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Arizona Game and Fish Department

2003 Fishing Regulations

azgfd.com

“Take me fishing.”

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Arizona Fishing RegulationChanges Since Last Year

NOTE: This summary of fishing regulations is prepared for convenience only. It is not a legaldocument, as it does not contain all the laws and regulations relating to fishing. For additionalinformation contact any Arizona Game and Fish Department office or visit the Departmentweb site at www.azgfd.com.

Fishing Licenses ............................................ 3

Who Needs a Fishing License? ...................... 4

Fish Consumption Advisory ........................... 4

COMMISSION ORDERS

Fish .......................................................... 4-6

Amphibians ................................................. 8

Crustaceans and Mollusks .......................... 9

Reptiles (Aquatic only) ................................ 9

Fish Regulation Definitions ............................ 7

Family Fishing License Application ................. 7

Areas of Unlimited Harvest .................... 10 - 11

RULES

R12-4-201 Pioneer License ....................... 12

R12-4-117 Indian Reservations ................. 12

R12-4-202 Disabled Veteran’s License ...... 12

R12-4-310 Fishing Permits .................. 12-13

R12-4-311 Fishing Licenses Exemptions .. 13

R12-4-312 Special Use Stamps................. 13

R12-4-313 Method of Take ....................... 13

R12-4-314 Possession, Sale, Transport .... 13

R12-4-315 Possession of Live Fish ........... 14

R12-4-316 Possession of Baitfish, Crayfish . 14

R12-4-404 Possesion of Live Wildlife ........ 14

R12-4-517 Watercraft Engine Restriction ... 14

TITLE 17

ARS 17-303 Taking From Closed Area ....... 15

ARS 17-304 Prohibition of Landowners ....... 15

ARS 17-335 Minors; Blind Residents ......... 15

ARS 17-335.01 Lifetime Licenses .............. 15

ARS 17-336 Complementary Licenses ....... 15

ARS 17-337 Soldier’s Fishing Licenses ....... 15

ARS 17-342 Colorado River Use Permit ....... 15

Live Baitfish ................................................. 16

Protect Our Natural Legacy .......................... 17

Phone Numbers for Fish Info ....................... 18

2001 Big Fish-of-the-Year ............................ 18

Record Fish Program and Entry Form ............ 19

Arizona Fish Records ................................... 20

Fish Scale Locations ..................................... 21

Whirling Disease ............................................ 21

Sport Fish Identification ........................ 22 - 26

Protected Native Fish ................................... 27

Common Fishing Knots ................................ 27

Lead Exposure .............................................. 28

Watercraft Operation .................................... 28

Fishing Clinics .............................................. 28

Monofilament Recovery Program ................. 29

Angler’s Code of Ethics ................................ 29

Youth Fishing Information ............................ 30

Accessible Fishing Opportunities ................. 32

Where to Fish in Arizona .............................. 32

Protect Our Natural Legacy .......................... 33

Sportfish & Wildlife Restoration ................... 33

1 . Regulations at Lees Ferry have changed. First, the area consid-ered the “Blue Ribbon” fishery at Lees Ferry has changed a bit.Rather than extending to Marble Canyon Bridge, it will end at thebeginning of the Paria Riffle (the rapids below the mouth of theParia River at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area). Second, thebag and possession limits have changed. Third, size limits have beenchanged. And lastly, in the area below the Blue Ribbon fisheryboundary (beginning at the Paria Riffle and extending downstream)bait can be used. Check for signs at Lees Ferry for more informa-tion. Here’s a summary.

a . For the section of River extending from Glen Canyon Dam tothe beginning of the Paria Riffle, the new daily bag limit is 4 fish(the maximum number of fish you can harvest in any one calendar day). The maximum size of fish you can possess is 12inches. Larger fish must be immediately released. And you canpossess two daily bags (8 trout in possession). A fish must beimmediately killed if you plan to make it part of your bag, otherwise it must be immediately released.

b . For the section of River extending from the beginning of theParia Riffle downstream to 21 Mile Rapid in Grand Canyon National Park, thedaily bag limit is 6 fish. There is no size limit in this section of the river, and youcan have up to 8 fish in possession (that is fish caught over multiple days). Baitcan be used in this section of the river beginning at the Paria Riffle and extending downstream.

2 . A section of the Upper West Fork of the Black River hasbeen closed to fishing to help recover the Apache Trout, one of ournative trout. The closed area is relatively small. It extends from theupper Apache trout fish barrier (located approximately 1/4 mile downstream of theForest Road 116 crossing) to 100 yards below the lower Apache trout fish barrier.In total, about 1/3 of a mile is closed to fishing. Look for signs around the barriers.

3 . Surprise Lake has been added to the list of official UrbanFishing Lakes. Urban fishing regulations will apply at that lake when it opens. (Seethe separate 2003 Urban Fishing Regulations.)

4 . Some dates have been edited to clarify seasons. Rather than usethe word “to” to describe a season, we use the word “through” toavoid confusion. For example, the dates for the artificial fly and lurecatch-and-release season for Silver creek were changed from “Octo-ber 1 to April 1” to read “October 1 through March 31”.

Table of Contents

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2003 Fishing License InformationAll licenses sold are valid for the calendar year (January to December) unless otherwise noted.

ResidentClass A- General fishing (valid for all species except trout, grayling and char) ..... $ 18.00Class A- General fishing purchased in November and December (valid for warm-water species only) ............................................................................... $ 9.00Class D- One-day fishing (valid for all species) .................................... $ 12.50Class F- Combination Hunting & Fishing(valid for all species) ............................................................................ $ 44.00Class F- Youth Combination Hunting & Fishing(valid for all species) ............................................................................ $ 25.50Resident youth group two-day (valid for all species) ........................... $ 25.00Class I - Family Fishing (valid for all species including trout and is available for saleonly at AGFD offices - see page 7 for application form)

Cost for first parent ..................................................................... $ 28.50Cost for second parent ................................................................ $ 22.80Cost for each dependent child age 14 to 17 ................................. $ 2.00

Class U- Urban Fishing (valid for all species) ....................................... $ 16.00 100% Disabled Veteran (valid for all species) ............................... free

Pioneer - 70 years of age/AZ resident past 25 years (valid for all species) ..... freeTrout stamp (validates Class A or Lifetime License) ............................. $ 10.50Two Pole Stamp (for use on any Arizona License) ............................... $ 4.00Lifetime Fishing License and Trout Stamp (see ARS 17-335.01 on page 15) ..... various

NonresidentClass A- General Fishing (valid for all species except trout, grayling and char) ... $ 51.50Class A- General Fishing purchased in November and December (valid for warm-water species only) ............................................................................... $ 25.75Class B- Four Month (valid for all species) ........................................... $ 37.50Class C- Five-day (valid for all species) ................................................ $ 26.00Class D- One-day (valid for all species) ................................................ $ 12.50Class E- Colorado River only (valid for all species) .............................. $ 42.50Class F- Combination Hunting & Fishing (valid for all species) ................. $177.50Class F- Youth Combination Hunting & Fishing (valid for all species) .... $ 25.50Class U- Urban Fishing (valid for all species) ....................................... $ 16.00Trout Stamp (validates Class A for trout) ............................................. $ 49.50Two Pole Stamp (for use on any Arizona License) ............................... $ 4.00

Colorado River Special Use StampsArizona Stamp- For use on any California and Nevada License ............ $ 3.00Arizona Lake Powell Stamp- Only for use on any Utah Resident License .. $ 3.00California Stamp- For use on any Arizona License .............................. $ 3.00Nevada Stamp- For use on any Arizona License .................................. $ 3.00Utah Lake Powell Stamp Only for use on Arizona Resident License .... $ 8.00

(Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required when fishing from a boat on waters whichform mutual boundaries between Arizona and California or Nevada. Utah Lake Powell Stampallows an Arizona resident licensee to fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell. These stampsare available at Department offices and some license dealers near the boundary waters.)

To purchase Hunting and Fishing Licenses:Call 1-866-GO-AZGFD (1-866-462-0433)

or via the Web at azgfd.com

GovernorJanet Napolitano

Arizona Game & Fish CommissionJoe Carter, Chairman, Safford

Susan E. Chilton, ArivacaW. Hayes Gilstrap, Phoenix

Joe Melton, YumaMichael M. Golightly, Flagstaff

DirectorDuane L. Shroufe

Arizona Game & Fish Department2221 W. Greenway Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85023 • (602) 942-3000TTY (800) 367-8939

azgfd.com

Regional OfficesRegion I

2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.Pinetop, 85935 .......................(928) 367-4281

Region II3500 S. Lake Mary Rd.

Flagstaff, 86001 .....................(928) 774-5045Region III

5325 N. Stockton Hill Rd.Kingman, 86401.....................(928) 692-7700

Region IV9140 E. 28th St.

Yuma, 85365..........................(928) 342-0091Region V

555 N. Greasewood Rd.Tucson, 85745........................(520) 628-5376

Region VI7200 E. University Dr.

Mesa, 85207...........................(480) 981-9400

Department’s MissionTo conserve, enhance, and restore

Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources andhabitats through aggressive protection and

management programs, and to providewildlife resources and safe watercraft and

off-highway vehicle recreation for theenjoyment, appreciation, and use by

present and future generations.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibitsdiscrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, nationalorigin, age, disability in its programs and activities. Ifanyone believes that they have been discriminated againstin any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including itsemployment practices, the individual may file a complaintalleging discrimination directly with the AGFD DeputyDirector, 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 requirethis document in an alternative format, please contact theAGFD Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at1-800-367-8939.

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A VALID FISHING LICENSE is required ofany person, except residents or non-residentsunder the age of fourteen years and blindresidents, for taking aquatic wildlife frompublic waters.

AN URBAN FISHING LICENSE (Class U), a OneDay, or a Pioneer License is required for takingaquatic wildlife from waters designated asUrban Fishing Lakes in Commission Order 40.

ANYONE UNDER THE AGE of fourteenyears of age, blind residents, pioneer ordisabled veteran complimentary license, ClassD, and resident youth group license holdersmay take aquatic wildlife from designatedurban waters without an Urban FishingLicense (Class U).

TWO-POLE STAMP validates a Class A, B, C,D, E, F, I, U, Disabled Veterans, Lifetime orPioneer license for simultaneous fishing.

NO TROUT STAMP is required for Class B,C, D, E, F, I, U or complimentary licenses totake trout. A trout stamp must be affixed tothe back of Class A or Lifetime license tovalidate it for the taking of trout which includesthe definition of “fishing”, ARS 17-101.A7.

FISHING LINES must be constantly attended,and the hook, fly or lure must be used in sucha manner that the fish voluntarily attempt totake it in their mouths.

I. GENERAL SPORT FISHING SEASONS - OPEN ALL YEAR WITH THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS; JANUARY 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2003.

A. Legal fish and daily bag and possession limits.

1. Trout (including char, salmon, and grayling) - 6 trout in the aggregate, statewide. Unlicensed blind residents orunlicensed persons under the age of 14 may take only one-half the regular limit of trout. Where the limit is 5 trout,such unlicensed persons may take only 3 trout. EXCEPT:

a. The Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam to the beginning of the Paria Riffle (Lee’s Ferry), trout over 12 inchesmay not be possessed, the limit shall be 4 trout per day and 8 trout in possession. Trout taken from this areashall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released. (See artificial lure regulations.)

b. The Colorado River from the beginning of the Paria Riffle to 21mile rapids, including all tributaries within theGrand Canyon National Park, the limit shall be 6 trout per day and 8 trout in possession. Trout taken fromthese areas shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released.

c. The Colorado River from 21 mile rapids to Separation Canyon, including all tributaries in the Grand CanyonNational Park, unlimited.

d. The Colorado River from Separation Canyon to Hoover Dam, the limit shall be 5 trout.

e. The Colorado River from Hoover Dam to Morelos Dam, the limit shall be 10 trout.

f. All waters within the City Park Systems of Kearny, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tucson, Glendale,Youngtown, Chandler, Litchfield Park, Gilbert and Payson, the limit shall be 4 trout.

g. Canyon Creek, the limit shall be 4 trout from its source to the O.W. Bridge, from the O.W. Bridge to the Fort ApacheIndian Reservation trout must be immediately released, no trout may be kept. (See artificial lure regulations.)

h. Chevelon Canyon Lake, the limit shall be 6 trout, trout between 10 and 14 inches may not be possessed. Trouttaken at Chevelon Canyon Lake shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released.(See artificial lure regulations.)

i. Becker Lake and Carnero Lake, the limit shall be 2 trout. (See artificial lure regulations.)

j. Lee Valley Lake the limit shall be 2 trout, minimum size 12 inches. (See artificial lure regulations.)

k. J. D. Lake, Perkins Tank, Middle Tank and Elk Tank: trout must be immediately released, no trout may bekept. (See artificial lure regulations.)

l. Ackre Lake; the West Fork of the Black River from the confluence of Hayground Creek upstream to the FortApache Indian Reservation including tributaries, Burro, Thompson, Stinky, and Hayground Creeks; theWest Fork of Oak Creek and that portion of Oak Creek between Junipine Crossing and Call-of-the-CanyonCrossing spanning the confluence of Oak and West Fork of Oak creeks; and from October 1 through March31 Silver Creek in Navajo County within the Boundaries of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Ownedproperty (excluding the portion designated as state fish hatchery): trout must be immediately released, notrout may be kept. (See artificial lure regulations.)

m. Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from September 1 through March 31 from the following waters.

1. East Clear Creek in Coconino and Navajo counties and its tributaries upstream from the confluence ofEast Clear Creek and Willow Creek including Blue Ridge and Knoll Reservoirs.

2. Nutrioso Creek from its confluence with the Little Colorado River upstream to Highway 180 in the Cityof Nutrioso including Nelson Reservoir.

3. Chevelon Creek, in Coconino and Navajo counties downstream from Chevelon Crossing to the LittleColorado River.

n. Fortuna Pond in Yuma County the limit shall be four trout.

2. Largemouth and smallmouth bass (Micropterus spp.) - 6 bass in the aggregate statewide, EXCEPT:

a. The Colorado River from Davis Dam to Morelos Dam, including Topock Marsh, the limit shall be 6 bass, minimumsize 13 inches.

b. Cholla Lake in Navajo County and Roosevelt Lake in Gila County; the limit shall be 6 bass, bass between 13 and16 inches may not be possessed.

c. Alamo Lake in Mohave and LaPaz Counties, the limit shall be 6 bass in possession of which no more than 1 maybe between 13 and 16 inches.

d. Kearny Lake in Pinal County, Pena Blanca Lake in Santa Cruz County, Maricopa Lake in Youngtown, and TempeTown Lake in Tempe the limit shall be 4 bass, minimum size 13 inches.

e. For all Designated Urban Lakes listed under Section IV.B.; the limit shall be 4 bass, minimum size 13 inches,EXCEPT Papago Park Ponds 1 through 3 in Phoenix, where the limit shall be 1 bass minimum size 13 inches.

Statewide includes all State and Federal Refuges and Parks; open areas do not include any area closed to fishing orclosed to entry under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304, and Section V of this Commission Order.

COMMISSION ORDER 40: FISH

The Arizona Game and Fish Department andthe Arizona Department of Health Servicesadvises anglers not eat fish, turtles, crayfish orany other aquatic animals from listed watersbelow. Fish and other aquatic wildlife takenfrom these waters may contain DDT, mercury,and other compounds at levels thought toincrease the risk of cancer in humans.

1. The Salt River downstream from 59th Avenueto the Gila River confluence (115th Ave.).

2. The Gila River from just above its confluencewith the Salt River downstream to and includingPainted Rock Borrow Pit.

3. The Hassayampa River from the BuckeyeCanal to the Gila River.

4. Arivaca and Pena Blanca lakes in Santa CruzCounty.

5. Upper and Lower Lake Mary in CoconinoCounty.

6. Lyman Lake in Apache County.

7. Parker Canyon Lake in Cochise County.

Who Needs aFishing License?

Fish ConsumptionHealth Advisory

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f. Mittry Lake, the limit shall be 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches.

g. Fortuna Pond, Redondo Lake, Growler Pond and Quigley Pond in Yuma County,the limit shall be 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches.

h. Arivaca Lake in Pima County, largemouth bass taken from this area shall beimmediately released.

i. Lake Powell the limit shall be 20 for smallmouth bass and 5 for largemouth bass.

j. Unlimited in the following waters.

