Now that the weather is cooler, the fishing is starting to heat up! It's that time of year when cold water fishing really starts to take off, so make sure you have your gear in order. Whether you are new to fishing or are a seasoned angler, here are a few tips to make sure your gear is ready for the fall.
If you are new to fishing and are looking for a rod and reel for cold water fishing, I would recommend a 7-foot, medium-power, fast-action spinning rod with a 2500-size spinning reel. This rod is the jack of all trades and will be able to do just about any kind of fishing you can find here in Arizona. Some of my favorite baits for trout are salmon eggs, corn, and PowerBait with a few split-shots 18 inches up the line. If artificial lures are more your thing, targeting trout this time of year can be very effective with ¼ oz. Kastmasters, 3-1⁄8'' Rapala X Rap, and ⅛-ounce Marabou Jigs. For trout and other cold water species, you should use a 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon or monofilament line.
Speaking of line, line weakens and deteriorates over time and the last thing you want is to hook up on a fish and the line breaks. You should change out your line at least once a year to ensure that the line has not weakened. There is a good tutorial HERE if you haven't changed your line out before.
For all the fly fishers out there, fly line also deteriorates over time and it may be time to replace that old line on your rod and reel. Fly line does tend to last longer than normal fishing line if it is taken care of and maintained; however, changing line every two to three years is typically a good Idea. Visit your local fly shop and they will be happy to help you in selecting the correct line and spooling it on your reel. Some of my favorite flies for the colder months are Thin Mints in a size 8-10, Simi-Seal leeches in a size 8-10, and Jujubee midges in sizes 18-22.
The FishAZ Network is filled with events for all skill levels by a variety of great partners. For an up-to-date list of events, visit https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/239-fishaz-network.
Here are a couple coming soon:
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 9-11 a.m. - Fly Fishing Casting Skills Development, Fly Fishers International, Roadrunner Park Pond, Phoenix. We will be meeting at Roadrunner Park, 3502 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix, for educating participants on fly fishing casting skills developed by Fly Fishers International. Each participant will receive a copy of the Fly Casting Development Skills information and will be given the opportunity to learn from experienced fly fishing professionals how to cast a fly. Going forward, this will be a weekly event held every Wednesday through April. To register, visit https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/205030.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 9-11 a.m. - Salt River Saturdays River Cleanup, Trout Unlimited Zane Grey Chapter, Blue Point Recreation Area on the Salt River, Fort McDowell. The Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited is joining with the Arizona FishAZ Network and presenting “Salt River Saturdays.” We are continuing our conservation efforts by asking everyone to collect a net full of trash (#cleanmywater). What to bring: rod, waders, net and flies (Green Weenie's, small black Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, green, black and yellow Wooly Worms and Wooly Bggers). Make sure you have a Tonto National Forest Pass, as well as a valid Arizona fishing license. You can get an Arizona fishing license at www.azgfd.gov. To register, visit https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/205391. Other cleanup dates will be Jan. 6, Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 17, March 2, March 16, and April 6.
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