(Arizona Game & Fish) The scheduled date for the first trout delivery of the winter season is Monday, Nov. 16 for all lakes in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Trout averaging from 11-12 inches will be stocked at rates of 80-100 fish per lake surface acre for Urban Lakes and at lower rates for Urban Ponds. Fish deliveries will occur throughout the day starting from early morning well into the afternoon.
Trout stockings will continue at two week intervals throughout the next four months. A total of over 12,000 trout from two Colorado trout producers will be delivered to all 21 waters in one day. With the colder temperatures at Payson’s Green Valley Lakes, trout stockings already started in October and will continue every other week. Remember, daily bag and possession limits for trout at Urban Lakes are (4) four fish per person for licensed anglers and (2) two fish for unlicensed juveniles under the age of 14. Trout limits at Urban Ponds are (2) two fish for licensed anglers and one fish for youth.
NOTE: Twice each year, the Urban Fishing Program shares with you the specific stocking date. We do this in the fall when we switch from catfish to trout stockings, and again in the spring when we switch back to catfish. For the other stocking dates throughout the year, only the week of stocking is announced to the public (Monday thru Saturday).
2009 URBAN FISHING LICENSES 50% OFF SALE
If you recently found out about the great fishing in the urban lakes and the start of the trout stocking season, we have a deal for you. The 2009 Class U Urban Fishing license is now 50% off for the last two months of the year. Stop by a Game and Fish office or any of our sporting goods or retail license dealers and ask for your 2009 discount Urban license for $9.25. Fishing is excellent this time of year at all Urban Program lakes for trout, bluegill and catfish.
END OF YEAR REMINDERS
* Time is running out to submit your big fish catches for the 2009 Fish-of-the-Year contest. With less than two months to go, there are plenty of chances to report your big fish catches in either of two categories; kept or released. Application forms and instructions for the contest are in the current Urban Fishing Program brochure or Arizona Fishing Regulation booklet. Updates on the current leaders can be checked out online at www.azgfd.gov. Each year’s winners receive a certificate, hat and other gifts.
* 2010 fishing licenses are already on sale at all license dealers if you want to get one early or purchase one as a gift for someone this holiday season. License prices are the same: $18.50 for the Class U Urban Fishing License; $53.00 for the Class L Super Fishing Combo License that covers urban fishing, statewide fishing and trout stamp privileges.
