92 southwest, after traveling on the highway it will begin to turn and head north. Continue totravel on State Highway 92, until it crosses State Highway 90. Then take State Highway 90 east into thetown of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca. Once in town enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of FryBoulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon.

The simplest way to get to the Garden Canyon from Benson is to take Interstate 10 east for a very shorttime, until you come to the State Highway 90 exit. Take State Highway 90 south down to Fort Huachuca.Once in town enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into FortHuachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Ramsey Canyon Preserve is owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy. In 1975, the NatureConservancy established the 300-acre Ramsey Canyon Preserve. It is a spectacular preserve.

This canyonis on the eastern half of the Huachuca Mountains, at an elevation of 5,525 feet.The preserve has a permanent spring-fed stream and hosts a variety of plant and wildlife. The high canyonwalls offer Ramsey a cool, moist and stable habitat. There are places to rest and take in the beauty as youwalk the three-quarter mile round trip trail. Along the trail you come across a multitude of wildlife.

Visitors may get a trail pass at no charge at the preserve office. There are at least 15 species of hummingbirds at Ramsey Canyon. That’s not all you will see, there arewrens and woodpeckers flying about. The best time to come and see these creatures is April throughSeptember.The canyon preserve has six furnished cabins for visitors. Guests need to bring food. The cabins offer abedroom, living room, dining room and kitchen combination. Cabins also include a bathroom. If you wantto spend a night in one of these cabins you will need to call in advance.

There is a bookstore at the preserve that offers a variety of information that will enhance your visit. Thestore includes books on birds, nature and cards to remember your trip. Ramsey Canyon Preserve is a very popular spot for many nature lovers and hikers. Because of thecanyon’s popularity and limited parking, it is advisable to call in advance and/or make your visit during the week. Phone reservations are required during Saturday and Sunday visits. The preserve has limitedparking and tours need to be scheduled in advance. You may call the preserve at 520-378-2785.

You can get to Ramsey Canyon Preserve from Sierra Vista and/or Fort Huachuca by taking Highway 92south out of town. Then you will head west on Ramsey Canyon Road, just outside of town. The preserve
is approximately 6 miles out of town. When starting out from the town of Bisbee, head east on State Highway 80 to the small town of Lowell.
Then take State Highway 92 southwest, as you drive along, you will find the highway will begin to headnorth. Continue to travel on State Highway 92 past Nicksville to the sign for Ramsey Canyon Road.

It isjust before you get to Sierra Vista. Coming from the town of Tombstone, take State Highway 80 south out of town. Follow State Highway 80through the town of Bisbee to the small town of Lowell. Here you will find State Highway 92. Take StateHighway 92 southwest, after traveling on the highway it will begin to turn and head north. Continue to
travel on State Highway 92 past Nicksville and look for the sign to Ramsey Canyon Road. The preserve isjust before you get to Sierra Vista.

The simplest way to get to the Ramsey Canyon Preserve from Benson is to take Interstate 10 east for a veryshort time, until you come to the State Highway 90 exit. Take State Highway 90 south down to FortHuachuca. Continue through Fort Huachuca and Sierra Vista south out of town, for approximately 6 miles.Then you will see signs for the preserve, head west on Ramsey Canyon Road.

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is along the San Pedro River. The area is managed bythe Bureau of Land Management and has been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area in 1996 by theAmerican Bird Conservancy. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area covers 56,000 acres. Itis home to over 100 species of breeding birds. The area is also a habitat for over 250 migrant and winteringbirds.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve is owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy. In 1975, the NatureConservancy established the 300-acre Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Many claim it is one of the premier birding areas inthe nation. Grey Hawks, Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat and Yellow-billed Cuckoo nest in theconservation area. During the spring, visitors might see Vermilion Flycatchers and Green Kingfishers.Abert’s Towhees and Gambel’s Quail can sometimes be spotted in the wintertime. You will also discover several mining towns such as Charleston and Millville. The history of the area goesback further to prehistoric times. Murray Springs at Clovis Site has remains of a prehistoric culture livingin the area and ruins of a Spanish presidio.

