SUPER-SIZED INCENTIVE TROUT COMING THIS WEEK
The start of the new year means it’s time for the annual “incentive” rainbow trout stocking at all Urban Fishing Program waters.  All lakes will receive the incentive stocking the week of January 7-12.  In addition to the normal 10-13 inch trout, larger than usual trout are added to the delivery.  These trophy-sized fish range from 13-18 inches, about 2-3 pounds each, and at least one trout 6 pounds or larger is guaranteed to be stocked somewhere in an Urban Fishing Program lake.  On average one in every four trout is a whopper!  Don’t forget to bring your camera with you to capture the memory, or for proof that your big catch is not just another fish tale.  Inside every copy of the Urban and State regulations booklets is the Big-Fish-of-the-Year entry form with categories for both kept fish and catch-and-release fish.  Fill out this form for a great opportunity for recognition and some fantastic bragging rights!

2008 FISHIING LICENSES ARE NOW REQUIRED
Starting January 1, you must have your new 2008 fishing license with you while fishing at any Urban lake or pond.  The Class U “Urban” license is on sale for $18.50 and is valid for all fish species, including trout, at all 20 of the designated Urban Fishing Program waters.  The Class L “Super Conservation Fishing” license is a combination of the state fishing license, the urban fishing license, and the trout stamp, and is on sale for $53 for residents ($63 for non-residents) and is valid at all state waters.  These licenses are available at over 340 license dealers statewide or at any Game and Fish office.  Other valid licenses at Urban waters include the Pioneer and Disabled Veteran complimentary licenses.  The Two Pole stamp is $6 and is only required if you are fishing with two poles at the same time.  All anglers age 14 and over must possess a valid fishing license to fish in Arizona.

GOLDEN ALGA STRIKES CORTEZ LAKE
On Friday December 28, 2007, Department biologists received reports of dying fish at Cortez Lake in north Phoenix.  Laboratory tests confirmed that golden alga was present in the water.  That same day the lake was treated with an algaecide which stopped this pesky invader from killing any more fish.  Although several hundred shad were lost, there were no signs that the larger sportfish had been affected.  The lake was stocked with half of the allotted trout and is expected to be stocked with the full amount during the incentive stocking week.  For more information on golden alga go to www.azgfd.gov and search for golden alga.  To report any suspicious observations of fish behavior or lake conditions immediately notify local park staff and then contact the Department at 623-236-7268.

URBAN FISHING REPORT
Fishing for trout is good to excellent at most Urban Fishing Program waters.  The annual incentive stocking of bonus sized fish during the week of January 7-12 means excellent fishing conditions and an opportunity for a trophy sized trout to be caught.  Anglers using scented dough baits (such as Power Bait), worms fished under a bobber, or small trout lures have been successful.  Try fishing with minnows along the bottom for larger trout and the occasional bass or catfish.  Best times to fish for trout generally are early morning, but some anglers have reported excellent fishing late afternoon.  Small spinners such as Rooster Tails and Panther Martins, or spoons such as Kastmasters are also working well for trout.  Trout fishing is good to excellent at Green Valley lakes in Payson with Power Bait, worms fished under a bobber, and small spinners working best.

STOCKING UPDATES: