2023 & 2024 Fishing Regulations

Arizona Game and Fish Department

2023 & 2024

Fishing Regulations

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

James E. Goughnour, Chair — Payson

Todd G. Geiler — Prescott

Clay Hernandez — Tucson

Marsha Petrie Sue — Scottsdale

Leland “Bill” Brake — Elgin

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

5000 W. Carefree Highway

Phoenix, Arizona 85086

602-942-3000

azgfd.gov

Ty E. Gray, Director

Tom P. Finley, Deputy Director

REGIONAL OFFICES

REGION I

2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop 85935

928-367-4281

REGION II

3500 S. Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff 86005

928-774-5045

REGION III

5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman 86409

928-692-7700

REGION IV

9140 E. 28th Street, Yuma 85365

928-342-0091

REGION V

555 N. Greasewood Road, Tucson 85745

520-628-5376

REGION VI

7200 E. University Drive, Mesa 85207

480-981-9400

Translation services information is on page 4.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

MISSION STATEMENT

To conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources

and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation

opportunities for current and future generations.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives Federal

assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and thus

prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion,

national origin, disability, age and sex pursuant to Title

VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education

Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975,

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of

the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To request an

accommodation or informational material in an alternative

format or to le a discrimination complaint please contact

the Director’s Ofce at (602) 942-3000 or by mail at 5000

West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Discrimination

complaints can also be led with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, Ofce of Diversity and Inclusive Workforce,

Attention: Public Civil Rights and Disability Coordinator,

5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.

This publication is partially paid for through the sale of

advertising. The Arizona Game and Fish Department neither

endorses products or services listed nor accepts any liability

from the use of listed products or services.

COVER PHOTOS FROM THE ARIZONA GAME AND FISH

DEPARTMENT’S FISHAZ FACEBOOK GROUP.

Table of Contents

GETTING STARTED

License Information and Fees .......................................................... 3

Regulation Changes ............................................................................. 4

How to Use This Booklet .................................................................... 5

GENERAL STATEWIDE FISHING REGULATIONS

Bag and Possession Limits ................................................................ 6

Statewide Fishing Regulations ........................................................ 7

Common Violations ............................................................................. 8

Live Baitsh and Waterdogs .............................................................10

SPECIAL REGULATIONS AND SEASONS:

COMMISSION ORDER 40

White Mountains .................................................................................12

North Central.........................................................................................14

Mogollon Rim ........................................................................................16

Colorado River Northwest .................................................................18

Colorado River Southwest ................................................................ 20

Central ....................................................................................................22

Southeast ............................................................................................... 24

SPECIAL REGULATIONS AND SEASONS BY SPECIES

Trout ........................................................................................................26

Bass .........................................................................................................28

Catsh ..................................................................................................... 30

Crappie and Community Fishing Waters ....................................31

Additional Species .............................................................................32

FISHING TIPS AND RESOURCES

Fishing Challenges: Bass, Catsh and Trout .............................34

FishAZ Network ..................................................................................36

Aquatic Invasive Species .................................................................37

Operation Game Thief ....................................................................... 39

Arizona State Fish Records .............................................................40

Arizona Fish Entry Form .................................................................42

Fish Weighing Scales ........................................................................43

Fish Consumption Advisories ........................................................ 45

Angler Access ......................................................................................46

Boating Information ..........................................................................47

Commission Orders 41, 42, 43 .........................................................48

ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES AND COMMISSION RULES

Title 17 (A.R.S.) Game and Fish Laws .............................................51

Commission Rules ..............................................................................53

INDEX

Fish & Boat Arizona Map .................................................................. 60

Special Regulation Waters Index ....................................................61

General Index ....................................................................................... 62

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV2

Getting Started

Fishing License Fees

License Information

License Requirements:

• Avalidshingorcombinationlicenseis

required for resident and non-resident

anglers10yearsofageoroldershing

any public accessible water in Arizona.

• Youth under the age of 10 and blind res-

idents do not need to purchase a state

shing license to sh in Arizona.

• Licenses are valid one year from date of

purchase. No license is transferable or

refundable.

• All required licenses must be in posses-

sion while engaging in shing.

• A member or spouse of a member of the

armed forces of the United States who is

on active duty and stationed in this state

for either permanent or temporary duty,

or is a member or spouse of a member of

the armed forces of the United States on

active duty stationed in another state or

country but who lists this state as their

home of record at the time of applying for

a license, permit, tag, or stamp, may pur-

chase a resident license.

• A valid shing or combination license

is required for take of frogs, waterdogs,

craysh and softshell turtles. See Com-

mission Orders 41 (Amphibians), 42

(Crustaceans and Mollusks) and 43

(Reptiles) on open and closed areas,

methods of take, seasons, and bag and

possession limits. See page 48.

Arizona Fishing Licenses

Are Not Required When

• Fishing any public water on free sh-

ing day, which usually takes place on the

rst Saturday of National Fishing and

Boating week. The next two year’s dates

for free shing day are: June 3, 2023, and

June 1, 2024.

• Registered and participating in a Depart-

ment sponsored shing clinic.

• Fishing private waters, tanks, or ponds

with permission of the property owner.

(see R12-4-311)

Where to Buy Licenses and Stamps

• 150 license dealers statewide, including

many local sporting goods stores, bait

and tackle shops, major retailers, and

convenience stores.

• Arizona Game and Fish Department

ofces.

• Online at azgfd.gov, immediate print out

of license.

Lifetime Licenses

Lifetime license options are available only

to Arizona residents and must be purchased

at Game and Fish ofces. Fee schedules

vary by license type and age. For more in-

formation, visit azgfd.gov and type “lifetime

license” in the search box. (Note: Lifetime

licenses purchased prior to 2014 will now

include the expanded privileges of their re-

spective counterpart.)

Complimentary Licenses

Must meet criteria below to qualify for free

license. These licenses include the same

privileges as the Combination Hunt and

Fish. (A hard-plastic permanent card may

be purchased for $4. Cards are mailed with-

in 30 days of purchase.)

• PIONEER Person must be 70 years of age

or older who has been a domiciled Ari-

zona resident for 25 or more consecutive

years immediately preceding application

for the license.

• DISABLED VETERAN A veteran of the

armed forces of the United States who

has been a domiciled Arizona resident for

one year or more immediately preceding

application for the license and who is re-

ceiving compensation from the United

States government for permanent service

connected disabilities rated as 100 per-

cent disabling.

1. Licenses are valid one year from date of

purchase.

2. All licenses that allow shing are valid

for the take of trout and for simultaneous

shing with two poles or lines.

3. These licenses also include privileges that

allow shing from the shore or from a boat

Notes:

on any portion of the Colorado River and

impounded waters (e.g., Lake Mead, Lake

Mohave, Lake Havasu) that form mutual

boundaries between Arizona and Califor-

nia, or Nevada. In other words, privileges

granted by the old (pre-2014) Colorado Riv-

er Stamps for California and for Nevada

are now included.

4. A Short-term Combo license may be pur-

chased for any day. Purchaser selects

date(s) of validity at time of purchase.

If purchased for multiple days, the days

need not be consecutive.

Licenses available at all license dealers, Department ofces and online.

More information about the new licenses can be found under Commission Rules R12-4-207, R12-4-209 and R12-4-210.

All shing and combo hunt/sh licenses listed are valid for the take of all aquatic wildlife, which includes legal sh species, craysh, frogs, waterdogs and

softshell turtles.

LICENSES PRIVILEGES RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT

General Fishing

1,2,3

Allows the take of all sh species statewide, including at Community Fishing

waters.

$37 $55

Combination Hunt

and Fish

1,2,3

Allows take of all sh species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters),

small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland

game birds.

