ARIZONA’S URBAN FISHING PROGRAM:
ONE OF LARGEST AND BEST IN U.S.

The Arizona Urban Fishing Program (UFP) is recognized by many other states as one of the best urban fishing programs in the United States.

With 21 waters in the UFP, 163 total lake acres, over 500 fish deliveries annually, and over 58,000 anglers of all ages participating in the program, it is clearly one of the largest programs in the nation.

Two years ago the UFP was awarded the Showcase in Excellence award by the Arizona Quality Alliance in recognition of excellent program performance, quality processes, professional practices and a model for other states.

Your participation in the program is something to be proud of!

CATFISH STOCKINGS TO RESUME WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 20-25
There are no scheduled catfish stockings at Urban Fishing Program waters from July 4 through September 20. Once lake temperatures begin to decline entering the fall season, then catfish stockings can resume again.

Deliveries of catfish are scheduled to restart the week of September 20-25.

Every fall, a total of four catfish stockings are scheduled at two week intervals before fish stockings switch over to rainbow trout in mid November. Fishing at Urban Program waters will remain slow throughout the summer. Catfish can still be caught, especially from the larger lakes, with bluegill, bass and catfish still providing some fun for persistent anglers.

PROGRESS REPORT ON THE 2010 ANGLER SURVEY
The 2010 angler survey study, started in January, is now almost ¾ complete with over 5,000 interviews with urban anglers already completed. Conducted at 5-year intervals, this extensive 12-month study allows Game and Fish biologists and interns to meet with anglers face-to-face at the lakes and ask a series of questions.

We estimate that we have contacted nearly 10% of our customers (anglers) that fish Urban Fishing Program waters. Results of the study won’t be analyzed and reported until 2011. Valuable information on angling use, fish catch rates, angler demographics and economics, fishing satisfaction, and angler participation across the state is being gathered.

So far, the data indicate increased participation in fishing, high satisfaction levels, and the fact that anglers are still spending only $10 a trip. Over 70% of the urban anglers did not fish anywhere else in Arizona—suggesting that all their needs are met in the heavily stocked, convenient, accessible, and inexpensive Urban Fishing Program waters at local parks.

URBAN FISHING REPORT
Fishing activity has slowed over the summer due to high water temperatures and absence of fish stockings through July and August.

Some catfish up to four pounds are still being reported along with many in the two pound range, but catch rates are poor overall. Generally, the best bite is late in the evening, however some anglers are finding hungry cats in the middle of the day when skies are overcast. Top catfish baits are stink baits or shrimp fished on the bottom without a sinker. Catfish stockings will not resume until the week of September 20-25.

Sunfish continue to bite on small worms fished under a bobber, mornings are best. Largemouth bass fishing is slow with the best activity around dawn for anglers using finesse worms rigged dropshot or splitshot style, or try topwater at first light.

At Green Valley lakes (Payson) the best fishing is for bluegill, crappie and bass. Monsoon rains have colored the lakes, slowing down the fishing for a few days until they clear up. Try small jigs and worms fished under a bobber at Green Valley, or fish along the bottom from one of the docks. Weeds and algae along the shoreline are making some spots tough to fish.