There is no admission charge to enter the conservation area. The Friends of the San Pedro River operateSan Pedro House. A bookstore is also at this spot.If you would like more information, you may call 520-458-6940 or 520-458-3559. There are several access points to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. The primary accesspoint can be met by taking Highway 90 east out of Sierra Vista and/or Fort Huachuca for approximately 8miles. Then you will come across a sign for the San Pedro House, where you will find visitor information.

When starting out from the town of Bisbee, head northwest on State Highway 80. When you get to a forkin the highway, take State Highway 90 west. Be on the look out for a sign along State Highway directingyou to the San Pedro House.Coming from the town of Tombstone, take State Highway 80 south out of town. Follow State Highway 80,down to where State Highway 90 meets State Highway 80. Take State Highway 90 west, until you come tothe signs for San Pedro House.

The simplest way to get to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area from Benson is to takeInterstate 10 east for a very short time, until you come to the State Highway 90 exit. Take State Highway90 south down to Fort Huachuca. Continue through Fort Huachuca and Sierra Vista and follow StateHighway 90 on to San Pedro House. You will see signs for the visitor center along State Highway 90.

Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge is the world’s largest natural bridge. It is called “nonnozhoshi” or “the rainbow turned to stone” by the Navajo people. The bridge’s size, symmetry and red sandstone color make it one of the most amazing sights on earth. It is 290 feet high, nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty and spans 275 feet across the water. The top of the arch is 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide.

Rugged canyons and sandstone mazes hid the bridge for many years, yet the Native American people knew
of its existence. It wasn’t until the 1800’s when it was seen by wandering trappers, prospectors and cowboys. Finally, in 1909 two exploration parties ventured across slick rock and difficult conditions to reach the bridge. Byron Cummings and W.B. Douglass, along with their guides Nasja Begay and Jim Mike announced to the world their trek to the bridge. Soon afterward in 1910, Rainbow Bridge was declared a
National Monument.

President Taft wanted to preserve this extraordinary natural bridge, which is of great scientific interest as an example of eccentric stream erosion. Natural bridges are formed by extremely rare conditions. The dry climate, steady flowing stream and firm but soft sandstone rock all became the perfect conditions for the creation of Rainbow Bridge.
Not many visitors ventured to see Rainbow Bridge after it became a national monument. the trip to the bridge was tough made by foot with a several day hike in a hot climate across slick rocks. Soon, rafts were used to make the trip easier. Still the trip took several days to complete. Rafters were faced with a 7-mile hike to Rainbow Bridge after leaving the raft. Even by the 1950’s the trip took three days. It wasn’t until 1963, when the Glen Canyon Dam was complete and the water began to fill into Lake Powell that the higher water level made access to Rainbow Bridge much easier.

Today 300,000 people come to Rainbow Bridge each year. Rainbow Bridge is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, however it is a separate unit of the National Park System.

The National Monument status reduces the range of activities permitted compared to that of a National Recreational Area. Activities such as swimming, fishing, water-skiing are not allowed within the monument.

Rainbow Bridge has been a sacred religious symbol for the Native Americans living in the area for countless years. Visitors are reminded to respect the religious importance of Rainbow Bridge by staying at
the viewing area to marvel at its beauty. Please do not leave this area and hike up to or under the bridge.

As visitors to the bridge, please respect the long-standing beliefs of the Native American people. The ranger station is staffed intermittently during the year. The best time to visit is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the station is staffed daily. There are no fees to see Rainbow Bridge, however there is a fee to use the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, of which Rainbow Bridge is included.

Rainbow Bridge can be accessed by boat. Visitors can take a tour or rent a boat from a marina along Lake Powell to reach the bridge. By boat it is approximately 50 miles from Wahweap, Bullfrog or Halls Crossing marinas to the bridge. There is a courtesy dock for those who want to take the half-mile hike to the bridge. It is important to remember to stay on the trail to the bridge. The monument is trying to prevent trampling of vegetation. There is a revegetation effort underway. The dock is for short-term use only. The courtesy dock has rest rooms only.

Visitors should plan on a minimum of four hours to boat to the bridge, hike to the viewing area and return to the marina. The trip will take a minimum of 6 hours, if you are leaving from the Hite area marina. There are half day and full day tours available at the Wahweap Marina. Lakeshore camping is available; however there is no camping permitted within the Rainbow Bridge National Monument boundaries.

