FISHING REPORT

White Mountains

July 4 was a big day for one angler at Big Lake. He reportedly caught a 9-pound, 26.5-inch long rainbow trout on PowerBait. A number of anglers did well on hefty fish, according to reports, however none came close to the 9-pound lunker. A 5-pounder was reportedly caught at Rainbow Lake on July 4. Noted angler Jerry Parkhurt says Becker Lake, a small catch-and-release fishery near Springerville, has been turning out 19-inch trout for fly fishermen. He suggests using ant imitation flies. Info: (928) 532-2307

North central

A 5-pound channel catfish was caught at Frances Short Pond in Flagstaff recently. At Upper Lake Mary an angler nearly set a new yellow perch record with a 1.17-pounder caught on a nightcrawler. The current perch record is 1.63 pounds set in 1984 at Stoneman Lake. Channel catfish are said to be very cooperative at Deadhorse Ranch State Park near Clarkdale. Information: (928) 774-5045.

Central waters

Lures with white and chartreuse colors have been working well at Alamo Lake, according to recent reports. Such lure styles as spinnerbaits, crankbaits, grubs and Senkos are the most successful. Crappies are said to be eating dough baits, spoons and jigs. A pair of anglers had a good night recently at Saguaro Lake. Using long, plastic worms, the duo caught fish all night and the top 5 catches totaled 20 pounds, they said. Jack Partin at Liar’s Korner in Mesa added that bass continue to be caught at Canyon and Saguaro on a regular basis. Information: (480) 986-2515

Mogollon Rim

Anglers are reportedly doing well on tiger and rainbow trout at Woods Canyon by fishing with Dilly worms. Many have been 10 inches or longer. Info: (928) 532-2307.