$57 $160

Youth Combination

Hunt and Fish

1,2,3

(ages 10–17)

Allows take of all sh species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters),

small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, migratory

birds and upland game birds.

$5 $5

Short-term Combination

Hunt and Fish

2,3,4

Allows take of all sh species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters),

small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland

game birds.

$15/day $20/day

32023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Regulation Changes

Note: Check General and Special regulations sections for changes highlighted as “NEW” or “REVISED.”

New regulations and revised closed area for South Fork of the Little Colorado River. In Apache County from the upper sh

barrier (Phone Line Road crossing) to its headwaters, including tributary Bill Reilly Creek catch-and-release only for trout;

trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; single-pointed barbless

hooks only from May 1 to Dec. 31; closed to shing from Jan. 1 to April 30. Waters and areas closed to shing: South Fork Little

Colorado River from conuence of Little Colorado River upstream to upper sh barrier (Phone Line Road crossing) in Apache

County. page 12

New regulations for Goldwater Lake (Lower) to catch and release only, articial ies and lures only. page 14

Revised regulations for Oak Creek, West Fork to catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released

unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only, barbless hooks only. Between the Highway 89A bridge crossing of

Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Hatchery Property line. page 14

Revised regulations for Oak Creek to between the Highway 89A bridge crossing of Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park

upstream to the Sterling Springs Hatchery Property line including the West Fork Oak Creek and Oak Creek. Catch-and-

release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only,

barbless hooks only. page 14

Revised regulations for Cluff Ranch Pond 3 to catch and release only for all sh species (excluding rainbow trout) from Jan. 1,

2023, through Dec. 31, 2024. page 24

Translation Services

If you wish to speak with a bilingual customer service representative to get information or to set an appointment at any of

our ofces please call (602) 942-3000 Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and then enter the number 5 during

the recorded message.

Si desea hablar con un representante de servicio al cliente bilingüe para obtener información o para programar una cita en

cualquiera de nuestras ocinas, llame al (602) 942-3000 de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a. M. A 5:00 p. M. Y luego ingrese el número.

5 durante el mensaje grabado.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV4

How To Use This Booklet

Getting Started

This booklet contains the information you need to legally

sh in Arizona. Please consult regulations carefully before

shing. Regulations differ on many bodies of water, so be

sure to follow the steps below before you go shing:

1. Make sure that you have read and are familiar with the

information on

General Statewide Regulations

(pages

6–8) concerning the requirements for licenses, stamps,

daily bag and possession limits, gear and bait restric-

tions, harvest methods and common violations.

2. Review the

General Sport Fish Regulations

(page 6) for

information on daily bag and possession limits for each

species that applies to all shing waters statewide.

3. Consult the statewide map, below, to nd your public

shing area of interest.

4. Locate your shing area of interest in the

Special Reg-

ulations — Fish: Commission Order 40

(pages 12–25) or

Special Regulations by Species

(pages 26–31). Now look

to see if the body of water you will be shing is listed, then

note any Special Regulations that apply to any sh species

such as daily bag limits, length limits, seasons, method of

take, bait and hook restrictions, closed areas, or other re-

strictions. Additional non-special regulation waters may

be listed for reference and convenience. You can also refer

to the Special Regulation Waters Index on page 61.

5. If specic references to a body of water, sh species, daily

bag limits, length limits, seasons, method of take, or other

restrictions are not made in the

Special Regulations

, then

General Statewide Regulations

and

General Sport Fish-

ing Seasons

apply.

Itistheangler’sresponsibilitytoknowwhatregulationsapplytothebodyofwatertheyareshing.

New or revised regulations are summarized on page 4.

Tribal Lands

Tribal

Lands

p.18

p.14

p.16

p.12

p.22

p.24

p.20

52023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

General Statewide Fishing Regulations

Statewide possession limits are twice (2x) the daily bag limit for each species, unless a different possession limit is specied

by water. “Possession limit” means the maximum limit, in number or amount of sh, which may be possessed at one time

by any one person.