Individuals, who want to hike to the bridge, will need to acquire a permit from the Navajo Nation. Hikers will be traveling through Navajo Nation lands to reach Rainbow Bridge. If you are interested in making this hike please write t Navajo Nation, Parks and Recreation Department, Box 9000, Window Rock, Arizona 86515 or call 520-871-6647 or 520-871-4941. There are no roadways to the bridge.

Hassayampa River Preserve

Hassayampa River Preserve

The Nature Conservancy owns the Hassayampa River Preserve. The mission of the preserve is to protect plants and animals faced with extinction by providing important shade, water and food the desert wildlife in the area.
The word “Hassayampa”is an Apache word meaning “river that runs upside down”. The reason the Native Americans gave it this name is because the river run mostly underground, except for the 4-mile stretch through Wickenburg. The water from the river provides lush vegetation.
The Hassayampa River Preserve stretches alongside the river. There are several areas within the preserve that are ideal habitats for rare animals and birds. The riparian area by the river’s bank includes a Fremont Cottonwood-Goodding Willow forest, which is one of the least common forest types in North America. The migration of over 220 species of birds is drawn to this spot, along with mule deer, javalina and bobcats.
Palm Lake is another area that wildlife congregates. This special 4-acre pond and marsh attracts birds such as blue heron, Harris Hawk and many migrating waterfowl. There are many endangered fish species that make Palm Lake their home too.
The Hassayampa River Preserve has nature trails and guided walks. These experiences really get you in touch with nature. Paths are found all over the preserve. The paths will take you through a variety of habitats ranging from desert areas to lush zones along the river. Hikers can get guides in the Visitor Center for the two nature trails in the preserve. The Hassayampa River Nature Trail is one and half-mile loop. The Palm Lake Nature Trail is a short half-mile walk.
The preserve also has a bookstore available for those who want to learn more about the preserve or the wildlife. The Visitor Center was once built as a stagecoach way station in the late 1860’s. Later, it became part of the Fredrick Brill Ranch and was one of Arizona ’s first dude ranches. Then in 1986, the Nature Conservancy purchased the property. Today, the adobe building is listed on Arizona ’s Register of Historic Places and is used as the Visitor Center for the preserve.
The Hassayampa River Preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 to 5:00 during September 16 through May 14. The preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday from 6:00 to 12:00 during the summer months. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The cost of admission is a donation of $5.00 per person.
The preserve is located along Highway 60, just south of Wickenburg on the west side of the road. It is three miles southeast of Wickenburg. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson take Interstate 17 north out of town. Once you have come to State Highway 74, just outside of Phoenix take it west. When State Highway 74 runs into State Highway 60, take it north to the Preserve. Look for the “Hassayampa River Preserve”sign on the west side of the highway. If you are coming from Flagstaff and would like to take a scenic route to Wickenburg, you will take Highway 89A south out of town. You will pass through Sedona, Cottonwood and into Prescott. Once in Prescott take Highway 89 southwest out of town passing through Peeples Valley. When Highway 89 meets State Highway 93 take it south to Wickenburg. Once you are in town continue through it, until you come to State Highway 60 south toward Phoenix. You will take the State Highway 60 south about three miles to the preserve.
If you would like more information on the preserve, you may call 520-684-2772. You will want to call ahead for information on tours starting at the Visitor Center.

Hassayampa River Preserve is an oasis in the Sonoran Desert.

Arizona Fishing

URBAN LAKES — The urban lakes were stocked this week with channel catfish. Fishing for catfish is good to excellent. Try stink baits, shrimp or worms fished on the bottom. Catfish are biting throughout the day but are most active at dusk. Sunfish are biting well at most lakes. Try small worms or mealworms. Bass fishing has been good at the large lakes and at Papago Ponds. This is the spawning period for bass, so please practice catch-and-release. TEMPE TOWN LAKE — It is the warmwater sport-fish season now. Bass fishing is very good. Fish are averaging 1-3 pounds and can be caught on crankbaits and plastics and some on minnows. Bass were the most abundant species in a recent fish survey, with many over 3 pounds and the largest about 6 pounds. Various types of plastic worms are working best. A 13-inch minimum length regulation for largemouth bass is in effect. There are plenty of bluegill and yellow bass that will bite mealworms and night crawlers. Channel catfish are starting to bite. The lake is producing some nice cats up to 5 pounds. Try hotdogs or shrimp. Fishing for carp is excellent: use dough bait or corn. Trout fishing is slowing down. Water temperatures are in the mid 70s already. Some trout can still be caught over the next few weeks. Good bait choices are Power Bait, salmon eggs or corn. You need a state fishing license – Class A (not an Urban License). A two-pole stamp can be used here. All questions regarding boating information can be answered by the Town Lake Operations Center (480) –350-8625.