1. Virgin River, Mohave County.

2. Salt River in Gila County, from the Roosevelt Diversion Dam upstream to theboundary junction of the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian Reservations.

3. Verde River and its tributaries from Horseshoe Dam upstream to Granite Creek.

3. Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) - 10 striped bass statewide, Except: Striped bass mayalso be taken by spear or spear gun from the waters of Lake Mead and that portionof Lake Mohave between Hoover Dam and Cottonwood Landing.

a. Lake Mead the limit shall be 20 striped bass.

b. Lake Mohave the limit shall be 20 for striped bass 20 inches in length or larger.There shall be no limit on the number of striped bass taken under 20 inches inlength.

c. Lake Powell and Lake Pleasant unlimited.

d. The Colorado River from Separation Canyon to 21 mile rapids including alltributaries unlimited.

4. Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) - 6 walleye, statewide, EXCEPT Lake Powell where thelimit shall be 10 walleye.

5. Northern pike (Esox lucius) - Unlimited statewide, EXCEPT Upper Lake Mary andStoneman Lake where the limit shall be 6 pike. Northern pike taken shall be killed andretained as part of the bag limit or immediately released.

6. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) and flatheadcatfish (Pylodictis olivaris) - 25 in the aggregate, statewide, EXCEPT:

a. The Colorado River south of the California-Nevada boundary, the limit shall be 10in the aggregate.

b. Waters within the City Park Systems of Kearny, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale,Tempe, Tucson, Glendale, Youngtown, Chandler, Payson, Gilbert, and LitchfieldPark the limit shall be 4 in the aggregate.

c. Granite Basin Lake and Fain Lake in Yavapai County; Dankworth Lake, CluffPonds 1 and 3, Roper Lake in Graham County, and Pena Blanca Lake in SantaCruz County the limit shall be 4 in the aggregate.

d. Unlimited in the following waters.

1. Virgin River, Mohave County.

2. Salt River in Gila County, from the Roosevelt Diversion Dam upstream to theboundary junction of the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian Reservations.

3. Verde River and its tributaries from Horseshoe Dam upstream to GraniteCreek.

4. The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon from Separation Canyon to 21 milerapids including all tributaries unlimited.

e. Fortuna Pond in Yuma County the limit shall be 4 in the aggregate.

7. Crappie (Pomoxis spp.) - unlimited statewide, EXCEPT:

a. Lake Powell the limit shall be 10 crappie.

b. Lakes Mead and Mohave the limit shall be 15 crappie.

c. Colorado River south of the California-Nevada boundary including Mittry Lakeand Topock Marsh the limit shall be 25 crappie.

8. White Amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella – grass carp) - no limit statewide, EXCEPT:

a. The Salt River Project, the Yuma County Water User’s Association and Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District, White Amur must be immediatelyreleased, no white amur may be kept.

b. For all Designated Urban Lakes listed under Section IV.B; the limit shall be onewhite amur, minimum size 30 inches.

c. For waters within the City Park System of Kearny, the limit shall be one white amur(grass carp), minimum size 30 inches.

9. Native Fish

a. Roundtail chub (Gila robusta) - 1 chub statewide, minimum size 13 inches.

b. Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache) - 6 trout statewide, except as specified inI.A.1 of this Commission Order where size or harvest limits have been ordered forharvest of trout at specific bodies of water.

c. The following native fish are protected statewide and may not be possessed: Gilatrout (Oncorhynchus gilae), humpback chub (Gila cypha), woundfin (Plagopterusargentissimus), Colorado River pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), bonytailchub (Gila elegans), razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), Sonora chub (Giladitaenia), spikedace (Meda fulgida), desert pupfish (Cyprinodon maculariusmacularius), loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis), Little Colorado River spinedace(Lepidomeda vittata), Virgin River roundtail chub (Gila seminuda), Yaqui chub(Gila purpurea), Mexican stoneroller (Campostoma ornatum), Virgin Riverspinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis), Gila chub (Gila intermedia),beautiful shiner (Cyprinella formosa), Yaqui catfish (Ictalurus pricei), Quitobaquitopupfish (Cyprinodon eremus), Yaqui topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalissonoriensis) and Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis).

10. Sunfishes ( includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and hybrid sunfish),unlimited statewide, EXCEPT:

a. For all Designated Urban Lakes listed under Section IV.B.; the limit shall be 10sunfish in the aggregate.

b. Tempe Town Lake the limit shall be 10 sunfish in the aggregate.

11. All resident species of fish taken from The Pond at Town Hall, Gilbert, Arizona shallbe immediately released.

12. ALL OTHER SPECIES UNLIMITED STATEWIDE.

II. DESIGNATED SNAGGING AREAS SEASONS - (See R12-4-313, 2a for species.)

A. Areas

1. Alamo Lake, open season January, February and December.

III. ARTIFICIAL LURES AND FLIES ONLY.

A. In the following areas, fish shall be taken only by artificial lures and flies: BeckerLake in Apache County from October 1 through May 24; Chevelon Canyon Lakein Coconino County; Ackre Lake in Greenlee County; Lee Valley Lake and theWest Fork of the Black River from the confluence of Hayground Creek upstreamto the Fort Apache Indian Reservation including tributaries, Burro, Thompson,Stinky, and Hayground Creeks, in Apache County and that portion of CanyonCreek from the O.W. Bridge to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Gila County.

B. In the following areas, fish shall be taken only by artificial lures and flies withbarbless hooks; that portion of the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam to thebeginning of the Paria Riffle (Lees Ferry) in Coconino County, Silver Creek inNavajo County within the boundaries of the property owned by the Arizona Gameand Fish Commission (excluding that portion designated as state fish hatchery)from October 1 through March 31, Carnero Lake in Apache County, and The Pondat Town Hall in the Town of Gilbert.

C. In the following areas, fish shall be taken only by artificial lures and flies with singlebarbless hooks; the West Fork of Oak Creek in Coconino County and that portionof Oak Creek in Coconino County between Junipine Crossing and Call-of-the-Canyon Crossing; and J. D. Dam Lake, Perkins, Elk, and Middle tanks inCoconino County.

Statewide includes all State and Federal Refuges and Parks; open areas do not include any area closed to fishing or closed to entry under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304, andSection V of this Commission Order.


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IV.DESIGNATED URBAN FISHING LAKES SEASONS - OPEN ALL YEAR.

A. Legal fish and daily bag and possession limits.

1. Trout - 4 trout.

2. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)- 4 in the aggregate.

3. Largemouth and smallmouth bass (Micropterus spp.) - 4 bass in theaggregate, minimum size 13 inches, EXCEPT:

a. Papago Park Ponds 1 through 3 in Phoenix, the limit shall be 1 bass,minimum size 13 inches.

4. White amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella) - one white amur (grass carp),minimum size 30 inches.

5. Sunfishes ( includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and hybridsunfish) - the limit shall be 10 sunfish in the aggregate.

B. Open Designated Urban Lakes: Riverview Park Lake and Red Mountain Lake in Mesa;Chaparral Lake in Scottsdale; Canal Park Lake and Kiwanis Lake in Tempe; Silverbell,Lakeside, and Kennedy lakes in Tucson; Papago Park Ponds 1 through 3, Alvord Lakeat Cesar Chavez Park, Encanto, Desert West and Cortez Park lakes in Phoenix; DesertBreeze Park Lake, Chandler; Green Valley Lakes, Payson; Water Ranch Lake, Gilbert;Sahuarita Lake, Town of Sahuarita, and Surprise Lake, City of Surprise.

V. CLOSED TO FISHING.

A. Areas.

1. Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries.

2. Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop.

3. The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstreamfrom 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 NationalForest Boundary.

8. Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lakeand Lake Mead.

9. Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (LakePleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat Dams.

10. Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 locatedalong the Salinity Canal north of Yuma.

11. The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31.

12. Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from November 15through February 15.

13. Posted portion of Mittry Lake from November 15 through February 15.

14. Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December15 through June 15.

15. Posted portions of Lake Mead.

16. Posted portions of Powers Butte closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife.

17. Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area.

18. Posted portions of Lake Havasu.

19. Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County

20. Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham Counties.

21. Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County.

22. Portion of Lower Sabino Canyon in Pima County, from the confluence of the Eastand West Forks of Sabino Creek, downstream to the US Forest Service Boundary.

23. West Turkey Creek in Cochise County.

24. O’Donnell Canyon in Santa Cruz County.

25. Dude Creek in Gila County.

26. Raspberry Creek in Greenlee County.

27. Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15.

28. Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through March 1.

29. West Fork of the Black River from the upper Apache Trout fish Barrier 1/4 milebelow Forest Service road 116, downstream to a point 100 yards below thelower Apache Trout barrier, Apache County.

30. Areas posted in accordance with and pursuant to A.R.S. 17-303 and A.R.S. 17-304.

VI. LIVE BAITFISH USE SEASONS.

A. Legal Areas.

1. Live bait fish may not be transported to the Verde River upstream from HorseshoeDam and Salt River above the Roosevelt Diversion Dam in Gila County.

2. Fathead minnow, mosquitofish, and red shiner - legal and unlimited on allwaters of the counties of La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal and Yuma. Nowaters of any other counties are open except:

(a) The mainstream portions of the Gila and Salt River and that portion of theVerde River below the Tuzigoot Bridge and Tonto Creek from Giseladownstream.

(b) Those portions of Apache, Roosevelt, Pleasant and Horseshoe lakes lyingoutside of these counties.

(c) That portion of the San Francisco River in Greenlee County.

3. Threadfin shad - legal and unlimited on all waters of La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave,Pinal and Yuma Counties and Patagonia Lake in Santa Cruz County. No watersof any other counties are open except:

(a) The mainstream portions of the Gila and Salt River and that portion of theVerde River below Tuzigoot Bridge and Tonto Creek from Gisela down-stream.

(b) Those portions of Apache, Roosevelt, Pleasant and Horseshoe lakes lyingoutside of these counties.

(c) That portion of the San Francisco River in Greenlee County.

4. Golden shiners and goldfish - legal and unlimited on Lake Mead; the ColoradoRiver downstream from Hoover Dam; all waters located in Yuma and La PazCounties and Alamo Lake.

5. Sunfish - legal and unlimited on the Colorado River south of the Nevada-California boundary; the Gila and Salt River and that portion of the Verde Riverbelow Tuzigoot Bridge, including impounded reservoirs; urban waters inMaricopa County; Lake Pleasant; Alamo Lake; all other waters located in Yumaand La Paz Counties and Patagonia Lake in Santa Cruz County.

6. Carp (Cyprinus carpio) - legal and unlimited on Lake Mead; the Colorado River,downstream from Hoover Dam; the Gila and Salt River, and that portion of theVerde River below Tuzigoot Bridge, including impounded reservoirs; urbanwaters in Maricopa County; Lake Pleasant; all waters in Yuma and La PazCounties and Alamo Lake.

7. Tilapia - legal and unlimited in that portion of La Paz county west of Highway95 and south of Interstate 10; Yuma County and on the Colorado River fromPalo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to the Southern International Bound-ary with Mexico.

Statewide includes all State and Federal Refuges and Parks; open areas do not include any area closed to fishing or closed to entry under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304, andSection V of this Commission Order.


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FISH REGULATION DEFINITIONS“ANGLING” means the taking of fish by one line and not toexceed two hooks, or by one line and one artificial lure whichmay have attached more than one hook, or by one line and notto exceed two artificial flies or lures.

“AQUATIC WILDLIFE” means all fish, amphibians, mollusks,crustaceans, and soft-shelled turtles.

“ARTIFICIAL LURES AND FLIES” means man-made de-vices intended as visual attractants for fish, and shall notinclude living or dead organisms or edible parts thereof,natural or prepared food stuffs, artificial salmon eggs, artificialcorn, or artificial marshmallows.

“BAG LIMIT” means the maximum limit, in number oramount, of wildlife which may lawfully be taken by any oneperson during a specified period of time. Once a legal bag limitfor a species is reached, no further fishing is allowed for thatspecies.

“BUDDY FISHING” means catching fish for another personin excess of the daily bag limit. Buddy fishing is illegal. In a 24-hour calendar day period, an angler may not catch and keepmore than the legal bag limit. Once the legal bag limit is taken(see “BAG LIMIT” definition above), the angler must stopfishing for that species that day regardless if the angler givesany of the kept fish away to someone else anytime that day.

“CAST NET” means a net not exceeding six feet in diameterwithout walls or sides that is thrown to take minnows.

“FISHING” means to lure, attract or pursue aquatic wildlife insuch a manner that the wildlife may be captured or killed.

“GAME FISH” means any designated species of fish that maybe legally caught in accordance with state regulations.

“LENGTH” means the total length of a fish in inches,as measured in a straight linealong a flat surface, from the tipof the snout to the tip of the tail.

“LIVE BAITFISH” means any species of live freshwater fishdesignated by Commission Order as lawful for use in takingaquatic wildlife pursuant to R12-4-313.

“MINNOW TRAP” means a trap with dimensions not to exceed12 inches in depth, 12 inches in width and 24 inches in length.

“POSSESSION LIMIT” means the maximum limit, in numberor amount of wildlife, which may be possessed at any one timeby any one person.

“RESIDENT” means a person who has been a bona fideresident of the state of Arizona for six months immediatelypreceding the date of application for a license, or a member of

the armed forces who has been stationed in Arizona for a periodof thirty days immediately preceding the date of application fora license.

“SEINING” means to fish with or catch bait fish or reptiles witha seine, which is a large net with sinkers on one edge and floatson the other that hangs vertically in the water and is used toenclose fish. The seine cannot exceed ten feet in length and fourfeet in width.

“SIMULTANEOUS FISHING” means the taking of fish by twolines and not to exceed two hooks or two artificial lures or fliesper line.

“SNAGGING” means attempting to take fish in a manner thatthe fish does not take the hook voluntarily in its mouth.

“SPEARING” means to use a sharp-pointed instrument withbars in order to spear a fish.

“SUNFISH” means a family of fish that includes bluegill, green,hybrid, and redear sunfish.

“WATERCRAFT” means any boat designed to be propelled bymachinery, oars, paddles or wind action upon a sail fornavigation on the water.

“WATERDOG” means the larval or metamorphosing stage ofsalamanders.

PRIMARY LICENSE HOLDER $28.50

NAME___________________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH___________________________

ADDRESS________________________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY NO______________________

CITY____________________________________________ STATE_____________ ZIP__________________

WEIGHT__________ HEIGHT__________ EYES__________ HAIR________ NO. OF YEARS IN AZ__________

SECONDARY LICENSE HOLDER (SPOUSE) $22.80


WEIGHT__________ HEIGHT__________ EYES__________ HAIR________ NO. OF YEARS IN AZ__________

CHILD LICENSE (14 THRU 17 YEARS OF AGE) $2.00


WEIGHT___________ HEIGHT__________ EYES__________ HAIR_______ NO. OF YEARS IN AZ_________

CHILD LICENSE (14 THRU 17 YEARS OF AGE) $2.00


WEIGHT___________ HEIGHT__________ EYES__________ HAIR_______ NO. OF YEARS IN AZ_________

FAMILY FISHING LICENSE APPLICATIONAVAILABLE ONLY AT DEPARTMENT OFFICES, THROUGH THE MAIL OR ON THE WEB

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT2221 W. GREENWAY RD.

PHOENIX AZ 85023

Length

Pinchmouthclosed

Pinchtail topoint

8

1. A fishing or combination license is required for take ofamphibians. Amphibians may be taken day or nightpursuant to R12-4-313(E).

2. The possession limit for live bullfrogs legally held priorto closure of live bag limits (January 1, 1996, inMohave, La Paz, and Yuma counties, or January 1,1988, in all other counties) is 12 per person.

3. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls ac-cess to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation.

4. The possession limit for native species of leopard frogslegally held prior to January 1, 1993, when seasonclosure went into effect, is 10 per species per person.

5. No waterdogs or salamanders may be taken in thatportion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south ofState Highway 82 or that portion of Cochise Countylying west of the San Pedro River and south of StateHighway 82.

6. Wildlife areas are open or closed in accordance withCommission Order 1 and R12-4-802. Wildlife AreaRestrictions (see Arizona Hunting Regulations).

7. Amphibians may not be taken at any time (or duringperiods specified) within the following areas:(1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries.(2) Posted boundary of the Region I regional head-

quarters in Pinetop.

