Arizona Fishing

Sounds good! Where is that located? I've heard of it. The only fishing I have done in Gilbert is at the building on Higley and Ray or whatever it is.

That is a big momma. Nice catch.

 

Well, fished Horseshoe Dam this past weekend and it was interesting. Everyone in the group caught fish (carp for bait, and smaller catfish) but the big ones eluded us this trip. They have the spillway pipe shut off while they're doing some major construction on it, and the water level below the dam is the lowest I've ever seen. Actually, from the water release earlier in the month, there was so much sand/silt at Catfish Point that there were sandbars out even in the old deep spots. We were walking around on them. There was only one area that had a decent hole that was about 20' deep, and that's where the smaller cats were hanging out. Great action on cut baits, but the large cut baits and large live baits got zero hits. Looks like it will be a while before the construction is done and the flow resumes, so we'll have to go back later in the summer.

 

Anyone been up to the rim lakes? Willow- wood - bear - black ?

Thx
Az

 

Tried to fish Woods Canyon this past weekend but the storm put an end to that real quick. Hopefully soon I will be back up there to give it another shot.

 

How about S. Arizona, anyone ever fish Patagonia or Pena Blanca?

 

Right on.we are headed up tomorrow to pound it for a couple days. Got my peacock ladies! Ready!

 

Went down to Pena Blanca about a month ago with a chica, but only fished for about an hour an a half. Didn't catch shit but didn't really try hard either. I'm going back down there May 14th and will be camping that night into midday the 15th so will get some more fishing in then. I hear bass fishing (Catch and release only) is excellent as well as redear lately.

 

I don't know if any of you guys are into saltwater fishing but if you are or have ever wanted to, this summer will be the one to try in the Southern California area. Water temps are warmer than normal and are only getting warmer due to El Nino. Last summer was epic and this summer is supposed to be one for the record books. Last summer I took my son out for his first time on a 1/2 day and he hooked a 32lb yellow for his first saltwater fish ever. 25 minute fight and he landed it. Nothing like ripping 10 pounds of drag like it's nothing. 3/4 day boats are already into some nice yellowtail and will probably start limiting soon. If you've never hooked into a 20+ pound yellowtail, you're missing out, amazing power and even better eating. I've already got multiple trips planned. Go if you can.

I can recommend landings and boats if you are interested.

 

That reminds me, I still have a $100 gift certificate for H&M Landing. No expiration, fortunately, but I really need to get back down there and do a 3/4 day trip soon. Maybe splurge and do an overnighter for tuna. I get so sick of the sea lions down around the Coronado Islands, stripping every live bait or decent fish that comes up to the boat.

 

I went out there this past weekend along the north coves. It was windy, which I was hoping would push some shad into where we were. Never saw a single bait ball, hence no striper action. Ah, the miseries of shore fishing. Still had a good time at the lake, as usual. Last summer we were hammering stripers off the points from shore as the shad balls were coming within 30' of shore, over and over again. Was hooking up 2 or 3 fish at a time on Alabama lures thrown right in front of the shad balls. Those small stripers make awesome flathead catfish bait for the evening, too.

 

I was heading west on HV this morning at around 8:45ish. Honk!

I have a 10' fishing kayak with fish finder that I like to take out to Pleasant, but further back in the coves to avoid the boat chop. We should connect! I just drive back there and launch from shore. Do you have to use the ramps or do you take it back on the trails and launch from shore?

 

Big lake was kind last week. Great time with 3 cart wheels on the fly rod.

 

I hit Bartlett Tuesday evening and hit a bunch of small-ish largemouth and a crappie. Pretty good action in that last 2 hours before dark.

 

Mick-thanks
I spent 6 days last week fly fishing up there- 5 lakes
Big lake- lee valley-reservation lake-pacheta and sunrise.

 

Oh yeah, duh! I was going WEST at about 7:30, and EAST at about 8:45. I'm still asleep apparently.

We probably go to the same spots. I also go in the northwest coves or out on the points, depending on water level. Even over memorial weekend, I still had 3 spots open to choose from.

How big is your boat? Do you have gas or electric motor? I'm stuck with paddling but my kayak tracks pretty fast and I can get around the coves efficiently. I just put in the fish finder and have only had it out once to test it. I'm still adjusting sensitivity on it and getting used to the GPS and 2 different sonars it has.

 

Perfect setup. Probably a little shaky when you get out into open water, but it should do the job just right.

I've been using the fish finder just to find the deepest part of the channels back in the coves, and to scout out the deep catfish holes where our best chances of catching a big flathead are. I'm looking forward to using it up at the Rim lakes, especially Knoll, to set crawdad traps and find structure out from shore.

The fish finder itself is installed right on the dash console. All wiring is totally out of the way, tucked under the lip of my kayak with adhesive ties. Battery is stowed behind my seat in a Pelican case I modified and put a quick disconnect terminal on the side of.

 

Those do look like fun. Nice to have the trolling motor mount right there in the front. Do you load it into your bed, or onto a rack?

 

I am from whitefish, mt

 

Nice. I have a bed rack for my RTT, so I just put some pool noodles on the top bars for pads and wrapped them in black gorilla tape. I put the kayak up on top, face down. No need for red flag on the back because the front of the kayak rests above the cab. 2 ratchet straps, and it's ready for hard wheeling.

 

Yeah I know the feeling with the sea lions. Gone are the days where the captains were armed with rifles and seal bombs. Once they 'protected' the sea lions it didn't take long for them to overpopulate the area. Right now the 3/4 days boats are actually fishing US waters out on one of the banks so not as many to deal with. A private boater at that same bank hooked and landed a 124.5 lb blue fin tuna yesterday. The amazing thing is the average size yellowtail that's being caught. They're huge with schools in the 40 lb range and close to San Diego. Can't wait!!