LAKE PLEASANT — Water level is at 1,691 feet (88 percent full). Water is being pumped into the lake only to maintain the lake level, which should remain steady until water is released in May. There are still some largemouth bass on beds but most have finished spawning. Those that have finished spawning can be found in about 20 feet of water. Most anglers are having success in the northern reaches of the lake using Senkos, drop shot, lizards, creature baits, and tubes. Topwater plugs, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are working well during morning and evening hours. Live bait always works well, especially shad, which can be easily caught in the backs of coves with a cast net. White bass and crappie are also being caught throughout the lake, but the hot spots seem to be the Agua Fria and Castle Creek. Several striped bass catches were reported from Castle Creek, Agua Fria, and Humbug. Crappie lights can yield large mixed bag catches this time of year during nights with little moonlight. The catfish bite is starting to pick up. Several catfish are being caught in 10 to 25 feet of water. Sunfish have moved near shore and can be easily had on worms.

ROOSEVELT LAKE — The lake is 37-percent full at elevation 2,088 feet. The Salt River was flowing at 914 cfs and Tonto Creek was flowing at 20 cfs Monday morning. Crappie fishing is heating up. They are being caught near shore in coves and around structure and stickups. The flats just north of Salome Cove are a hotspot. Many fish are over 1 pound. A minnow under a slip bobber is the bait of choice. Largemouth bass fishing is fantastic. Anglers are reporting 15-30 fish per day with more overs this spring than during recent years. Many fish under the slot are being caught in the 10-13 inch range. Anglers fishing a recent tournament say they caught slot fish throughout the lake, but caught the larger fish using spinnerbaits in the breaks. Bass are spawning and on beds. Try reaction baits to locate fish then switch to finesse plastics. Smallmouth bass are also biting; try using in-line spinners and crayfish imitations especially off rocky points and cliff walls. Windy days can be good for smallmouth as the waves stir up the rocky bottom. Carp fishing is excellent, use corn or dough bait. Department sponsored Camp Carp will be held May 1 and 2: come join us for some bottom-fishing fun. For more details call (480) 981-9400 ext. 213. Please harvest largemouth bass under the 13-inch slot. Catfishing is improving but are not real active yet. Call the Mesa Game and Fish office at (480) 981-9309 if you catch a tagged flathead catfish. Note: Anglers are reminded of the slot bass size limit that remains in effect at Roosevelt where bass between 13 to 16 inches must be released immediately. Also those bass below 13 inches and above 16 inches that are kept can only be gutted with the head and tail attached so the legal length can be determined. All other fish such as crappie, catfish and bluegill harvested from the lake must have a piece of skin attached to the fillets so species can be determined.

APACHE — Lake is 96-percent full at 1,908 feet. Largemouth bass fishing is heating up. Bass are being caught in the 10-20 foot depth with drop shots and Senkos. Spinnerbaits and lures like a shad Rat-L-Trap are also working. Smallmouth fishing has also picked up. Fish for them along the cliff walls in 5-15 feet of water. They will take inline spinners and crawfish imitation baits. Walleye can be caught off cliffs and rocky points with inline spinners or drifting night crawlers. Try rock-runners with worm harnesses or shad-patterned crankbaits for walleye after dark. Yellow bass can be found in and around balls of shad. Spoons and cut bait work well for them. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is tagging walleye with a blue spaghetti-type tag near the dorsal fin. If you catch one, please note the tag number, location caught and accurate length of the fish and call the department’s Mesa office at (480) 981-9400. You can keep the tag and the fish. There is a certified scale at the marina boathouse.