LEGAL AMPHIBIANS OPEN SEASON DATES OPEN AREAS NOTESA. All amphibians, except those named January 1 through December 31, 2003 Statewide, except areas 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8

in Subsections B, C, D, E, and F closed in Note 7BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Ten (10) per year or in possession per species live or dead.B. Bufo cognatus (Great Plains toad), B. January 1 through December 31, 2003 Statewide, except areas 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8

punctatus (red-spotted toad), Scaphiopus closed in Note 7couchi (Couch’s spadefoot) and Speamultiplicata (New Mexico spadefoot)

BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Ten (10) per day or in possession per species live or dead.C. Ambystoma tigrinum (waterdog or January 1 through December 31, 2003 Statewide, except areas 1, 3, 5, 6, 7,

tiger salamander) closed in Notes 5 and 7 and 8BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited live or dead.D. Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) January 1 through December 31, 2003 Statewide, including Havasu, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7,

Bill Williams River, Cibola, and 8and Imperial national wildliferefuges (as permitted by refugeregulations; posted areasclosed),except areas closed in Note 7

BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited dead; see Note 2.E. All species in the genus Xenopus (clawed January 1 through December 31, 2003 Statewide, except areas 1, 3, 6, 7frogs) and Bufo marinus (giant toad) closed in Note 7 and 8BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited dead.F. Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frog) January 1 through December 31, 2003 That area east of the Colorado 1, 6, and 7

River; north of I-8; west ofI-10 and I-17; and south ofState Route 74, U.S. 60, andI-10; except that portion of theHassayampa River betweenWickenburg and Morristownand areas closed in Note 7

BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited deadG. 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 (RamseyCanyon leopard frog); see Note 4.

COMMISSION ORDER 41: AMPHIBIANS

NOTES:(3) The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and

one-half mile downstream from its confluencewith the Little Colorado River.

(4) That portion of the Little Colorado River lyingwithin 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 Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt,Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams.

(10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawn-ing Pond Number 2 located along the SalinityCanal north of Yuma.

(11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 throughJuly 31.

(12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake.(13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt

Lake from January 1 through February 15 andfrom November 15 through December 31.

(14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November15 through February 15 annually.

(15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to allpublic entry from April 1 through July 31.

(16) Posted portions of Lake Mead.(17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area

are closed to entry for the purpose of takingwildlife.

(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 304.8. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs,

Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria Na-tional Monuments are open to the take of wildlife aspermitted by Monument 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 rulesR12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802, and R12-4-803.

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COMMISSION ORDER 42: CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSKS

LEGAL CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSKS OPEN SEASON DATES OPEN AREASA. All crustaceans and mollusks, except those in Subsection B. January 1 through December 31, 2003 Statewide, except

areas in Notes below.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), San Xavier talussnail (Sonorella eremita), Huachuca springsnail(Pyrgulopsis thompsoni) (see Note 2), Page springsnail (Pyrgulopsis morrisoni), Three Forks springsnail (Pyrgulopsis trivialis), and Wet Canyontalussnail (Sonorella macrophallus).

1. By law, crustaceans and mollusks are consideredaquatic wildlife and a fishing or combination license isrequired for take. Methods of take are prescribed at R12-4-313(E).

2. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls accessto the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation.

3. Crayfish may be possessed live and dead in that portionof the La Paz county west of Highway 95 and south ofInterstate 10; Yuma county and on the Colorado Riverfrom Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to thesouthern international boundary with Mexico.

4. Wildlife areas are open or closed in accordance with R12-4-802 Wildlife Area Restrictions (see Arizona HuntingRegulations).

5. Intentional transport of live or dead New ZealandMudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in Arizona isprohibited.

6. Crustaceans and mollusks may not be taken at any timewithin the following areas:

(1) Posted boundaries of State or Federalhatcheries, except for Arizona Game and FishDepartment sponsored fishing clinics.

(2) Posted boundary of the Region I regionalheadquarters in Pinetop.

LEGAL REPTILE OPEN SEASON DATE OPEN AREASApalone spinifera (spiny softshell), Trachemys scripta (slider), and all January 1 - December 31, 2003. Statewide, exceptspecies in the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles). areas closed in

Notes 5, 6, and 9.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 betaken day or night. See R12-4-304 for restrictions onthe use of artificial light. By law, softshell turtles areconsidered aquatic wildlife and a fishing or combina-tion license is required for take. Methods of take areprescribed at R12-4-313(E).

5. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation, the YumaProving Ground, and Camp Navajo control access tohunting on their installations.

6. Wildlife areas are open or closed in accordance withCommission Order 1 and R12-4-802. Wildlife AreaRestrictions (see Arizona Hunting Regulations).

8. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls ac-cess to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation.

9. Turtles may not be taken at any time (or during periodsspecified) within the following areas:(1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries,

except for Arizona Game and Fish Departmentsponsored fishing clinics.

(2) Posted boundary of the Region I regional head-quarters in Pinetop.

COMMISSION ORDER 43: REPTILES (AQUATIC ONLY)(Consult the 2003 Arizona Reptile and Amphibian Regulations for a complete listing of Commission Order 43.)

NOTES: (3) The Colorado River one-half mile upstreamand one-half mile downstream from itsconfluence with the Little Colorado River.


(5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Reservoir.(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 ForestBoundary.

(8) Posted areas immediately above the dams atUpper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead.

(9) Posted areas immediately below Davis,Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (LakePleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa andMormon Flat dams.

(10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 andSpawning Pond Number 2 located along theSalinity Canal north of Yuma.

(11) Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 throughJuly 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 throughDecember 31.

(14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake fromNovember 15 through February 15 annually.

(15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed toall public entry from April 1 through July 31.

(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.(26) The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs,

Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua FriaNational Monuments are open to the take ofwildlife as permitted by Monument regulations.

(3) The Colorado River one-half mile upstream andone-half mile downstream from its confluencewith the Little Colorado River.


(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 Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt,Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams.

(10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawn-ing Pond Number 2 located along the SalinityCanal north of Yuma.

(11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 throughJuly 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 April 1 through July 31.(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 304.10. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Sonoran

Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monu-ments are open to the take of wildlife as permitted byMonument regulations.



10

Unlimited rainbow and brown troutfrom September 1 thru March 1 fromthe following waters:EAST CLEAR CREEK in Coconino and NavajoCounties and its tributaries upstream from theconfluence of Willow Creek and East Clear CreekINCLUDING BLUE RIDGE AND KNOLLRESERVOIRS.

CHEVELON CREEK, in Coconino and NavajoCounties downstream from Chevelon Crossing tothe Little Colorado River.

NUTRIOSO CREEK from its confluence with theLittle Colorado River upstream to Highway 180 inthe City of Nutrioso including Nelson Reservoir.

AREAS OF UNLIMITED HARVEST

Rainbow Trout

Brown Trout

Angler Help is Needed toKeep Shorelines Litter Free

Fishing line and tackle can harm wild-life. Fishing line has been found in two-thirds of all bald eagle nests in the state.Ospreys, shorebirds, waterfowl, andsongbirds are also vulnerable to thislitter. Do not discard fishing line alongrivers and lakes, but recycle it at fishingstores. Keep your fishing line fresh; donot use old brittle line. Make sure to usethe correct test line for the fish you aretrying to catch.

11

AREAS OF UNLIMITED HARVEST

Unlimited harvest of LargemouthBass, Smallmouth bass, ChannelCatfish and Flathead Catfish fromthe following waters:VERDE RIVER and its tributaries, FROMHORSESHOE LAKE DAM upstream to GRANITECREEK.

Smallmouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Flathead Catfish

Channel Catfish

SALT RIVER from ROOSEVELT LAKE DiversionDam upstream to the San Carlos and Fort ApacheIndian Reservation.

12

R12-4-201. PIONEER LICENSE

A. In addition to urban fishing privileges granted in A.R.S.§ 17-333(A)(9), a pioneer license shall grant all of thehunting and fishing privileges of a Class F combinationhunting and fishing license.

B. Persons meeting the criteria set forth in A.R.S. § 17-336(1) may apply for a pioneer license as follows:

1. Persons who have not previously been granted a pio-neer license shall submit one of the following documentswith their application. Original or certified copies shall bereturned to the applicant after the Department hasverified receipt on the application form.

a. Passport; or

b. Original or certified copy of the applicant’sbirth certificate; or

c. Original or photocopy of valid Arizona driver’slicense; or

d. Original or photocopy of valid Arizona MotorVehicle Division identification card.

2. Application shall be made on a form available fromany Department office. The form shall include anaffidavit to be signed by the applicant attesting thatthe applicant has been a resident of this state for 25or more consecutive years immediately precedingapplication for the license. The applicant shallprovide the following on the form:

a. Full name, age, date of birth, identificationnumber, and physical description;

b. Current residence address, or physical loca-tion of residence;

c. The year Arizona residency was established;

d. Current mailing address;

e. Applicant’s signature shall be either witnessedby a Department employee or notarized.

C. Failure to comply with subsection (B) of this rule, orproviding false information upon or with the applicationfor a pioneer license, shall result in denial of the license.

D. The Department shall issue the license or deny theapplication within 30 calendar days of receipt of thedocuments prescribed in subsection (B).

E. The Department shall issue a duplicate pioneer licensewithout charge upon written request from the licenseestating that the original license has been lost or de-stroyed, when Department records prove that theoriginal pioneer license was issued to the licensee.

R12-4-117.INDIAN RESERVATIONS

No state license, tag, or permit is required to hunt or fishon any Indian Reservation in this state. Wildlife lawfullytaken on an Indian Reservation may be transported orpossessed anywhere in the state when it can be identifiedas to species and legality as provided in A.R.S. § 17-309A.20. All wildlife transported is subject to inspectionunder the provision of A.R.S. § 17-211D.4.

Note: An Indian Fishing License or Permit is required onIndian Reservations.

ARIZONA GAME & FISH COMMISSION RULES

R12-4-202. DISABLED VETERAN’S LICENSE

A. A disabled veteran’s license shall grant all of the huntingand fishing privileges of a Class F combination huntingand fishing license and an urban fishing license.

B. Persons meeting the criteria set in A.R.S. § 17-336(2)may apply for a disabled veteran’s license as follows.Eligibility for the license is based on 100% disabilityand not on the percentage of compensation.

1. An applicant for a disabled veteran’s license shallapply on an application form available from anyDepartment office. The applicant shall provide thefollowing on the application form:

a. Full name and date of birth, and physicaldescription;

b. Current residence address, or physical loca-tion of residence;

c. Current mailing address;

d. If applicant has resided at the current locationfor less than one year, the residence address orphysical location of each residence within theyear immediately preceding application;

e. Applicant’s signature, either witnessed by aDepartment employee or notarized.

2. The applicant shall submit, as part of the applica-tion, an original certification, issued within 90 daysof application, from the Department of VeteransAffairs. The Department shall issue the license onlyif the Department of Veterans Affairs certificationincludes the following information:

a. Full name and date of birth of the applicant;

b. Certification that the applicant is receivingcompensation for permanent service-con-nected disabilities rated as 100% disabling;

c. Certification that the 100% rating is permanentand will not require reevaluation, or that the100% rating is permanent but will be reevalu-ated in 3 years;

d. Signature and title of an agent of the Depart-ment of Veterans Affairs issuing or approvingthe certification.

C. The Department shall deny a disabled veteran’s licenseif the applicant fails to comply with the requirements ofthis Section or if the applicant provides false informa-tion upon or with the application for a disabled veteran’slicense.

D. The Department shall issue a duplicate disabledveteran’s license without charge upon written requestfrom the licensee stating that the original license hasbeen lost or destroyed, when Department recordsprove that the original disabled veteran’s license wasissued to the licensee.

E. A disabled veteran’s license is valid for three yearsfrom the date of issuance. If the Department of Veter-ans Affairs certifies that the applicant’s disability rate of100% is permanent and will not be reevaluated, a newcertification is not required for renewal.

R12-4-310. FISHING PERMITS

A. The Department may issue a Fishing Permit to state,county, or municipal agencies or departments and tononprofit organizations licensed by or contracted tothe Department of Economic Security or Departmentof Health Services, whose primary purpose is to pro-vide physical or mental rehabilitation or training forpersons with physical, developmental, or mental dis-abilities. The permit will allow persons with physical,developmental, or mental disabilities to fish without afishing license. The permit will authorize this activityfor up to 20 persons for the two days specified on thepermit upon any public waters except that fishing in thewaters of the Colorado River is restricted to fishingfrom the Arizona shoreline only, unless the personsfishing under the authority of the permit also possessa valid Colorado River stamp from the adjacent state.The persons fishing under the authority of the permitshall comply with other statutes, Commission orders,and rules not contained in this Section.

B. An applicant for a Fishing Permit shall provide thefollowing to the Department:

1. A completed application form obtained from theDepartment, containing:

a. The name, address, and telephone number ofthe agency, department, or nonprofit organi-zation requesting the permit;

b. The name, position title, and telephone numberof the person who will be responsible forsupervising the persons who will be fishingunder the authority of the permit;

c. The total number of persons who will be fishingunder the authority of the permit;

d. The dates of the 2 days for which the permit willbe valid;

e. The location for which the permit will be valid.

2. Nonprofit organizations shall also submit docu-mentation that they are licensed by or contractedto the Department of Economic Security or theDepartment of Health Services for the purpose ofproviding rehabilitation or treatment services toindividuals and groups possessing physical, de-velopmental, or mental disabilities.

C. The Department shall issue the approved Fishing Permitto the applicant within 30 calendar days of receiving anapplication meeting the criteria of this Section.

D. The Fishing Permit permittee shall provide 1 hour ofinstruction on fish identification, fishing ethics, safety,and techniques to the persons who will be fishingunder authority of the permit. The lesson plan for thisinstruction will be provided to the permittee by theDepartment.

E. Each person fishing without a license under the author-ity of the Fishing Permit may take only 1/2 the regularbag limit established by Commission order for anyspecies, unless the regular bag limit is 1, in which casethe permit authorizes the regular limit.

F. The permittee shall submit a report to the Departmentnot later than 30 days after the end of the authorizedfishing dates. The Department may deny issuance offuture Fishing Permits to permittees failing to submit

13

the report. The permittee shall report on a form avail-able from the Department:

1. The Fishing Permit number and the informationcontained in the permit;

2. The total number of persons who fished and totalhours fished;

3. The total number of fish caught, kept and released,by species.

R12-4-311. EXEMPTIONS FROMREQUIREMENT TO POSSESS AN ARIZONAFISHING LICENSE WHILE TAKING AQUATICWILDLIFE

A. A fishing license is not required to take aquatic wildlifefrom private waters which are not open to the publicand which are not managed by the Department.

B. A fishing license is not required to take terrestrialmollusks or crustaceans from private property.

C. Any person fishing in Arizona on the Saturday duringthe week proclaimed by the President of the UnitedStates as National Fishing Week may fish without anArizona fishing license, provided their privilege to takeaquatic wildlife has not been revoked by the Commis-sion. The rule applies to all waters except the ColoradoRiver adjacent to California and Nevada, where fishingwithout a license is limited to the shoreline, unless thestate with concurrent jurisdiction removes licensingrequirements on the same day.

D. Persons participating in an introductory fishing clinicorganized, sanctioned and sponsored by the Depart-ment may fish without a fishing license whileaccompanied by an authorized Department instructor.

R12-4-312. SPECIAL USE PERMITS ANDSTAMPS FOR FISHING ON WATERS WITHSHARED JURISDICTION

A. Any person fishing from a boat or other floating deviceon the waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, or theColorado River forming the mutual boundary betweenArizona and Nevada, shall have in possession one ofthe following:

1. A valid Nevada-Colorado River special use stampaffixed to a valid Arizona fishing license, or

2. A valid Arizona-Colorado River special use stampaffixed to a valid Nevada fishing license.

B. Any person fishing from the Arizona shorelines of thewaters named in Subsection (A) shall have in posses-sion either:

1. A valid Arizona fishing license, unless exemptedpursuant to A.R.S. § 17-335, or

2. A valid Arizona-Colorado River special use stampaffixed to a valid Nevada fishing license.

C. Any person fishing in the waters of Mittry Lake orTopock Marsh shall have in possession either:


2. A valid Arizona-Colorado River special use permitstamp affixed to a valid California fishing license.

D. Any person fishing in the Arizona portion of LakePowell shall have in possession either:


2. A valid Arizona-Lake Powell stamp affixed to a validUtah resident fishing license.

E. The requirements of this rule are in addition to thosecontained in A.R.S. § 17-342, 17-343, and 17-344.

R12-4-313. LAWFUL METHODS OF TAKINGAQUATIC WILDLIFE; RESTRICTIONS

A. A person may take aquatic wildlife during the day ornight and may use artificial light.

B. A person may take fish by the following methods:

1. All fish may be taken by angling as defined in A.R.S.§ 17-101 or simultaneous fishing as defined inR12-4-101 with any bait, artificial lures, or flies,subject to the following restrictions:

a. A person shall not use any species of fish aslive bait, or possess any species of fish for useas live bait, at, in, or upon any waters unlessthat species is specified as a “live baitfish” forthose waters by Commission order. Live baitfishshall not be transported from the waters wheretaken except as allowed in R12-4-316.

b. The flesh of game fish, except sunfish of thegenus Lepomis, shall not be used as bait.

c. Waterdogs shall not be used as live bait in thatportion of Santa Cruz County lying east andsouth of State Highway 82 or that portion ofCochise County lying west of the San PedroRiver and south of State Highway 82.

d. Fish may be taken by artificial lures and flies, asdefined in R12-4-101, only in waters desig-nated by Commission order as “artificial luresand flies only”; waters so designated may befurther restricted to the use of barbless hooks,meaning any fishhook manufactured withoutbarbs or on which barbs have been completelyclosed or filed off.

