FISHING REPORT

Short casts Catfish: Anglers should know that catfish plants will begin March 23 at the Community Fishing Program’s core waters. Last week, the final trout plants of the season were carried out throughout the program. Outdoor Expo: The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s popular Outdoor Expo is scheduled for March 25-26 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Fishing tanks, live wildlife exhibits, shooting events, kayaking and a myriad of other outdoor events are scheduled for the whole family. Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 25 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 26.

Central waters Roosevelt The lake has risen over 12 vertical feet in the past month and experts predict it could hit 80% full this spring. Fishing has slowed down due to increased flows, however some anglers are doing well on a reaction bite produced by SR5-sized crankbaits in darker colors. Lots of debris is floating on the lake, according to Jim Goughnor of Rim Country Custom Rods of Payson. Although crappie fishing conditions are not ideal, some anglers are picking up fish by trolling. Spawning conditions are expected to be excellent during the next two months. Information: 928-4680263. Bartlett Bass fishing has been slow but fish can be found in 3- to 10-foot of water. Gary Senft of Bass Pro Shops reports fishing was good for anglers using Brush Hogs and Texas-rigged lizards. Bass are following shad and are all over the place. Fish a variety of lures in 20 to 30 feet of water over points, reefs and humps for best results. Information: 480-221-0503. Saguaro The lake level was dropped 12 percent recently to accommodate maintenance at Mormon Flat Dam. The work was to be done by midmonth. The bass spawn has been in full swing since March 6. Information: 480-986-2515. Canyon The winter trout plants are over and bass fishing has slowed. However, Canyon has a big bass reputation so throw your heavy stuff while looking for a lunker. Some anglers are said to be doing relatively well by using dropshot Robo worms in morning dawn colors near cattails in 10 to 20 feet of water. Information: 480-986-2515. Pleasant Experts say to watch the moon phases and fish for stripers at night during the darkest nights using submersible lights. The new moon phases are perfect for fishing. Some anglers are doing well on catfish while using dead shad on the lake bottom. Information: 623-412-3474. Alamo The lake is now 15 percent full, according to Corps of Engineers reports. The Cholla launch ramp is available and the main launch ramp should be open as well. An 80-foot boat dock was installed at Cholla. The locals say fishing is terrible and anglers should be very wary due to the amount of debris that has come into the lake from the recent runoff. Information: 928-669-2088. North central Lower Lake Mary is a new fishery since it has the highest water level since 2010 and measures half full at about 450 acres. Trout were planted in the lake last week. According to Game and Fish, some large rainbow trout will be planted to help things get started. Earthworms are the best bait. Goldwater and Fain lakes near Prescott, plus the Deadhorse State Park lagoons near Cottonwood, were stocked as well. Information: 928-774-5045. Mogollon Rim Some of the streams, including Canyon Creek, have been turning out a decent trout or two for anglers who work for them. Willow Springs is the only lake that can be accessed, however anglers have to walk into the lake due to snow-packed roads and a closed gate. Information: 928-532-2307. White Mountains Anglers fishing Rainbow Lake, where there is no ice and the lake is spilling, should watch for gill nets intended for removal of northern pike. The nets have caught some bass, many 17-inch catfish and a rainbow trout that measured 16 inches, plus northerns. Information: 928-532-2307.

» Visit fishing.azcentral.com for more. Information for the Fishing Report is periodically provided by anglers, as well as the experts at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Anglers, Liar’s Korner, Phoenix Fishing Supply, Pinetop Sporting Goods, Pro Bass Adventures, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Lake Mary Country Store, Parker Canyon Lake store, Fly Fish Arizona and Beyond and H&M Landing in San Diego.