CANYON — Lake is 94-percent full at 1,658 feet. Bass fishing is good. Bass are in the spawning mode and guarding nests. Crankbaits and plastics are catching fish. Garland spider jigs and lizards are working well here. One young 12-year-old angler caught a 12-pound, 4-ounce largemouth bass on a drop-shot rig. Some big fish are being caught at night. Smallmouth action can be really good right at dark; imitation crawdads work well. At night try noisy topwater lures and crankbaits. This is also a great lake for yellow bass, a member of the true bass family. Locate balls of shad and jig spoons in and around the school of shad. A few walleye are being caught trolling along cliffs. Shad imitation Rat-L-Traps can be effective for walleye here. Big carp can be caught off the shore in the recreation and beach/picnic area. Use dough bait and corn.

SAGUARO — Lake level is 1,527 feet (97-percent full). Bass fishing is red hot right now. Anglers are reporting some of the best catch rates in several years. Lake temperatures are in the upper 60s. Most fish are being caught drop shotting (tight lines) or with Senkos in 10-25 foot depths. A good place to try right now is the snags area. Anglers are starting to see fish in the 5 to 15 foot depths and even occasionally some topwater action. Males are on the nests; creature and nuisance type baits can trigger these fish to bite. The big females can be found deeper off points and in the mouths of coves. Fishing off points and shelves in 20-30 feet of water can also be productive. Yellow bass can be caught jigging spoons or cut bait. Try to locate shad in 40-60 feet of water and jig through them. They are often found near Shiprock and where the “no wake” zone buoys area in the upper end of the lake. Catfishing is improving. Try stink baits, hotdogs or shrimp. Reports of large channel catfish 5-15 pounds are being caught in Mesquite and Bagley Flats area. There is a certified scale at the marina to get an official weight and still release your catch. Two witnesses are needed for the weight to be official.

BARTLETT — Bass fishing is red hot for one- to two-pound fish. Lake level was at 1,765 feet (58-percent full). Crappie fishing is good. Some are being caught with minnows near the Yellow Cliffs area and in coves around structure. Try the Alder Cove area. Night fishing under lights has been good around the Rattlesnake Cove recreation area. Don’t’ overlook the habitat buoys as fish will start to concentrate around these structures. Bass aren’t huge (1-2 pound range) but plentiful; anglers often catch between 10 and 20 bass a day here. Bass are being caught with crawdad imitations and dark plastics. Most reports say shad imitation crankbaits fished near rock piles along the main lake are working best. Drop-shotting “Robo Worms” is working well. Black Power Worms and lizard imitations have been catching fish. Soft plastics, jigs and Westys are the best nighttime baits. Also keep a look out for bass chasing shad boils, try throwing jerk baits into the boil. Catfishing is improving.

HORSESHOE — Lake is temporarily holding water at 30 percent capacity. The boat ramp is 7 feet in the water. In a recent fish survey largemouth bass from 1-3 pounds were caught in the upper end of the lake. The water is very clear and fish will be visible on beds. Upstream from Horseshoe Dam is an unlimited harvest area for all game fish. The river above the lake is fishable now, and will be a good bet for large and smallmouth bass in the next few weeks. The deep pool below the dam is known for producing flathead and channel cats. The Colorado pikeminnow and the razorback sucker are endangered and must be released immediately

VERDE RIVER — Monday morning flows were 125 cfs at Camp Verde. Flows were 230 cfs below Bartlett Dam. Fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass is improving. No reports on catfishing. Remember that no baitfish can be transported into this part of the river (above Horseshoe). For further information concerning regulations, call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (602) 789-3257.

LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) — Rainbow trout were stocked at Phon-D-Sutton and Granite Reef five weeks ago for the last time this season. Fish can be caught using traditional trout baits and lures such as Power Bait, corn and spinners. Fish are averaging 9-14 inches. Fly-fishing can be very productive in this stretch of the river. A recent survey in this stretch produced some nice largemouth bass; a few were over 5 pounds.

CREEKS — Tonto, Canyon, Workman, and Haigler have all been stocked recently with rainbow trout. Stockings will continue through the spring and into the summer. Spinners, worms, corn, and Power Bait will all work.

HORSETHIEF LAKE — This 10-acre lake located in the pines in the Bradshaw Mountains is a real sleeper. Take the Crown King exit off I 17. Great for a canoe, car topper or belly boat. The lake is full of largemouth bass, sunfish and channel catfish. Great trip with the family to escape the heat.

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