2. In addition to angling, the following fish may alsobe taken by the following methods:

a. Carp (Cyprinus carpio), buffalofish, mullet,tilapia, and suckers, except razorback suckers(Xyrauchen texanus), may also be taken bybow and arrow, crossbow, snare, gig, spear,spear gun, or snagging. Snagging is onlyallowed in areas designated by Commissionorder. None of these methods shall be prac-ticed within 200 yards of any boat dock ordesignated swimming area.

b. Live baitfish may also be taken for personal useas bait by:

i. A cast net not to exceed a radius of threefeet measured from the horn to the leadline;

ii. A minnow trap, as defined in R12-4-101;

ARIZONA GAME & FISH COMMISSION RULESiii A seine net not to exceed 10 feet in length

and four feet in width; or

iv. A dip net.

c. Striped bass may also be taken by spear orspear gun, only in those waters designated byCommission order.

C. In those waters designated by Commission order, a persontaking trout shall kill and retain the fish as part of the bag limitor immediately release the fish. Further fishing is prohibitedafter the legal bag limit of trout is killed.

D. The Commission may, by order, designate a specialseason when fish may also be taken by hand, or by anyhand-held, nonmotorized implement that does notdischarge a projectile. The special season may apply toany waters where a fish die-off is imminent due to pooror low water conditions, or Department fish renovationprocedures.

E. A person may take waterdogs and other amphibians,soft-shelled turtles, mollusks, and crustaceans with aminnow trap, crayfish net, by angling, by hand, or withany hand-held, nonmotorized implement that does notdischarge a projectile. Bullfrogs may also be taken bybow and arrow, crossbow, or slingshot.

F. A person may take crayfish using:

1. A trap not more than three feet in the greatestdimension. An unattended crayfish trap shall havean attached, water-resistant identification tag thatbears the legible name, address, and fishing li-cense number of the person using the trap. Acrayfish trap shall be raised and emptied daily; or

2. A seine net that is not larger than 10 feet in lengthand four feet in width.

R12-4-314. POSSESSION, SALE,TRANSPORTATION, AND IMPORTATION OFTHE CARCASSES AND PARTS OF AQUATICWILDLIFE

A. The carcasses or parts of aquatic wildlife that have beenlawfully taken in another state or country may be im-ported into Arizona when accompanied by any license orpermit required by the state or country of jurisdiction,and where transported and exported in accordance withthe laws of the state or country of origin.

B. The carcasses of all freshwater fish possessed ortransported which have been taken within Arizona shallhave the head or tail or skin attached so that the speciescan be identified, numbers counted, and any requiredlength determined.

C. The carcasses of carp (Cyprinus carpio) and buffa-lofish (Ictiobus spp.) taken pursuant to Commissionorder may be sold.

Report Violators1-800-352-0700

OPERATIONGAME THIEF

14

ARIZONA GAME & FISH COMMISSION RULES

R12-4-315. POSSESSION OF LIVE FISH;UNATTENDED LIVE BOXES AND STRINGERS

A. Fish taken pursuant to R12-4-313 may be possessedalive on the waters where taken except when expresslyprohibited by provisions within R12-4-313 but shallnot be transported alive from the waters where takenexcept as allowed in R12-4-316.

B. All unattended live boxes or stringers holding fish shallhave attached water resistant identification legibly bearingthe name, address, and fishing license number of eachperson using and holding fish in such live box or stringer.

R12-4-316. POSSESSION,TRANSPORTATION, OR IMPORTATION OFLIVE BAITFISH, CRAYFISH, ORWATERDOGS

A. A person may possess live baitfish, crayfish, or waterdogsfor use as live bait only in accordance with this Section andR12-4-313.

B. A person may possess or transport the following livebaitfish for personal use as live bait. A person possessinga valid Arizona fishing license may import these livebaitfish from California and Nevada without accompany-ing documentation certifying the fish are free of disease,or may import these live baitfish from any other state withaccompanying documentation certifying the fish are freeof Furunculosis.

1. Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas);

2. Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis);

3. Red shiner (Notropis lutrensis);

4. Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense);

5. Golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas); and

6. Goldfish (Carassius auratus).

C. A person possessing a valid Arizona fishing license mayimport, transport, or possess live waterdogs for personaluse as bait, except in the portion of Santa Cruz Countylying east and south of State Highway 82 or the portion ofCochise County lying west of the San Pedro River andsouth of State Highway 82.

D. A person shall not import, transport, move betweenwaters, or possess live crayfish for personal use as livebait except as allowed in 12 A.A.C. 4, Article 4, and exceptfor the portion of La Paz County west of Highway 95 andsouth of Interstate 10, Yuma County, and on the ColoradoRiver from the Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream tothe southern international boundary with Mexico.

E. A person may trap or capture live crayfish as provided inR12-4-313. A person may use live crayfish as bait only inthe body of water where trapped or captured, not in anadjacent body of water, except for the portion of La PazCounty west of Highway 95 and south of Interstate 10,Yuma County, and on the Colorado River from the PaloVerde Diversion Dam downstream to the Southern inter-national boundary with Mexico.

F. A person shall not transport crayfish alive from the sitewhere taken except for the portion of La Paz County westof Highway 95 and south of Interstate 10, Yuma County,and on the Colorado River from the Palo Verde Diversion

Dam downstream to the southern international boundarywith Mexico.

R12-4-404. POSSESSION OF LIVE WILDLIFETAKEN ON AN ARIZONA HUNTING ORFISHING LICENSE

A. Wildlife may be taken from the wild alive by authorityof an appropriate Arizona hunting or fishing licenseonly when a Commission Order specifies a live bag andpossession limit for that species. Wildlife taken pursu-ant to this subsection may be possessed, transported,placed on educational display, propagated and killedfor personal use, or disposed of pursuant to subsec-tion (B), except that live batfish may be possessed andtransported only in accordance with R12-4-316.

R12-4-517. WATERCRAFT AND BOATENGINE RESTRICTIONS

A. Persons operating power boats on the following waters shalluse a single electric trolling motor only:

Ackre Lake Lynx LakeArivaca Lake McKellips Park LakeBear Canyon Lake Pena Blanca Lake BlackCanyon Lake Pratt LakeBunch Reservoir Riggs Flat LakeCarnero Lake Quigley LakeChaparral Lake Redondo LakeCluff Ponds Roper LakeCoconino Reservoir Rucker Canyon LakeCoors Lake Santa Fe LakeDankwork Pond Scott’s ReservoirDogtown Reservoir Sierra Blanca LakeFortuna Lake Soldier Lake (Coconino Co)Goldwater Lake Stehr LakeGranite Basin Lake Stoneman LakeHulsey Lake Tunnel ReservoirHorsethief Basin Lake Whitehorse LakeJ.D. Lake Willow LakeKnoll Lake Woodland ReservoirLee Valley Lake Woods Canyon Lake

B. Persons operating power boats on the following waters shalluse only a single electric trolling motor or a single gasolinemotor not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower:

Ashurst Lake Kinnikinick LakeBecker Lake Little Mormon LakeBig Lake Luna LakeBlue Ridge Reservoir Mexican Hay Lake CataractLake Nelson Reservoir ChevelonCanyon Lake Parker Canyon LakeCholla Lake Hot Pond Rainbow LakeCocho Lake River ReservoirCrescent Lake Show Low LakeFool Hollow Lake Willow Springs LakeKaibab Lake

C. Persons shall not operate watercraft on Frye Mesa Reservoir,Rose Canyon Lake, and Snow Flat Lake.

D. This rule does not apply to boats of governmental agenciesor to Department-approved emergency standby boats oper-ated by lake concessionaires when operating to addresspublic safety or public welfare.

1 YEAR • SIX BIG ISSUES40 FULL-COLOR PAGES

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ArizonaWildlife Views

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Zebra Mussel AlertThe barnacle-like zebra mus-sel has invaded the GreatLakes system and hasspread into parts of theMississippi River system.Able to colonize at phenomenalrates, masses of zebra mussels have haddevastating effects on industrial and public drinkingwater supplies, power plants, and water deliveryand irrigation systems costing billions to control.

Public assistance in reporting zebra musselsightings in Arizona is essential to help prevent itsspread into our inland waters and rivers! Boatersneed to be particularly cautious as mussels canattach to boats and trailers or survive in bilgewater for extended periods of time.

Zebra mussels look like small clams with a yellow-ish and/or brownish “D”-shaped shell, usually withalternating dark and light bands of color (thus thename “zebra”).

IF YOU FIND ONE: Take the mussel (several ifpossible) with you, and store in rubbing alcohol.Call the Arizona Game and Fish Department office(602) 789-3257 (Fisheries Branch) or your nearestGame and Fish regional office.

15

TITLE 17 - ARIZONA REVISED STATUES

17 - 303. TAKING OR DRIVING WILDLIFEFROM CLOSED AREAS

It is unlawful for any person, except by commissionorder, to enter upon a game refuge or other area closedto hunting, trapping or fishing and take, drive orattempt to drive wildlife from such areas.

17-304. PROHIBITION BY LANDOWNERUPON HUNTING; POSTING; EXCEPTION

A. Landowners or lessees of private land who desire toprohibit hunting, fishing or trapping on their landswithout their written permission shall post such landsclosed to hunting, fishing or trapping using notices orsignboards.

B. State or federal lands including those under lease maynot be posted except by consent of the commission.

C. The notices or signboards shall meet all of the follow-ing criteria:

1. Be not less than eight inches by eleven inches withplainly legible wording in capital and bold-facedlettering at least one inch high.

2. Contain the words “no hunting”, “no trapping” or“no fishing” either as a single phrase or in anycombination.

3. Be conspicuously placed on a structure or post atleast four feet above ground level at all points ofvehicular access, at all property or fence cornersand at intervals of not more than one-quarter milealong the property boundary, except that a postwith one hundred square inches or more of orangepaint may serve as the interval notices betweenproperty or fence corners and points of vehicularaccess. The orange paint shall be clearly visibleand shall cover the entire aboveground surface ofthe post facing outward and on both lateral sidesfrom the closed area.

D. The entry of any person for the taking of wildlife shallnot be grounds for an action for trespassing unless theland has been posted pursuant to this section.

17-335. MINORS; BLIND RESIDENTS

A. A blind resident or a resident or nonresident under theage of fourteen years may fish without a license and shallbe entitled to the same privileges as the holder of a validlicense, except that such person shall be entitled only toone-half the legal bag and possession limit of trout.

17-335.01. LIFETIME HUNTING AND FISHINGLICENSES AND TROUT STAMPS; FEES

A. The department shall issue lifetime hunting and fishinglicenses and trout stamps as provided by this section.

B. The classes of lifetime licenses are as follows:

1. Resident lifetime class A, general fishing license,valid for taking all aquatic wildlife, except trout andaquatic wildlife from commission designated ur-ban waters.

2. Resident lifetime class G, general hunting license,valid for taking small game, fur-bearing animals,predatory animals, nongame animals, nongamebirds, upland game birds and migratory gamebirds except ducks, geese and swans.

3. Resident lifetime class F, combination generalhunting and fishing license, valid for taking allaquatic wildlife except from commission desig-nated urban waters, small game, fur-bearinganimals, predatory animals, nongame animals,nongame birds, upland game birds and migratorygame birds, except ducks, geese and swans.

4. Resident lifetime trout stamp to validate a lifetimeclass A general fishing license for taking trout.

C. The fee for a lifetime license or trout stamp undersubsection B of this section is determined according tothe age of the applicant as follows:

Age Computation of fee

0 through 13 years seventeen times the maximum feeprescribed by section 17-333 forthe equivalent annual license

14 through 29 years eighteen times the maximum feeprescribed by section 17-333 forthe equivalent annual license

30 through 44 years sixteen times the maximum feeprescribed by section 17-333 forthe equivalent annual license

45 through 61 years fifteen times the maximum fee pre-scribed by section 17-333 for theequivalent annual license

62 and older eight times the maximum fee pre-scribed by section 17-333 for theequivalent annual license

D. An additional class of lifetime license is resident life-time wildlife benefactor class F, combination generalhunting and fishing license, valid for taking all aquaticwildlife except from commission designated urbanwaters, small game, fur-bearing animals, predatoryanimals, nongame animals, nongame birds, uplandgame birds and migratory game birds, except ducks,geese and swans. The fee for a resident lifetime wildlifebenefactor class F, combination general hunting andfishing license is one thousand dollars. The differencebetween one thousand dollars and the fee the licenseewould otherwise pay for a resident lifetime class Flicense under subsections B and C of this section:

1. Is considered a donation to this state for continued manage-ment, protection and conservation of this state’s wildlife.

2. Shall be credited to the wildlife endowment fundestablished by section 17-271.

3. Is tax deductible to the extent allowed by federaland state income tax statutes for contributions toqualifying tax-exempt organizations.

E. Lifetime licenses and trout stamps may be issued onlyat offices of the department. An applicant for a lifetimelicense or trout stamp shall provide proof of age andresidency as prescribed by the commission.

F. Lifetime licenses and trout stamps may be denied orsuspended pursuant to, and for the offenses describedin, section 17-340.

G. Lifetime licenses and trout stamps remain valid if thelicensee subsequently resides outside this state, but thelicensee must pay the nonresident fee to purchase anyadditional stamps, permits and tags required to hunt andfish in this state. Limits set by the commission on issuingnonresident stamps, permits or tags do not apply tostamps, permits or tags sold to a lifetime licensee.

17-336. COMPLIMENTARY LICENSES

The commission may issue a complimentary license to:

1. A pioneer seventy years of age or older who has been aresident of this state for twenty-five or more consecutiveyears immediately preceding application for the license. Thepioneer license is valid for the lifetime of the licensee, and thecommission shall not require renewal of the license.

2. A veteran of the armed forces of the United States whohas been a resident of this state for one year or moreimmediately preceding application for the license andwho is receiving compensation from the United Statesgovernment for permanent service connected disabili-ties rated as one hundred per cent disabling.

17-337. SOLDIER’S HUNTING AND FISHINGLICENSES

A member of the armed forces of the United States onactive duty and stationed in this state for a period ofthirty days immediately preceding the date of applica-tion for a license may purchase a resident licensepermitting the taking of wildlife.

17-342. COLORADO RIVER SPECIAL USE PERMITA. A person taking fish or amphibians for purposes other

than for profit from or while on a boat or other floatingdevice on all waters of the Colorado River south of theNevada-Arizona boundary shall have in his possessiona valid angling or fishing license issued by either thestate of Arizona or the state of California. In addition toone of the above described licenses, such person shallhave in his possession a valid California or validArizona-Colorado river special use permit, as providedby §§17-343 and 17-344, which shall be obtained onpayment of a fee to be fixed by the commission at notto exceed four dollars. Such a permit shall not berequired to take fish or amphibians from canals, drains,or ditches used to carry water from the Colorado riverfor irrigation or domestic purposes.

B. A person having in his possession a valid Arizonafishing license must have a California-Colorado riverspecial use permit to legally fish the waters describedin subsection A of this section. A person having in hispossession a valid California angling license must havean Arizona-Colorado river special use permit to legallyfish the waters described in subsection A of thissection. Such special use permit when accompaniedby the proper license will allow the holder to fish anyportion of such waters and permit him to enter thewaters from any point.

