Short cast
A number of boating and water sports regulations, including fee increases, went into effect Aug. 5 after being approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission on April 7. Among other things, the changes prohibit the renting or leasing of personally registered watercraft unless the watercraft is registered as a livery business. Also wake surfers are now required to wear a personal flotation device and the boater must designate a separate observer. Also, the watercraft transfer fee is now $13 and obtaining duplicate decal and certificate numbers now costs $8. For more information, visit azgfd.gov/boating on the Internet. Anglers have been finding some great action in Virgin Canyon near South Cove. During an overnight trip several anglers caught 126 stripers and 16 channel catfish. The next night 214 fish were caught, including 203 stripers, 10 channel catfish and one 17-inch walleye. According to guide Don Martin, the walleye, taken on a piece of anchovy at 2:34 a.m., was the first 692-7700. Striped bass guru Wayne Gustaveson says the top spots for surfacing stripers are from Good Hope Bay to Trachyte, Cha Canyon to the Great Bend on the San Juan River, Escalante River arm, Rincon to Forgotten Canyon and Face Canyon to Rainbow Bridge. Check the rock slide areas at Rock Creek for abundant smallmouth bass. Information: wayneswords.com.
Central waters
bite has been produced for some anglers using 4-inch black and chartreuse Power worms just after dark. Also try crankbaits just after dark. The catfish bite has been excellent. Fish shallow at night with live bait and successful anglers should keep an eye out for a fish tag installed by the Arizona Catfish Conservation Association. Information: (480) 221-0503. Canyon has been muddy but for best results try spinnerbaits with gold or copper blades and top-water frogs. For both lakes try top-water early in the day and then go to dropshots and Texas-rigged worms. Richard LaPorte of Liar’s Korner reports numerous 5- and 6-pounders caught. He says anglers are using Ricos and frogs on top. Dropshot rigs are doing their usual damage. Information: (480) 986-2515. Dogtown and Kaibab lakes have been good. One angler reported catching a limit of trout at Dogtown after a recent afternoon rainstorm. Trout action has been good for bait anglers around the Crappies can be caught at Kaibab on small jigs and meal worms fished under a bobber along in flow areas. Information: (928) 774-5045.
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