In Arizona, winter doesn't have to mean sending boats and rods and reels into hibernation. While outdoor recreation opportunities across many U.S. states shut down during the season of freeze, Arizona rolls on with trout stockings and water temperatures just warm enough to convince fish to bite during the holidays.
Although fishing tends to slow a tad this time of the year, there are some spots that are winter-friendly.
Here, then, are the Arizona Game and Fish Department's top-5 fishing holes for this winter (see this article on the Fish AZ blog):
5. Alamo Lake
Alamo is a western Arizona dandy that can heat up quickly during the winter. At any given time from Nov. - Feb., Alamo can have some of the best crappie fishing in the state.
4. Parker Canyon Lake
Not only does Parker Canyon Lake in southern Arizona have great access with an abundance of shoreline options, its water temperatures remain cold enough to keep trout active throughout the day -- not just during the late evening and early mornings.
Parker Canyon Lake is stocked with trout through the winter.
3. Lees Ferry
Lees Ferry on the Colorado River is cold in the shadow of a canyon, but fishing opportunities remain steady.
Lees Ferry on the Colorado River is cold in the shadow of a canyon, but fishing opportunities remain steady.
Winter is traditionally the spawning period for this world-class wild rainbow trout fishery in northern Arizona that provides the awe-inspiring gateway to the Grand Canyon.
Catching trout in the rushing Colorado River along the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of the Marble Canyon Gorge is an experience beyond compare.
2. Lake Havasu
The world record 5-pound, 12.8-ounce redear sunfish was taken last year from Lake Havasu by Hector Brito.
Lake Havasu has some of the best bass fishing in the nation and water temperatures stay relatively warm during the winter.
This giant, shallow, solunar bowl in the desert heats up quickly during a warm winter sun and has a large variety for sport-fish.
Havasu also contains some monster redear sunfish -- the world record 5-pound, 12.8-ounce redear was taken from Havasu in February of 2014.
The "West Coast of Arizona" hardly experiences winter.
1. Lower Salt River
Anglers get the unique experience of stream fishing for trout in the desert. The Lower Salt River (pictured), just minutes from some of the Valley of the Sun's population centers, is stocked with trout throughout the winter and offers good shoreline fishing options as well. A Tonto Pass is required.
Try nightcrawlers, small spinners, Kastmasters and flies. You might be able to catch some bass or sunfish in the deeper holes.
You'll need a fishing license -- purchase them online, 24/7. They're good for 365 days and help conserve wildlife for future generations.
Not ready to get a license? Prepare for that eventual fishing excursion by signing up for the weekly fishing report.
Contact:
Nick Walter, Public Information Officer
(623) 236-7214, nwalter@azgfd.gov
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