C. Shore line fishing does not require a Colorado riverspecial use permit as long as the fisherman remains onthe shore of the state from which he holds a validlicense and does not embark on the water.

16

RED SHINERAnal fin margin straight or sickle shaped, scales verylarge.

THREADFIN SHADA keel of sharp-toothed scales along the entire lengthon ventral midline.

These live baitfish are permitted on Lake Mead, theColorado River downstream from Hoover Dam, andother waters in Yuma and La Paz counties.

GOLDEN SHINER

GOLDFISH

MOSQUITOFISH (male)Head covered with scales.

FATHEAD MINNOWHead short, rounded and blunt.

CARPLegal and unlimited on Lake Mead; the Colorado River,downstream from Hoover Dam; the Gila and SaltRiver, and that portion of the Verde River belowTuzigoot Bridge, including impounded reservoirs;urban waters in Maricopa County; Lake Pleasant; allwaters in Yuma and LaPaz Counties and Alamo Lake.

SUNFISHLegal and unlimited on the Colorado River south ofthe Nevada-California boundary; the Gila and SaltRiver and that portion of the Verde River belowTuzigoot Bridge, including impounded reservoirs;urban waters in Maricopa County; Lake Pleasant;Alamo Lake; all other waters located in Yuma andLaPaz Counties and Patagonia Lake in Santa CruzCounty.TILAPIA

Colorado River from Palo Verde Diversion Dam

LIVE BAITFISH

These live baitfish are permitted on all waters ofthe counties of La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinaland Yuma. No waters of any other counties are openexcept the mainstream portions of the Gila and SaltRiver and that portion of the Verde River below theTuzigoot Bridge; Tonto Creek from Gisela down-stream; those portions of Apache, Roosevelt, Pleas-ant and Horseshoe lakes lying outside of thesecounties; that portion of the San Francisco River inGreenlee County. No live baitfish may be transportedto Horseshoe Lake or the Salt River above RooseveltDiversion Dam.

17

PROTECT OUR NATURAL LEGACYDON’T DUMP YOUR BAIT BUCKET!

DON’T RELEASE FISH, TADPOLES OR CRAYFISHINTO THE WILD!

UNAUTHORIZED STOCKING OF FISH IS ILLEGAL!

REPORT ILLEGALSTOCKINGS

Call Toll Free

1-800-325-0700Rewards are available up to $1,000

OP

ERAT

ION GAME THIE

F

1 -800-352-0700•“Wildcat” (unauthorized) stocking of fish into the wild

spreads disease and parasites that can impact sportfish, native fish, and other wildife.

•“Wildcat” fish stocking can upset the predator and preybalance and can lower the quality of your fishing.

•Dispose of live bait on dry land.

18

2001 Big Fishof the Year

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has had an active big Fish-of -the-Year program for the last sevenyears. Each year we recognize as many as 25 anglers who catch an outstanding fish. Each of these anglershave caught a memory that will last a life time. Is it your turn to “Catch a Memory”? If you catch a bigfish, please share the memory! Fill out the form found on page 19 and return it to the Arizona Game andFish Department so you to can be like these 2001 big fish anglers and

“Catch a Memory”Species Weight Length Location Record Holder DateBlack Crappie 2 lb. 5 oz. 16 in. Alamo Lake John Adams 02/04/01

Brown Trout 3 lb. 12 oz. 20 in. Hawley Lake Andrew Nitz 10/21/01

Carp 27 lb. 11 oz. 41 in. Lake Pleasant Frank R. Ortiz 04/02/01

Channel Catfish 18 lb. 2.88 oz. 33 in. Apache Lake Jon Westlund 12/10/01

Flathead Catfish 53 lb. 14.9 oz. 43 in. San Carlos Lake David Hunsaker 04/10/01

Hybrid Sunfish 2 lb. 14.88 oz. 14 in. Lake Havasu Wayne Turner 07/30/01

Largemouth Bass 16 lb. 1.12 oz. 27.75 in. Canyon Lake Ron L. Casner 06/14/01

Northern Pike 23 lb. 1 oz. 45 in. Long Lake Steve Carson 06/23/01

Rainbow Trout 8 lb. 1.12 oz. 28 in. Big Lake Marshall Zeable 06/29/01

Redear Sunfish 3 lb. 4 oz. 14.5 in. Colorado River, Parker Ron Overman 07/11/01

Rock bass 0 lb. 5.33 oz. 8 in. Oak Creek Johnathan Taylor Eng 06/03/01

Roundtail Chub 1 lb. 7.36 oz. 16.86 in. Below Granite Reef Dam Steve Coombs 10/20/01

Smallmouth Bass 4 lb. 0.48 oz. 19.75 in. Apache Lake Edith Toney 01/13/01

Tilapia 7 lb. 2.56 oz. 18 in. Saguaro Lake Norman Garner 04/16/01

Walleye 13 lb. 11 oz. 30.5 in. Show Low Lake Charles Sutherland 09/07/01

White Bass 2 lb. 0.32 oz. 17 in. Lake Pleasant Charlie Prince 03/30/01

Catch and Release Statewide Big Fish-or-the-Year Winners (Weight is calculated using the formula: Girth2 x Length/800)

Carp 11 lb. 11.72 oz. 26 in. McKellips Park Lake Warren Hollen 08/02/01

Largemouth Bass 16 lb. 0.16 oz. 27.5 in. Canyon Lake Jim Johnson 12/29/01

Smallmouth Bass 6 lb. 2.56 oz. 20.5 in. Fool Hollow Lake Gregg Munck 03/25/01

Walleye 12 lb. 11.68 oz. 29.75 in. Show Low Lake Gregg Munck 06/30/01

Urban Big Fish-of-the-Year Winners

Bluegill 0 lb. 14.4 oz. 9.25 in. Canal Park Lake Mack Hollen Jr. 06/03/01

Channel Catfish 5 lb. 6 oz. 24.13 in. Cortez Park Max Castruita 05/18/01

Largemouth Bass 7 lb. 3.84 oz. 21 in. Green Valley Lake Edward S. Zalig 11/15/01

Tilapia 1 lb. 13.28 oz. 12.75 in. Water Ranch Lake Edward S. Zalig 09/19/01

Urban Catch and Release Big Fish-of-the-Year Winners (Weight is calculated using the formula: Girth2 x Length/800)

Largemouth Bass 6 lb. 7.52 oz. 19 in. Kiwanis Lake Michael Stephenson 01/06/01

Tilapia 3 lb. 7.84 oz. 16.5 in. Kiwanis Lake Michael Stephenson 09/15/01

TelephoneNumbers for

Fishing in ArizonaARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT

Main Phoenix number for general information:(602) 942-3000

TTY at 1-800-367-8939

Dial (602) 942-3000 and appropriate extension for:

Wildlife News ........................................ ext. 3700

Weekly Fishing Report .......................... ext. 3701

Hunt Information Line .......................... ext. 3702

To Report a Game or Fish Violation1-800-352-0700

To Report Vandalism or Livestock Depredation1-800-VANDALS (826-3257)

To purchase Hunting and Fishing LicensesCall 1-866--GO-AZGFD (1-866-462-0433)

or via the Web at www.azgfd.com

Arizona Public Lands Info Center222 N. Central Ave., Suite 101 Phoenix, AZ 85004

602-417-9300 or [email protected]

Regional OfficesPinetop .................................... (928) 367-4281Flagstaff ................................... (928) 774-5045Kingman ................................... (928) 692-7700Yuma ........................................ (928) 342-0091Tucson ..................................... (520) 628-5376Mesa ....................................... (480) 981-9400

KaibabWilliams

928-635-8200PrescottPrescott

928-771-4700Tonto

Phoenix602-225-5200

Apache-SitgreavesSpringerville

928-333-4301CoconinoFlagstaff

928-527-3600CoronadoTucson

520-670-4552

U.S. FOREST SERVICE

For fire restriction and closure information on all publiclands in Arizona call toll-free 1-877-864-6985 orwww.fs.fed.us/r3/fire

Yuma Field Office928-317-3200

Kingman Field Office928-692-4400

Tucson Field Office520-258-7200

Lake Havasu Field Office928-505-1200

State Office - Phoenix602-417-9200

Arizona Strip Field Office435-688-3200

Phoenix Field Office623-580-5500

Safford Field Office520-348-4400

U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

19

Angler’s Name: ___________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________________________

Species: ________________________ and/or _________________________Common Name Scientific Name

Date Caught: _____________________________________________________

Certified Weight (Rule #1) ________________ lbs.

Total Length (Rule #2) ________________ inches

Location of Catch (Rule #3): _________________________________________

Type of Lure or Bait ________________________________________________

Species Identified By (Rule #4): _______________________________________

Scale Location: ___________________________________________________

Registered Scale Number: ___________________________________________

Expiration Date of Scale Certification: __________________________________

Witnesses to Weight (except catch and release entries):We, the undersigned, witnessed the weighing of the fish described above and attestto the weight and length as listed (Rule #1, 2, 5).

Printed Name: ____________________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________________________

Printed Name: ____________________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________________________

REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING

Rule #1 Fish MUST be weighed on a CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE SCALE inpounds and ounces . Scale location, register number and expirationdate of scale certification must be recorded on entry form. Fishshould be weighed whole and ungutted. The Department reservesthe right to cut open any fish after weighing. (Rule #1 not requiredfor catch and release entries).

Rule #2 Length of the fish must be measured by a straight line from thetip of the snout to the tip of the compressed tail in inches.

Rule #3 Fish MUST be caught in Arizona waters including the ColoradoRiver where it borders Mexico, California and Nevada, and all ofLake Powell. Fish must be taken during the LEGAL OPEN SEASONand by the LEGAL METHOD OF TAKE for the water where taken.

Rule #4 Identification of species MUST be verified by a member of theArizona Game and Fish Department. A photograph of the fish isrequired for the record file and for identification purposes.

Rule #5 If the weights and measurements are not witnessed by theDepartment personnel, two witnesses MUST be present at thetime the fish is weighed and measured (except Catch and Releaserecord).

Rule #6 The Arizona Game and Fish Department reserves the right tofurther check identification and/or verification of witnesses and torefuse an application that is questionable.

Rule #7 Fish taken from private waters that are closed to public accessare not eligible for Record or Fish-of-the-Year.

Rule #8 Fish must be legally taken. Any illegal act associated with takingor handling of the fish will disqualify the record.

Rule #9 In the event of any dispute regarding the authenticity of the fishrecord application, the fish must be made available for inspectionby Arizona Game and Fish Department personnel. Thedetermination made by Department personnel shall be conclusive.

Arizona Record Fish/Fish-of-the-Year/Catch & Release Entry Form

State Record

Statewide Fish-of-the-Year

Urban Fish-of-the-Year

Kept Catch & Release

■ ■

■ ■

■ ■

This year we are pleased to introduce a new record fish program – The Catch and Release State Record Program. The new record program is designedand tailored to minimize fish stress and maximize fish survival for those who wish to return fish to the water. It is based on the principle that the lessyou restrain and handle a fish after capture (live well transport, weight handling, re-release, etc) the greater the likelihood of survival. Here is ahighlight of the rules:

•Catch and Release state record fish are recognized by length only (longest measurement from the snout or nose to the tip of the tail).•Total length of the fish must be measured and a clear photo suitable for species identification must be taken.•All fractions of length will be rounded down to the nearest inch.•New C&R record must exceed existing record by at least 1 inch.•Weighing your fish is considered stressful, catch and release entries that are weighed, will be placed in the kept (weighed) category.

With the advent of this new program, we will no longer calculate weights based on length and girth measurements. Witnesses to the capture of Catchand Release fish entries are desirable, however, the program is honor-based and witnesses are not mandatory.

New Catch and Release Record Program

20

Arizona Fish Records(As reported to and verified by the Arizona Game & Fish Department - revised October 22, 2002)

NOTE: Records are based uponweight recorded on state-certified (legal for trade) scalesand two witnesses to theweighing. Record fish must beavailable for inspection byDepartment personnel. Newrecord fish must outweigh thestanding record for the speciesby at least one full ounce. Fishtaken from private waters thatare closed to public access arenot eligible for record status.

* Larger than current all-tackle world record listed bythe International Game FishAssn. and the NationalFresh Water Fishing Hall ofFame

** World record for all tackle asverified by the National FreshWater Fishing Hall of Fame

*** Fort Apache IndianReservation

• Species now protected, maynot be taken

Your purchaseof fishing equipmentand motor boat fuelssupports Sport Fish

Restoration and boatingaccess facilities.

INLAND WATERS, HOOK & LINE

Bass, Largemouth Randall E. White, Mesa 16 lb. 7.68 oz. 28.0 in. Canyon Lake 4/22/97Bass, Rock Johnathan Taylor Eng, Buckeye 0 lb. 5.33 oz. 8 in. Oak Creek 6/3/01Bass, Smallmouth Dennis K. Barnhill, Mesa 7 lb. 0.96 oz. 22.75 in. Roosevelt Lake 3/18/88Bass, Striped David Jackson, Phoenix 23 lb. 8.32 oz. 39.25 in. Alamo Lake 5/3/97Bass, White David Amburgey, Peoria 4 lb. 11.7 oz. 19.5 in. Upper Lake Pleasant 4/72Bass, Yellow Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff 1 lb. 15.8 oz. 11.25 in. Upper Lake Mary 5/19/95Bluegill Ernest Garcia, Safford 3 lb. 5.0 oz. 13.0 in. Stock pond, San Carlos Reser. 1965Buffalo, Bigmouth Leon Stewart, Payson 36 lb. 6.0 oz. 38.5 in. Roosevelt Lake 3/14/95Buffalo, Black David Hoenshell, Mesa 35 lb. 6.72 oz. 40.5 in. Canyon Lake 5/24/95Bullhead, Black Mikki St. George, Sierra Vista 2 lb. 6.1 oz. 16.5 in. Parker Canyon Lake 9/9/02Bullhead, Yellow** Patricia Simmon, Phoenix 4 lb. 8.1 oz. 17.75 in. Mormon Lake 7/15/89Carp Jonathan Gardner, Phoenix 37 lb. 0.0 oz. 40.0 in. Bartlett Lake 8/8/87Catfish, Blue Richard Lujan, Tucson 31 lb. 0.0 oz. 40.0 in. Randolph Park, Tucson 7/70Catfish, Channel Chuck Berndt, Sierra Vista 32 lb. 4.0 oz. 38.75 in. Parker Canyon Lake 4/24/87Catfish, Flathead Clayton Randall, Pine 71 lb. 0.0 oz. 52.0 in. Roosevelt Lake 5/10/98Crappie, Black John Shadrick, Mammoth 4 lb. 10.0 oz. ———— San Carlos Lake 1959Crappie, White Robert Schnell, Glendale 3 lb. 5.28 oz. 16.75 in. Lake Pleasant 2/22/82Grayling, Arctic Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff 1 lb. 9.76 oz. 14.65 in. Lee Valley Lake 7/10/95Mullet Brian Folino, Yuma 2 lb. 10.4 oz. 19.25 in. Fortuna Pond 7/30/00Northern Pike Branislav Djuric, Mesa 29 lb. 13.76oz. 44.0 in. Long Lake 11/28/02Pacu Bartt Frederickson, Phoenix 5 lb. 0.02 oz. 18.0 in. Lake Pleasant 9/8/99Roundtail Chub Richard L. Walton, Chandler 3 lb. 14.9 oz. 18.5 in. Lower Salt River 3/3/84Sucker, Desert** Edith Toney, Mesa 2 lb. 10.75 oz. 18.0 in. Verde River 9/20/92Sucker, Sonora Jay Nochta, Phoenix 5 lb. 6.4 oz. 20.25 in. Canal Park Lake 12/1/96Sunfish, Green Paul Bennett, Sierra Vista 1 lb. 9.0 oz. 11.0 in. Parker Canyon Lake 7/27/96Sunfish, Hybrid* Mikey Alan Porter, Tucson 2 lb. 2.22 oz. 12.5 in. Patagonia Lake 6/5/98Sunfish, Redear Jay Adkins, Prescott 3 lb. 9.0 oz. 14.5 in. Goldwater Lake, Prescott 8/12/93Tilapia Tim Alan Schoenecker, Gilbert 7 lb. 8.8 oz. 20.0 in. Saguaro Lake 3/31/02Trout, Brook Marshall Gregg, Whiteriver 4 lb. 15.2 oz. 20.5 in. Sunrise Lake*** 10/20/95Trout, Brown Bryce Sisson, Prescott 22 lb. 14.5 oz. 36.0 in. Reservation Lake*** 8/6/99Trout, Cutthroat Eric James Walter, Tucson 6 lb. 5.0 oz. 22.3 in. Luna Lake 10/76Trout,Native/Apache** Lyle Hemphill, Lakeside 5 lb. 15.5 oz. 24.0 in. Hurricane Lake*** 6/10/93Trout, Rainbow Eddie Sorenson, Tucson 11 lb. 1.0 oz. 29.0 in. Nelson Reservoir 4/79Walleye Gregg Munck, Show Low 16 lb. 1.76 oz. 31.0 in. Show Low Lake 11/18/02White Amur (Trip.) Kevin a. Baylor Jr., Phoenix 47 lb. 1.6 oz. 46.5 in. Encanto Park 7/12/02Yellow Perch Art Ellico, Kingman 1 lb. 10.0 oz. 13.5 in. Stoneman Lake 3/21/84 (TIE) Curt Bryant, Flagstaff 1 lb. 10.0 oz. 13.5 in. Stoneman Lake 3/24/84

