So You Want to Fish?
Of course, you do! Fishing is fun, exciting, relaxing, peaceful, outside in nature, and can be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler new to the area, we’ve got you covered. We have a range of events, activities and essential information to kickstart your fishing journey. Thanks to Arizona’s extreme diversity of landscapes, waterways and extensive public lands, there are extensive opportunities and destinations to go fishing, from a local pond a bike ride away to a remote mountain stream. Get started on your fishing education and learn how to fish confidently with FishAZ.
FishAZ Network: Fishing Events, Activities and Information
fishaz network: public events
A centralized calendar listing of events and activities from all over the state. We’ve collected the many events in Arizona hosted by Game and Fish and their many partners. Learn more about fishing and aquatic conservation.
What AZGFD and our partners have to offer
Thanks to an extensive group of partners along with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the FishAZ Network is a statewide program of fishing events and activities just for you. Our fishing events and activities are conducted in a safe environment by seasoned and passionate fishermen and women. These events are designed to teach fishing skills, aquatic conservation and the fun of fishing to the public and offer instructional and experiential, hands-on activities for all skill levels and interests.
From large public fishing clinics in a local community to stream fishing, social meet ups and advanced fishing techniques. We offer many different types of events and activities throughout the state. Many provide guidance on where and when to fish; selecting tackle and bait; casting and rigging techniques; fishing safety and ethics; care of your catch; and much more.
Video playlist 1: 10 videos on learning how to fish.
Video playlist 2: 14 videos on fishing tips.
Fishing equipment loaner program
A limited supply of fishing equipment is available to groups, clubs, organizations and municipalities for hosting their own public learn how to fish events. This equipment is provided through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Fishing Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation (R3) program.
Up to 50 rods and reels with tackle, are available to groups to borrow for up to one week and is based on a first-come, first-serve availability system. Reservations must be made 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility Requirements
– Event held on public waters
– Arizona fishing license is required for participants 10 years of age or older
– Event is open to the general public
– Event will be listed on the Fishing R3 program public event calendar
– Participants will do pre-registration through event listing as noted above
– All Arizona Game and Fish Fishing Regulations apply to the event
Note: The equipment is for the use of Fishing Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation and is purchased using Federal Funding, through the Sport Fish Restoration Act, and has Federal aid reporting requirements that are necessary to maintain the free program.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive monies from the Arizona State General Fund and operates primarily on the revenues generated through the sale of Hunting and Fishing Licenses and federal aid excise taxes.
Equipment Available
Conventional Fishing:
– Rods & Reels Combos (10 per kit)
– Loaded Tackle Box (Equipped with Hooks, sinkers, line, etc)
– Event Equipment – bait coolers, event pop-up tents, tables,
– Backyard bass casting box kit lawn activity (10 rods, 30 plastic fish, fish ID, and info).
Fly Fishing:
– Fly Rod and Reel Combos
– Loaded Tackle Box (Equipped with flies, leaders, tippet, etc)
Also available: AZGFD FishAZ Mobile First Catch Center trailer (requires insurance, trailer towing training certification, ½ ton towable).
– Contains all equipment needed for a fishing event
– Equipped with rod/reel combos, tackle, canopy, tables, cooler, etc
Contact
https://forms.gle/SGRgDDpqnZ4GWuPy7
Other Resources
Stocking Schedule
– Be sure to check the stocking schedule before scheduling your event. We recommend planning your events the same week as stockings to increase catch rates for your participants.
– You can find the stocking schedule here.
Fishing Regulations
– Make sure you are familiar with the Arizona Fishing Regulations before your event
– You can find the Arizona Fishing Regulations here.
All things fish: Overview
If you’re not attending an event but you’re ready to go fishing now, because, it’s always a great day to go fishing, check out the main fishing webpage where you will find more resources and information to get you on your way, including:
Where to Fish In Arizona
Community Fishing
Stocking Schedules
Water Levels
Fisheries & Hatcheries
Fish Species
Fishing Challenges Aquatic Invasive Species
Volunteer
The Department and the FishAZ Network are looking for qualified individuals who want to volunteer with the Fishing events, activities and programs. You don’t have to be an expert fisherman to help others learn basic fishing skills and it’s easy to learn and get involved. Many of our events just need folks to help set up, check folks in, provide handouts and information, loan out equipment, as well as give demonstration, instructions and help folks fish. There’s always something you can do. Volunteering is fun and rewarding.
Contact Us
Want to Go Fishing around the State?
Find ways to experience fishing all over the state, including community waters.
buy your fishing license
If you need a fishing license, a combo hunt & fish license, or a short-term license, read about them here.
find a community lake to fish
There are 50+ community lakes in Arizona. Make a memory fishing with the family!