INLAND WATERS, NON-HOOK & LINE (Archery):

Buffalo, Bigmouth Michael T. Young, Mesa 39 lb. 8.0 oz. 41.5 in. Saguaro Lake 3/28/90Buffalo, Black Scott Darnell, Payson 40 lb. 5 oz. 42 in. Apache Lake 6/19/02Buffalo, Smallmouth David Heater, Chandler 38 lb. 8.0 oz. 36.0 in. Canyon Lake 6/10/97Carp David J. Duckwiler, Tucson 33 lb. 8.0 oz. 42.0 in. Roosevelt Lake 6/1/91Sonora Sucker Ronald Nuss, Jr., Mesa 4 lb. 15.52 oz. 23.5 in. Lower Salt River 4/28/97Tilapia Stephen E. Hayes, Tucson 7 lb. 1 oz. 19.13 in. Saguaro Lake 10/14/00

COLORADO RIVER WATERS, HOOK & LINE:

Bass, Largemouth Dale Uden, Yuma 16 lb. 14.0 oz. 28.25 in. Colorado River, Yuma 3/8/96Bass, Smallmouth Gene Albers, Fontana, CA 5 lb. 2.72 oz. 21.5 in. Colorado River, Parker 2/8/97Bass, Striped Jeff Smith, Henderson, NV 67 lb. 1.0 oz. 47.5 in. Colorado River, Willow Beach 8/15/97Bass, White Norman Mize, Chula Vista, CA 5 lb. 5.0 oz. 19.6 in. Imperial Reservoir 3/72Bluegill Ben Mellott, Kingman 2 lb. 11.5 oz. 11.75 in. Bradley Bay, Lake Mead 5/27/89Bullhead, Yellow Douglas R. Pinotti, Mesa 2 lb. 8.8 oz. 15.5 in. Colo. R. near Bullhead City 3/24/86Carp Gary Ramsfield, L. Havasu City 42 lb. 0.0 oz. 43.0 in. Lake Havasu 3/79Catfish, Channel Wando L. Tull, Barstow, CA 35 lb. 4.0 oz. 38.0 in. Topock Marsh 1952Catfish, Flathead Walter Wilson, Bard, CA 74 lb. 0 oz. 51.5 in. CO River - Laguna Dam 5/11/98Crappie, Black Julia Grammer, Makanda, IL 2 lb. 12.0 oz. 16.0 in. Havasu Springs, Lake Havasu 3/11/96Goldfish Jack E. Gobel, Parker 5 lb. 13.0 oz. 18.38 in. CO River - Castle Rock 1/28/97Mullet Buddy E. Fike, Glendale 9 lb. 8.0 oz. 25.5 in. Colo. River/Gila R. confluence 3/76Pacific Tenpounder Charles Reel, Jr., Yuma —— 12.6 oz. 15.75 in. Near Pilot Knob 6/13/81Sucker, Razorback*• Freeman Summers, Lk Havasu City 9 lb. 13.0 oz. 29.0 in. Colorado River, Lake Havasu 1/23/78Sunfish, Green Jose Orozco, Poston 1 lb. 5.28 oz. 11.5 in. Lake Havasu 7/16/97Sunfish, Hybrid Rob Woodford, Bullhead City 3 lb. 1.28 oz. 16 in. Colorado River, Parker 10/12/00Sunfish, Redear Larry Locatis, Lake Havasu City 3 lb. 8.64 oz. 15.5 in. Lake Havasu 6/15/00Tilapia Tom Bruce Wilson, Winterhaven, CA 5 lb. 6.0 oz. 17.75 in. Colorado River, Yuma 11/7/91Trout, Brook Moe Beck, Glendale 5 lb. 4.0 oz. 19.0 in. Lee’s Ferry 3/6/82Trout, Brown Chuck Holland, Phoenix 17 lb. 0.0 oz. 32.0 in. Last Chance Bay, Lake Powell 5/1/71Trout, Cutthroat Jeff Vincent, Mohave Mesa 9 lb. 8.0 oz. 30.5 in. South of Davis Dam 8/79Trout, Rainbow John Reid, Las Vegas, NV 21 lb. 5.5 oz. ——— Willow Beach 9/66Walleye Bud Clifford, Phoenix 8 lb. 1.0 oz. 29.0 in. Lake Powell 5/77Warmouth Patrick Ferguson, Yuma —— 12.0 oz. 10.0 in. Senator Lake 3/74

COLORADO RIVER WATERS, NON-HOOK & LINE (Archery):

Carp Gil Blum, Wittmann 23 lb. 4.0 oz. 37.5 in. Colorado River, (Imperial Dam) 2/4/95Mullet Dell Owens, Phoenix 3 lb. 13.0 oz. 21.0 in. Colorado River, Yuma 5/19/91Tilapia Kenny Marler, Yuma 7 lb. 11.0 oz. 19.38 in. Colorado River, (Imperial Dam) 9/21/96

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Fish Scales Now At A Location Near You!

Pinetop Area

Arizona Game and Fish Department2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.Pinetop, AZ 85935928-367-4281Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Flagstaff Area

Arizona Game and Fish Department3500 S. Lake Mary RoadFlagstaff, AZ 86001928-774-5045Hours: Mon. - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Kingman Area

Willow Beach Store25804 N. Willow Beach Rd.Willow Beach, AZ 86445928-767-4747Hours: Summer - Mon. - Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.;Winter Mon. - Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 120 pounds

Yuma Area

Alamo Lake Store38 miles North of Wenden at the lakeHours: Mon. - Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Lake HavasuAngler’s Pro Shop362 London Bridge Rd., Suite 1;Lake Havasu, AZHours: Mon. - Sat. 6:00 a.m. - 6:p.m.,Sunday 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

ParkerJune’s Unique809 KofaParker, AZHours: Mon. - Sun. All hours Ring Bell if ClosedScale Capacity: 30 pounds

Fisher’s LandingMartinez Lake RoadYuma, AZ11 miles W. on Martinez Lake Rd. from Hwy 95 (MP 46.9)Hours: Sun. - Thur. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 7:00a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 120 pounds

Mesa Sport Shop1314 4th Ave.Yuma, AZHours: Mon. - Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 120 pounds

Arizona Game and Fish Department9140 E. 28th St. Yuma, AZ928-342-0091Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Tucson Area

Arizona Game and Fish Department555 N. Greasewood Rd.Tucson, AZ520-628-5376Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Baja Tackle and Marine1293 W. Miracle MileTucson, 520-620-6454.Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sat. 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Patagonia LakeMarina Cove Store at Patagonia Lake State Park520-287-6063Hours: Mon. - Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 120 pounds

Sierra VistaKH Outdoors430 N. 7th St.Sierra Vista, AZ520-459-8095Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Phoenix Area

Arizona Game and Fish Department7200 E. Universtiy AveMesa, AZ 85207480-981-9400Hours Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Apache Lake MarinaP.O. Box 15627Torilla Flat, AZ 85290Hours: Mon. - Sun. 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Canyon Lake MarinaHours: Mon. - Sun. 24 hoursScale Capacity: 30 pounds

Saguaro Lake MarinaHours: Mon. - Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Killmer’s Kountry StoreHC02 Box 115Globe, AZ 85501928-425-0700Hours: Mon. - Sun. 5:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 120 pounds

Water Dog Willy’s18617 N. Cave Creek RoadPhoenix AZ602-867-0314Hours: Mon. - Sat. 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.;Sun. 5:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 120 pounds

Liar’s Corner9529 E. Apache TrailMesa, AZ480-986-2515Hours: Mon. - Sat. 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.;Sun. 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 30 pounds

Arizona Game and Fish Department2221 W. Greenway RoadPhoenix, AZ 85023602-942-3000Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Scale Capacity: 120 pounds

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has placed 21 fish weighing scales at locations across the state. The scales are intended to ease thedifficulty many anglers have had finding certified scales to weigh their record fish catches. The purchase of these scales is another example of thepartnership between the Nongame Endangered Wildlife Program through the state Tax Checkoff Project, the Sportfish Restoration Program, andanglers. The fate of sportfishing and conservation of aquatic species are firmly connected and the success of each program is integral to the other.Remember to check the appropriate box on your state tax form to contribute to the Nongame Endangered Wildlife Program.

Preventing theSpread of

Whirling Disease

Whirling disease is a parasitic infectionthat attacks juvenile trout, eventually killingthem. The disease is transmitted primarilyby live infected fish. Whirling disease is nota human health concern. The Arizona Gameand Fish Department continues to monitorand test for any presence of the disease. You can help prevent the spread ofwhirling disease in the following ways:

•Do not transport live fish or fish partsfrom one body of water to another. •If fishing known infected waters, rinseall mud and debris from equipment,wading gear and drain water from boatsbefore leaving the infected water. For more information, visit the WhirlingDisease Foundation’s Web site atwww.whirling-disease.org.

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Sport Fish IdentificationCommon Flies UsedIn Arizona

Mayflies are important insects to freshwater flyfishermen. They usually have three tails. TheSidewinder No-hackle Dun imitation is a gooddry fly to use during a hatch of mayfly naturals.The mayfly above is a dun.

Natural mayfly nymphs are not smooth; theyhave gills and legs that move about in the water.There are many types of fur nymphs that imitatethe naturals.

The Elk-hair Caddis (above) is a dry caddispattern that will work on nearly every water thathas caddis hatches.

The Woolly Worm pattern is one of the bestflies, because it can imitate many insects,including stoneflies. It looks alive in the water.

Art courtesy of the North American Fly-Tackle Trade Association

Rainbow Trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1898. Ol-ive to bluish on the back, silvery sides, a pink bandon the sides from head to tail. Many small blackspots on back, sides, adipose and dorsal fin. Dis-tinct 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.

Location and Habitat: They are stocked in mostlakes and streams where water temperatures donot exceed 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Angling: Effective baits are worms, salmon eggs,Powerbait, corn, cheese, marshmallows, artificiallures and flies. The number one key to successfultrout fishing, is to use light line (4 to 6 pound) andsmall hooks (10-14 sizes), and small sinkers.

Cutthroat Trout(Oncorhynchus clarki)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1900. Bodyshape similar to rainbow trout. Back and sides arelightly spotted; Dorsal, adipose and tail fins areheavily spotted. Red or reddish-orange slash onthroat. Length: 8 to 22 inches. Weight: up to 6pounds.

Location and Habitat: Cutthroat trout are rarelyfound in Arizona’s streams, but can occasionallyoccur in the White Mountain lakes which arestocked by the Department. They prefer the samehabitat as rainbow trout and are found in similarareas.

Angling: The same techniques used to catch rain-bow trout work well for cutthroats. They may becaught on a variety of flies and artificial lures but alive nightcrawler is hard to beat. Use light line andsmall hooks!

Apache Trout(Oncorhynchus apache)

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. Or-ange to red cutthroat mark usually present underlower 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 ofpupil, give appearance of black stripe through eye.Length: 6 to 24 inches. Weight: up to 6 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found only in White Moun-tain lakes and streams and are one of two troutnative to Arizona. The Department is increasing theirefforts in stocking Apache trout in Arizona.

Angling: They are easily caught fishing wet or dryflies, worms or salmon eggs. The same techniquesused to catch rainbow trout work very well onApache trout.

Brook Trout(Salvelinus fontinalis)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1903. Grayto olive-green on the back. Vermiculations or worm-like markings on the back and dorsal fin. Sideslighter in color with blue halos around pink or redspots. White edge on lower fins and lower tail.Length: 4 to 21 inches. Weight: up to 4 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Brook trout are found incolder streams and lakes in the White Mountains.They reproduce in streams but are most often foundin lakes stocked by the Department. Like browntrout, brook trout are fall spawners and are easilycaught near the shore during fall spawning runs.

Angling: They are easy to catch, especially in theearly spring or late fall when cold water tempera-tures keep the fish very active. They are caught onwet flies, small spinning lures and worms.

Fish Art by Mary Hirsch

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Sport Fish Identification

Brown Trout(Salmo trutta)

Description: Exotic from Europe. Introduced in1931. Olive-brown with yellowish sides. Some or-ange or red spots on the sides, spots often encircledwith light yellow or white Dark spots on back andsides. Tail fin usually unspotted or vaguely spot-ted. Adipose fin usually orange or reddish. Length:6 to 29 inches. Weight: up to 16 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Brown trout are found instreams and some lakes in the White Mountainsand around the Mogollon Rim country. They re-produce naturally in streams and are oftenassociated with deep under cut banks and poolschoked with woody debris.

Angling: Brown trout may be caught on the sametackle and baits as rainbow trout, but are often moredifficult to catch. The best time to catch large browntrout is during fall spawning.

Arctic Grayling(Thymallus arcticus)

Description: Non-native trout. Introduced in 1940.The dorsal fin is large, dark-gray, blotched with palespots, with cross-rows of deep blue spots andedged with red or orange. The dorsal fin has 17 to25 rays. The tail fin is forked. The body has scat-tered black spots on silver-gray, sometimes pinksides. Scales larger than for trout. Length: 12 to 16inches. Weight: up to 1 pound.

Location and Habitat: Grayling are found in LeeValley Reservoir and a few small high mountainlakes in the White Mountains. They spend most ofthe year in the lake then “run” up stream to spawnin the spring.

Angling: Grayling are caught on both wet and dryflies. A Royal Coachman or a black or brown Woollyworm often work very well.

Smallmouth Bass(Micropterus dolomieui)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1921.Smallmouth bass most often are bronze to brown-ish green in color, with dark vertical bars on sides.In contrast to the Largemouth bass, the upper jawdoes not extend beyond rear margin of eye. Eyereddish in color. Shallow notch in dorsal fin. Softdorsal fin has 13 to 15 rays. Length: 12 to 22 inches.Weight up to 7 pounds.

Location and Habitat: They are abundant in theVerde River, Black River, Apache Lake and to somedegree in Roosevelt Reservoir and Lake Powell.They prefer rocky habitats in streams and lakes withclear waters.

Angling: Effective lures for smallmouth, are thosethat resemble minnows, plastic worms andstreamer flies. Live baits include minnows andhellgrammites.

Largemouth Bass(Micropterus salmoides)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1897. Largemouth with upper jaw of adults extending beyondrear margin of eye. Dark olive-green on back, greensides shading to white belly. Dark horizontal bandon each side. Deep notch in dorsal fin. Soft dorsalfin with 12 to 13 rays. Length: 10 to 28 inches.Weight: up to 15 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Colorado, Gila, lower Saltand lower Verde Rivers and associated reservoirs.A warm water fish that prefers clear water withstructure and cover. Bass move to deep water dur-ing the day and to shallows to feed at night. Bassspawn from March through June.

Angling: Largemouth bass are caught on both natu-ral and artificial baits. An angler should thinkstructure when bass fishing. Bass concentratearound submerged trees, aquatic vegetation andunderwater drop-offs.

Striped Bass(Morone saxatilis)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1959. Bodyhas six to nine black horizontal stripes on silvery-white sides. Dorsal fins are distinctly separate,unlike yellow bass, which are joined at the base.Pelvic fins in large adults, white with anal fin edgedin white. Lower jaw protrudes beyond upper jaw.Generally two patches of teeth on tongue. 2nd analspine distinctly shorter than the 3rd. Tail is slightlyforked. Length: 10 to 56 inches. Weight: up to 59pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found throughout the Colo-rado River between Lake Powell and the Mexicanborder and more recently in Lake Pleasant. Preferopen, clear water. Spawn in spring over shallow,rocky areas in a lake or in the fast moving watersbelow dams.

Angling: Stripers can be caught on shad, ancho-vies, “cut” bait, spoons, plugs, jigs, crankbaits, andstreamer flies.

Yellow Bass(Morone mississippiensis)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1930. Bodyhas golden-yellow sides with 5 to 7 horizontal lines;Lines appear broken and offset about midway onthe lower side. Dorsal fins are connected. 2nd analspine is about as long as the 3rd anal spine. Nopatches of teeth on tongue. Length: 6 to 14 inches.Weight: 4 ounces to over 1 pound.

Location and Habitat: Found in the Salt River Res-ervoirs (Apache, Canyon, and Saguaro) and LakeMary. They are a schooling fish like white bass,but yellow bass relate to bottom structure morethan white bass. Spawning habits and times simi-lar to white bass.

Angling: The most effective lures and baits are jigs,spoons, spinners, small crankbaits, minnows andworms. Fishing with minnows is unlawful in LakeMary.


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White Bass(Morone chrysops)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1960. Bodysilver-white, 4 to 7 dark horizontal lines; Lines be-low lateral line often faint and broken. Dorsal finsare distinctly separate, unlike the yellow bass, whichare joined at the base. 2nd anal spine distinctlyshorter than the 3rd. Lower jaw protrudes beyondupper jaw; Generally a single patch of teeth at baseof tongue. Length: 8 to 19 inches. Weight: 5 ouncesto 4 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found only in Imperial Res-ervoir on the Colorado River and Lake Pleasant.Prefer clear, open waters. Spawn in large groups,in April or May, generally over rocky or rip-rap typeareas.

Angling: Effective lures are spinners, spoons, jigsand shad type crank baits. During a feeding frenzy,they will strike practically any shad imitating luretossed into their midst.

Walleye(Stizostedion vitreum)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1957. Backis yellow-olive with a brassy cast. Sides brassy-yel-low with dark mottling. Belly is white. Dark spot atrear of spiny dorsal fin. Anal fin and lower lobe oftail fin are white. Eyes are opaque-silver in color.Length: 12 to 29 inches. Weight: 10 oz. up to 12 lbs.

Location and Habitat: Found in Lake Powell, LakeMary, Saguaro, Canyon, Apache, Show Low andFool’s Hollow lakes. Bottom oriented fish, due totheir sensitivity to light, preferring to stay in deepwater during the day, moving to shallow watersduring the night. Spawn in spring, in relatively shal-low water, over clean gravel or rocky bottoms.

Angling: Because of light-sensitive eyes, walleyesfeed more actively early in the morning, late in theevening, or at night. Effective lures and baits in-clude, minnows, night crawlers, jigs, spinners andminnow imitating plugs. Fishing with minnows isunlawful in Lake Powell, Lake Mary, Showlow Lakeand Fool’s Hollow Lake.

Green Sunfish(Lepomis cyanellus)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1926. Largemouth with blue-green striations on the cheeks.Opercle flap is black with reddish or orange bor-der. Body olive-green in color, dark vertical bars onsides. Pectoral fin short and rounded. Caudal finand lower fin margins are white or yellowish withdusky spots at rear of dorsal and anal fins. Length:3 to 12 inches. Weight: 3 ounces to 1 pound 8ounces.

Location and Habitat: Found in most warm waterlakes and streams in Arizona and even in a few troutlakes in the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim.Prefer lakes with rocky substrate and piles of rubble,but can be found around brushy banks and cliffs.

Angling: Because of their highly predaceous andpugnacious nature they are one of the easiest fishto catch. They are always hungry and readily biteon small worms and insects.

Black Crappie(Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1905. Headand back heavily and irregularly spotted with blackblotches on a silver-olive background; Tail, dorsaland anal fins are spotted. Seven or eight spines ondorsal fin. Body is compressed. Length: 6 to 12inches. Weight: up to 4 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Black crappie are more abun-dant than white crappie and are found in most ofArizona’s major warmwater reservoirs. They are at-tracted to submerged brush and trees and generallytravel in schools. Spawning is often in open water,typically over mud, sand or gravel bottoms. Malesguard the nest, and young after the eggs hatch.Mature in second or third year of life, rarely livemore than 6 to 7 years.

Angling: Effective bait and lures are minnows, smalljigs, silver spoons, spinners and flies fished alongshorelines around submerged brush piles.

Redear Sunfish(Lepomis microlophus)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1946. The“Red-ear” sunfish has a black opercle flap which isbordered with a reddish or orange color on the rearof the flap. Sides of head have olive-brown speck-ling. Body is compressed or flat with an olive-greencast, light speckling on sides. Pectoral fin long andpointed, usually extends far past eye when bentforward. Length: 6 to 14 inches. Weight: 3 oz. toover 3 lbs.

Location and Habitat: Found statewide in warmwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Prefer clear lakeswith some aquatic vegetation; relate to deep bot-tom structure.

Angling: Redear seem to reject baits that offer re-sistance such as lead weights and bite gently. Fishwith worms on the bottom, without weight or bob-ber, and simply allow the bait to lie motionless.Periodically move the bait a foot or so.

White Crappie(Pomoxis annularis)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1903. Simi-lar to black crappie but more silvery in color. Blackmarkings tend to form vertical bars rather than ran-dom spots as in black crappie. The dorsal fin has 6spines. The body is compressed or flat. Tail fin,dorsal and anal fins are spotted. Length: 6 to 17inches. Weight: up to 3 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Lake Pleasant is the onlylake where white crappie are occasionally caught.More tolerant of warm, turbid waters than blackcrappie. Spawn in spring to early summer, usuallynear cover such as submerged brush or rock. Malesguard the nest, and young after the eggs hatch.Generally mature in second or third year of life,rarely live more than 6 to 7 years.

Angling: Effective bait and lures are minnows, smalljigs, silver spoons, spinners and flies fished alongshorelines around submerged brush piles and fallentrees.


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Yellow Bullhead(Ameiurus natalis)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1920. Bodyis yellow-olive to brown on back with yellowishsides, and yellow to white belly. Slight to no mot-tling. Chin barbels are always light in color, eitherwhite or pale yellow. Anal fin is moderately longwith a straight profile; Tail fin is rounded. Length: 6to 18 inches. Weight: 4 oz. to over 4 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Widespread; Found in thelower Colorado River, Salt River, Verde River,Apache Lake, Roper Lake, Parker Canyon Lake andMormon Lake, to name a few. Prefer clear water,rocky-bottomed, intermediate-sized streams andshallow areas of warmwater lakes.

Angling: Often overlooked by anglers, but can beeasily caught with worms, nightcrawlers or crick-ets, fished on the bottom, at night.

Flathead Catfish(Pylodictis olivaris)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1940’s.Back and sides mottled, dark-brown to yellow-brown; belly is yellowish-white. Head is broad andflat with small eyes. Large mouth, lower jaw pro-jecting beyond the upper jaw. Adipose fin is large;Tail fin is flat or slightly notched. Length: 12 to 52inches. Weight: 1 to 65 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found in the lower Colo-rado River near Yuma, Gila River, Salt River, VerdeRiver systems and reservoirs and Lake Pleasant.Found near cover, in deeper, slower moving poolsof rivers. Often congregate in swift water belowdams to feed on live fish. Flatheads spawn in springor early summer, building nests in caves, depres-sions under rocks or undercut banks.

Angling: Live sunfish or carp, fished close to thebottom of deep pools or in swift water below a damis effective.

Channel Catfish(Ictalurus punctatus)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1903. Scat-tered black spots on a silver or gray colored backand sides with a white belly. Few spots on largeadults. Smooth, scaleless skin. 8 barbels or “whis-kers”. Short base on small adipose fin. Deeplyforked tail. Anal fin has 24 to 30 rays and is slightlyrounded. Length 10 to 39 inches. Weight: 12ounces to over 35 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found in most warmwaterlakes and rivers. Inhabit deeper stretches of riversand streams with moderate current. Spawns fromApril through early June.

Angling: Effective baits are waterdogs, liver, bloodbait, shad, shrimp, anchovies, homemade stinkbaits, minnows and worms. Contrary to myth, the“whiskers” are harmless to touch and used only tosmell, taste and feel as it forages for food. How-ever, the dorsal fin and pectoral fins have a sharpspine which can inflict a painful wound.

Northern Pike(Esox lucius)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1965. Backand sides, dusky olive-green with rows of light ovalspots. Dorsal, anal and tail fin have round to ob-long darkened spots. Dorsal fin located far backon an elongated body. Large canine-like teeth.Cheeks completely scaled, only upper half of thegill cover is scaled. Length: 12 to 47 inches. Weight:up to 24 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found in Lake Mary, Mor-mon Lake, Stoneman Lake, and Long Lake, southof Flagstaff. Prefer shallow water and areas con-gested with aquatic weeds. Spawn just after icethaws; Adhesive eggs simply scattered over thebottom or onto vegetation.

Angling: Effective lures and bait for pike are “LARGE”spoons, spinners, plugs or waterdogs. Fishing withminnows is unlawful in Lake Mary, Morman Lake,Stoneman Lake and Long Lake. Northern pike havesharp teeth, so many anglers use a wire leader toprevent the line from being cut.


Bluegill(Lepomis macrochirus)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1932. Thebluegill has blue coloring on the chin, a solid blackopercle flap, a small mouth and a dark spot at therear of the dorsal fin. The body is very compressedor flat and has from five to nine dark vertical barson the sides. Length: 4 to 13 inches. Weight: 3ounces to over 3 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Bluegill are found in mostreservoirs or ponds below 4,000 feet elevation andrarely occur in streams and rivers. They are proneto stunting and large populations of tiny bluegillare common.

Angling: Bluegill will eat anything they can get intotheir mouth. Worms are an anglers favorite bait, butbluegill will take, small poppers, flies, small spin-ners and jigs. Bluegill are gregarious, so when youcatch one, there are usually more in the same place.

Yellow Perch(Perca flavescens)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1919. Backolive-green; sides brassy-yellow with 6 to 9 darkvertical bars; Belly is white. Anal fin, pectoral andpelvic fins are amber-orange tinted. Small teeth,not canine-like. Soft (rear) dorsal fin has 12 to 13rays. Length: 4 to 12 inches. Weight: 3 to 16 ounces.

Location and Habitat: Found in Stoneman Lake.Prefer clear water with moderate, aquatic vegeta-tion. Spawn in spring; The eggs are extruded in aribbon-like, gelatinous string, which is depositedover vegetation or woody debris. The parents donot guard the eggs or fry.

Angling: Schools of perch can be located by troll-ing or drifting lures or bait close to the bottom.Popular lures and baits include, small jigs, spin-ners, worms, crickets and grubs. Fishing withminnows is unlawful in Stoneman Lake.


26


Bigmouth Buffalo(Ictiobus cyprinellus)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1918. Heavybodied fish Back is gray to olive-bronze with green-copper reflections. Sides, black to olive-yellow;Belly, pale yellow to white. Head large and ovoidwith a sharply oblique, terminal mouth. No barbelsor spines. Length: 12 to 41 inches. Weight: up to39 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found only in Apache andRoosevelt Lake.

Angling: These fish are rarely caught by rod andreel, but successful anglers have used small hookshidden in dough balls. *

Carp(Cyprinus carpio)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1880. Backolive-yellow with yellowish gold sides. Scales onback and upper sides are dark-edged, with a darkspot at the base. The dorsal fin has 17 to 22 rays.One saw-toothed spine at front of long dorsal andanal fin. Two barbels at each corner of the mouthon the upper jaw. Large adults have reddish-or-ange anal and tail fin. Length: 10 to 43 inches.Weight: up to 42 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found in all reservoirs,ponds, rivers and streams below 4,000 feet. Preferreservoir-type habitat. Spawn in shallow water fromMarch through July.

Angling: The trick to catching carp is using little orno weight. *

Desert SuckerCatostomus (Pantosteus) clarki

Description: Native to Arizona. Body sharply bi-colored, olive-brown above and deep-yellow below.Scales on upper half of body have dark spots form-ing faint dashed lines. Lower lip is about 3 times asthick as upper lip. Dorsal fin has 10 to 11 rays.Length: 8 to 31 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 4pounds.

Location and Habitat: Abundant in the BillWilliam’s, Gila, Salt and Verde River systems. Pre-fer rivers or streams that have deep and quiet, rockyor gravely pools. Intolerant of lake conditions cre-ated by dams.

Angling: Fish on the bottom, in deeper pools ofrivers and streams with worms or crickets.*

Tilapia

Description: Exotic from Africa. Introduced in1960’s. At least four distinct species of tilapia havebeen introduced into Arizona. Extensive hybridiza-tion often makes identification difficult. Similar inbody shape to bluegill. Two-part lateral line withfront portion higher on body than rear portion.Long, unbroken dorsal fin and anal fin with pointedends. Length: 4 to 18 inches. Weight: 6 ounces toover 5 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found in the Salt and Gilarivers and in the network of canals and ditches infarming areas between Phoenix and Yuma. Oftenstocked in canals and artificial lakes for algae andvegetation control. Populations exist at Alamo Lake,Lake Pleasant, Roper Lake and Saguaro Lake.

Angling: Fish during warmer months, with smallworms, crickets and dough balls on small hooks(size 12). *

* In addition to angling, bigmouth buffalo, tilapia, desert suckers, and carp may also be taken by bow andarrow, crossbow, snare, gig, spear and speargun as long as none of these methods are practiced withintwo hundred yards of any boat dock or designated swimming area.

Black Bullhead(Ameiurus melas)

Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1920. Bodyis black or dark gray on back with no mottling andyellowish sides; Belly is white or yellow. Chin bar-bels are dark black. Tail fin is slightly notched.Length: 5 to 15 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 2pounds.

Location and Habitat: Not widespread. Prefersrelatively quiet, murky waters, soft bottoms andrarely found in clear, rocky-bottomed habitats. Theyare a hardy fish, tolerant of warm water and lowlevels of dissolved oxygen.

Angling: Like the yellow bullhead, the black bull-head is often overlooked as a sport fish but can beeasily caught with worms, nightcrawlers or crick-ets, fished on the bottom, at night.

Roundtail Chub(Gila robusta)

Description: Native to Arizona. Body is thick andstreamlined, dark olive-gray above with silver sides.Mouth extends to front of eye. Dorsal fin and analfin usually have 8 to10 rays. Large forked tail fin.Breeding males develop red or orange colorationon lower half of cheek and bases of paired fins.Length: 8 to 18 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 3pounds.

Location and Habitat: Found in moderate-sized,perennial rivers throughout the state. Fish occupypools and eddies, often concentrating in swift swirl-ing water below rapids.

Angling: Roundtail chubs readily take artificial luresand bait and put up a strong fight. Effective luresand bait include, small spinners, spoons, flies,worms and crickets. Fishing with ultra-lite tackleand light line is an exciting way to fish for roundtailchub on an Arizona river.


27

Colorado River Pikeminnow(Ptychocheilus lucius)

Description: Native to Arizona. Body is long andslender, gray-green back with silver sides. Scales,very small. Long, conical shaped head, flattenedbetween the eyes; Large, horizontal mouth. Dorsalfin originates behind origin of pelvic fins. Dorsaland anal fins almost always with nine rays. Tail fin,large and deeply forked. Length: 1 to 6 feet. Weight:1 to 100 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Originally found in the Colo-rado River and Gila River basin, now stocked in theVerde River. Preferred large rivers with strong tomoderate current, deep pools, eddies, riffles, swiftruns and quiet backwaters.

Angling: This is a protected species and posses-sion is prohibited.

Protected Native Fish

Bonytail Chub(Gila elegans)

Description: Native to Arizona. Extremely rare.Federally listed as Endangered. Body highly stream-lined, bluish, dusky color above, pale below. Headshort, concave on top, arching smoothly into asubtle hump in adults. Dorsal fin rays almost al-ways 10 or more; anal fin rays 9-11; very slendercaudal peduncle. Lengths: up to 24 inches.Weights: over 2 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Historically occurredthroughout the Colorado River and its main tribu-taries. Currently found in Lake Mohave and LakeHavasu and in the Colorado River from Lake Powellupstream to the Green River in Utah. Prefers poolsand eddies of warm, often heavily silted, swiftmoving rivers.


Razorback Sucker(Xyrauchen texanus)

Description: Native to Arizona. Back, olive tobrown-black, sides brown or pinkish; Belly, whiteto yellow. Adults have sharp-edged keel or “hump-back”. Mouth facing downward; Lower lip widelyseparated into two lobes by a deep groove. 13-16dorsal rays; 7 anal rays. Length; Up to 36 inches;Weight: 1 to 13 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Lake Mohave has a smallpopulation of razorback suckers. Extirpated fromthe Gila River basin, now stocked in the Verde River.Prefers rivers with strong, uniform currents oversandy bottoms. Also found in eddies and backwa-ters adjacent to river channels, concentrating indeep places near cut banks.


Gila trout, Gila topminnow, woundfin, Sonora chub, spikedace, desert pupfish, loach minnow, Little Colo-rado spinedace, Virgin River roundtail chub, Yaqui chub, Mexican stoneroller, Virgin River spinedace, Gilachub and the four fish illustrated here are protected in Arizona. Should any of these be caught (most likelyto occur in the Colorado, Salt, Verde and Gila river systems) they must be released unharmed.

Humpback Chub(Gila cypha)

Description: Native to Arizona. Very rare. Feder-ally listed as Endangered. Body streamlined, darkolive-gray above, silver sides. Small head withsnout overhanging mouth. High pronounced humpimmediately behind head. This high-hump acts asa barrier to passing water forcing the body againstthe bottom where currents are slightly less, thusenabling these fish to move through rapids sepa-rating one eddying habitat from another. Deeplyembedded scales. Slender caudal peduncle. Dor-sal fin rays usually 9, anal fin rays 10 or more.Length; up to 18 inches. Weight; up to 2 pounds.

Location and Habitat: Historically occurred in theColorado River and its main tributaries from thepresent site of Hoover Dam northward into Utah.Now found only in the Little Colorado River andadjacent portions of the Colorado River. Prefersdeep, fast-moving, turbid waters, often associatedwith large boulders and steep cliffs.


Trilene Knot

1. Run the end of the line through theeye of the hook two times.

2. Loop the line around 4 or 5 times,then thread the loose end backbetween the two loops near the hookas shown.

3. Pull tight. Trim the loose end.

Palomar Knot

1. Start with plenty of line.

2. Double the line and pass end throughthe hook’s eye.

3. Tie an overhand knot (like you weretying a shoe string) but do not pull ittight yet.

4. Pass the hook through the loop

5. Pull the loose end of line to tighten theknot. Trim the end. Leave at least 1/8inch of your line at the knot.

SAFE BOATING ISNO ACCIDENTCall (602) 789-3235

to sign up for a class.


28

FORINFORMATIONABOUT FISHINGCLINICS CALL:

Arizona Game and Fish Department2221 W. Greenway RoadPhoenix, AZ 85023(602) 789-3235

Or Visit Our Web SiteAt azgfd.com

Lead Exposure fromLead Fishing Sinkers

• Some fishing sinkers contain lead. Lead can be dan-gerous to your body if eaten or breathed. Prolongedand high levels of exposure to lead can cause brainand nerve damage, slowed growth in children andreproductive problems and high blood pressure inadults.

• In order to prevent exposure to lead please handle leadsinkers with care and follow the guidelines below:

• Wash hands with soap after holding or using leadsinkers.

• Never put lead in your mouth. This includes bitingdown on or chewing lead sinkers.

• Never handle or eat food immediately after handlinglead sinkers unless washing hands first.

• Take proper precautions when melting lead andpouring sinkers at home.

• You may want to consider using fishing sinkers whichdo not contain lead if you are concerned about expo-sure to lead. Alternatives to lead sinkers are made ofsteel, bismuth, tungsten, resin and glass. Avoid sinkersmade from zinc, as they are toxic to waterfowl.

• If you suspect lead poisoning in your child or yourself,or you would like further information call:

• Office of Environmental Health, 1-800-367-6412(Arizona residents only) or (602) 230-5943.

• National Lead Information Clearinghouse at: 1-800-424-LEAD.

Operating YourWatercraft in Arizona• Carry the proper number and type of life

jackets required for your boat and number ofpassengers.

• Be sure all children, 12 or younger, wear alife jacket whenever the boat is underway.

• Display navigation lights when operating aboat between sunset and sunrise.

• Carry the proper fire extinguisher for yourboat type and size.

• Obey all navigation rules and waterwaymarkers.

• Pick up an Arizona Boating Guide at anyGame and Fish Department office andlearn the laws.

• Be a responsible and courteous boater.

• Attend an Arizona Game and FishDepartment Boating Safety Class. Call(602) 789-3235 or visit www.azgfd.com fora schedule of classes.

29

MonofilamentRecovery Program

The Arizona Game and Fish Department isproud to announce the creation of a Mono-filament Recovery Program. Arizona’sMonofilament Recovery Program is dedicatedto helping clean up Arizona’s recreation areasand to reducing wildlife losses associated with the litter.

Fishing line (monofilament) can last up to 600 years in theenvironment. Improperly disposed line can be consumed by,or entangle, many animals including migratory birds and fish.It can also be hazardous to people hiking, swimming, ordiving, and to boat motors. Arizona’s Monofilament RecoveryProgram encourages recreationists to properly dispose of usedfishing line in trash containers and recycling bins. In addition,by conducting regular cleanups, we can prevent ospreys, baldeagles, waterfowl, and pets from dangerous and often lethalentanglement. Recycling bins will be stationed at local licensedealers, tackle shops, boating ramps, and recreation areasthroughout Arizona.

Help From Everyone is Needed!Below are three easy steps to help launch this program:

• Properly dispose of used monofilament in trashcontainers or recovery bins. Manufacturingcompanies such as Stren and Berkley convertrecovered monofilament into tackle boxes, lures, andartificial fish habitats.

• To reduce fish from breaking line, use the appropriatetest line for the desired fish and fishing technique,and replace monofilament yearly. Due to Arizona’sextreme temperature regimes, fishing line easilybecomes damaged or brittle.

• While enjoying Arizona’s outdoors, take the initiativeand pick-up discarded monofilament and deposit thelitter into the nearest recycling bin.

Look for monofilamentrecovery bins like theseat your local licensedealers, tackle shops,boat ramps, andrecreation areasthroughout Arizona.

Know Before You Go!Take a Boating Education Classazgfd.com or call 602-789-3235

It Only Takes One!•One time not wearing your PFD•One second of reckless operation•One drink could put you over the limit

1. I will help protect the outdoors. I will not litter. I will pick upand properly dispose of all fishing line, bait containers, fishremains and other trash.

2. I will respect other people’s privacy and fishing space. I willfish quietly so I don’t frighten fish or disturb people.

3. I will buy and carry an Urban fishing license or a State fishinglicense if I am 14 years old or older.

4. I will know the fishing regulations including the size andnumber of fish I can keep. I will abide by these laws andreport those that violate them to Operation Game Thief (1-800-352-0700).

5. I will keep only those fish that I plan to eat. I will carefullyrelease all other fish right away.

6. I will properly care for all fish I plan to eat. This means keepingthem alive or putting them on ice, cleaning them at homeand quickly storing them in a refrigerator or freezer.

7. I will share my fishing knowledge and skills with others,particularly kids.

An Angler’s CodeOf Ethics

30

Fish TalesCaught a large fish? Caught a small fish? Caught your

first fish? Caught your brother? We want to know aboutyour fishing experiences. If you write us and describe whathappened on your adventure, our Director will write youback and include some neat fishing stuff. This program isonly available for young people up to the age of 14. Wereally like pictures so get your camera or just draw youradventure. Be sure that you include your name, address,age and phone number so we can send you the neat stuff.Also, we will not be able to return your pictures or yourletter.

So take your parents fishing, and then write us at:

Education Branch Fish TalesArizona Game and Fish Department2221 West Greenway RoadPhoenix, AZ 85023

or at e-mail us at [email protected]

Youth Fishing is SWEET!Letter from Michael Urnea, Tucons received in 2002.

Youth Fishing is AWESOME!Did You Know...• Kids under 14 years of age

and residents who are blindcan fish without a license onall state waters and on the16 lakes within the design-ated Urban Lake Program.Anyone 14 or older whowants to fish must buy alicense.

• Parents don’t need to buya fishing license to takekids fishing, but if parentsare going to fish, they will need to buy a license.

• When fishing, kids under 14 are entitled to the regularBag and Possession Limits* on all species except trout.When fishing for any trout species in Arizona, unlicensedkids are entitled to one-half the regular limit. For ex-ample, if the regular limit is 3 trout, kids under 14 cankeep 2 trout.

• Kids under 14 who want to catch a full limit of trout cando so by purchasing an Urban Fishing License** and/or aState Fishing License** with a Trout Stamp.**

• Kids under 14 who want to fish with two fishing poles atthe same time can do so by purchasing a State or Urbanlicense and attaching a Two Pole Stamp** to it. You onlyneed to buy one Two Pole Stamp, but it must be attachedto the Urban or State Fishing License and that licensemust be with you when you fish with two poles.

Take your parents fishing on Saturday, June 7, 2003 tohelp celebrate Arizona’s Free Fishing Day. Tell yourparents that no fishing license will be required on thatday on all state or urban waters or from shore on theColorado River. Check the Arizona Game and FishDepartment’s website at www.azgfd.com for specialprograms around the sate on June 7. For additionalinformation about Free Fishing Day in Arizona, see R12-4-311 on page 13 of these regulations.

Arizona’s Free Fishing DaySaturday, June 7, 2003

*For DEFINITIONS of Bag and Possession Limits, turn to page 7**For prices on FISHING LICENSES and Stamps, turn to page 3

31

Youth Fishing RULES!

You can PREVENT destruction of fish habitat and loss of boating opportunities by helping toeliminate the spread of nuisance aquatic weeds, zebra mussels, and other unwanted aquatic pests.

Inspecting—Thoroughly inspect your boat’s hull, out drive, trim plates, trolling plates, prop guards,transducers and trailers. If you see any “hitchhikers” remove them. Remove aquatic plants and plantfragments clinging to trailer frame, axles, wheels, hitch, motor lower unit, and interior boat spaces.Spray down your boat and trailer before leaving any lake or stream or at home before setting out fora new boating location.

Draining—Drain all bilge water, livewell and bait buckets before leaving infested waterways.Leftover bait should not be released or transported alive. Dispose of baitfish on dry land.

What can you do?

Remove and dispose of plants on dry land.

Inspect Your Boat!anchor live well ski lines

rollers axle lower unit

ATTENTION BOATERSDon’t Pick Up Hitchhikers!

For additional information, contact:Arizona Game and Fish Department

2221 W. Greenway RoadPhoenix, AZ 85023

(602) 942-3000azgfd.com

32

Where to Fish in ArizonaThe following list of waters are only some ofthe more popular places where these fish canbe found. Because water conditions changerapidly please contact Arizona Game and Fishwhen planning your fishing trip. For the latestfishing reports call 602-789-3701.

Arctic Grayling: Lee Valley Reservoir

Bluegill (sunfish): Apache Lake, Roper Lake,Saguaro Lake, Lake Pleasant, Arivaca Lake,Lake Powell, and Bartlett Lake.

Carp: Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, Lake Mead,Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, San CarlosLake, Bartlett Lake, Lake Pleasant, SaguaroLake, Canyon Lake, and Apache Lake.

Crappie: Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, LakePleasant, and San Carlos Lake.

Flathead Catfish: Colorado River at Yuma,Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, the Verde Riverat Camp Verde and below Horseshoe Lake,San Carlos Lake, and the Gila River at Safford.

Largemouth Bass: Alamo Lake, Bartlett Lake,Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, Canyon Lake,Saguaro Lake, San Carlos Lake, Lake Havasu,Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lake Pleasant, andMittry Lake.

Northern Pike: Upper Lake Mary, StonemanLake and Long Lake.

Smallmouth Bass: Lake Powell, RooseveltLake, Apache Lake and Black 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, BlueRidge Reservoir, Canyon Creek near Payson,Chevelon Canyon Lake, West Clear Creeknear Camp Verde, Cresent Lake, J.D. Lake,Knoll Lake, Lee Valley Lake, Lee’s Ferry andthe Colorado River in the Grand Canyon,Little Colorado River near Greer, Lake Mohave,Luna Lake, Lynx Lake, Nelson Lake, OakCreek near Sedona, Parker Canyon Lake,River Reservoir, Salt River in Phoenix, ShowLow Lake, Tonto Creek near Payson, VerdeRiver at Camp Verde, Woods Canyon Lake,White Horse Lake, and Willow Springs Lake.

*A trout stamp is required to fish forand possess trout in any water of theState where the species is found.

Walleye: Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, ShowLow Lake, Long Lake, Lake Mary, and SaguaroLake.

White Bass: Lake Pleasant.

Yellow Bass: Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake,and Apache Lake.

Accessible Fishing OpportunitiesBartlett Lake - Rattlesnake Recreation Site, 21 miles east of Cave Creek

Parking, restrooms fishing piersBecker Lake - 2 miles west of Springerville.

Parking close to shorelineBig Lake - 29 miles south of Eager.

Parking, restroomsBlack Canyon Lake - 18 miles southwest of Heber.

Parking close to shoreline, shoreline accessCanyon Lake - LaBarge Cove, 18 miles north of Apache Junction.

Parking, fishing piers, restrooms, picnic facilitiesCrescent Lake - 29 miles south of Eager.

Parking, restrooms, fishing dockFain Lake - City of Prescott Valley.

Restrooms, paved fishing accessFool Hollow Lake - 4 miles west of Show Low.

Parking, restrooms, fishing dockKaibab Lake - 2 miles north of Williams.

Designated fishing pierLake Havasu - Mesquite Cove, Lake Havasu City.

Site Six, 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.Boat dock (interpretive trail and fishing docks in development)

Mittry Lake - 14 miles north of Yuma.Parking, fishing jetty, asphalt trail

Parker Canyon Lake - 30 miles southwest of Sierra Vista.Parking, restrooms, accessible fishing piers

Patagonia Lake - 10 miles east of Nogales.Parking, restrooms, accessible 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 LakeParking, restroom

Woodland Lake - Pinetop/LakesideParking, restrooms, fishing dock

All 16 designated Urban Fishing LakesConsult the 2003 Urban Fishing Regulations booklet.

33

THEY’RE DESTROYINGOUR NATURAL HABITAT.

•Harvest crayfish at every opportunity

•Angling is the best method to catch crayfish

•It is unlawful to transport live crayfish

For a video tape on how to catch and cookcrayfish, send $3.00 to:

Arizona Game and Fish Department,2221 W. Greenway Road,Phoenix, AZ 85023or call (602) 942-3000.

(except for that part of southwestern Arizona south of I-10 and westof US Highway 95)

HELP CONTROL CRAYFISHIN OUR WATERS.

Arizona's Cycle of SuccessSport Fish & Wildlife Restoration Programs

It starts with you!

Anglers and Boaters...Feel free to pat yourselves on the back.

Anglers, Boaters,Hunters & Shooters

Federal Aid money distributed to the Arizona Game and Fish Department

according to license sales and land and water area

Benefits to Users

Projects

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -Division ofFederal Aid

Sport Fish & WildlifeRestorationTrust Funds

• Improved Boating, Fishing,Hunting and ShootingOpportunities

• Protection and Enhancement of Important Fish and Wildlife Habitat

• Increased Opportunity for Other Types of Wildlife-associatedRecreation

• Restoration of Fish and Wildlife Species and Habitat

• Boating and Fishing Access• Land Acquisition• Habitat Management• Facilities Construction• Operation and Maintenance• Strategic Planning• Research• Shooting Ranges• Surveys and Inventory• Hunter/Aquatic Education

Purchases ofEquipment and Boat Fuel• Excise Taxes on Fishing,

Shooting and Hunting Equipment

• Motorboat and SmallEngine Fuels Taxes

• Import Duties• Interest on Deposits

U.S. Dept. of the Treasury

Your angling and motorboat fuel purchases generated more than$6 million for Arizona’s fisheries resources in 2001. Thanks to anglers

and boaters like you—and the Sportfish Restoration Program—fishing related recreation in Arizona is better than ever.Check www.restorewildlife.org for more information.

Living WithUrban Wildlife

A Blessingor a Curse

Find out how to reduce conflict with coyotes and other wildlife. The ArizonaGame and Fish Department has a popular video “What’s the Attractant: Livingwith Urban Wildlife.” Free copies are available at any Department office or bymail by sending $3 for postage to: Living With Wildlife Video, Arizona Game andFish, 2221 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023

PROTECT OURNATURAL LEGACY

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Present this coupon at box office toreceive $1 discount on one ticket, dayof the show. This coupon is not validwith any other discount. No copies allowed.

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