STATEWIDE POSSESSION LIMITS

Open Statewide Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2024

Before you sh any body of water, be certain to review the General Statewide Regulations and the Special Regula-

tions for the area you intend to sh. Anglers are responsible for knowing what regulations apply to the body of water

theyareshing.Seeazgfd.govforup-to-dateinformationincludinganychanges.

DAILY BAG LIMITS

The following are the legal ﬁsh and general daily bag limits that apply to all ﬁshing waters statewide. These regulations apply statewide

unless site specic Special Regulations (pages 12–25) apply to that body of water. Statewide includes all state and federal refuges,

parks and monuments; open areas do not include any area closed to hunting, shing, or trapping under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or

Commission rules R12-4-321, R12-4-801, R12-4-802, and R12-4-803.

LEGAL FISH DAILY BAG LIMITS

Trout (includes rainbow, cutthroat, brown, brook, tiger, Gila and Apache trout;

grayling)

4 Any combination

Bass (including largemouth and smallmouth) 6 Any combination

Striped Bass 10

Walleye 6

Northern Pike Unlimited Immediate kill or release

Catsh (including channel and ﬂathead) 10 Any combination

Crappie (white and black) Unlimited

White Amur (grass carp) minimum size 30 inches 1

Roundtail Chub Catch and release only

Sunshes (includes bluegill, redear sunﬁsh, green sunﬁsh and hybrid sunﬁsh) Unlimited

All Other Species (except protected native sh): including, but not limited

to, white bass, yellow bass, common carp, suckers, buffaloﬁsh, bullhead, yellow

perch and tilapia

Unlimited

COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM WATERS DAILY BAG LIMITS

FISH SPECIES LAKES PONDS

Catsh

4 2

Trout 4 2

Bass minimum size 13 inches 2 1

Sunsh (various species including bluegill, redear, green and hybrid) 10 5

White amur (grass carp) minimum size 30 inches 1 1

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV6

General Statewide Fishing Regulations

PROTECTED NATIVE FISH

SPECIAL LICENSES AND STAMPS

STATEWIDE FISHING REGULATIONS

The following native sh are protect-

ed statewide and may not be angled for,

taken, possessed, pursued or captured:

beautiful shiner, bluehead sucker, bony-

tail chub, Colorado pikeminnow, desert

pupsh, annelmouth sucker, Gila top-

minnow, humpback chub, Little Colorado

As of 2014, the following stamps are no

longer available: trout stamp, two-pole

stamp, Colorado River stamp – Califor-

nia, and Colorado River stamp – Nevada.

The privileges of all of these stamps are

now bundled together and included in

the General Fishing license, Youth Com-

bo Hunt/Fish license, Combo Hunt/Fish

Thissynopsisofshingregulations

is prepared for convenience only. For

speciclawsandregulationsrelating

toshing,seeArizonaRevisedStatute,

Title 17 Laws, and Arizona Game and

Fish Commission Rules, which can be

found at azgfd.gov.

Hook and Line Methods

• All new shing and combo licenses al-

low the angler to sh with two poles

or lines simultaneously. In no case are

more than two lines allowed to be used

at the same time.

• “Angling” means the taking of sh by

one line and not to exceed two hooks,

by one line and one articial lure,

which may have attached more than

one hook, or by one line and not to ex-

ceed two articial ies or lures.

• Fishing lines must be constantly at-

tended and in immediate control.

• The hook, y or lure must be used in

such a manner that the sh voluntarily

attempts to take it in its mouth.

• A single-pointed barbless hook is a

sh hook with a single point, manu-

factured without barbs on or which

barbs have been completely closed or

removed. This does not include a tre-

ble hook. Regulations limiting tackle

to single-pointed barbless hooks do

not eliminate the angler’s option for si-

sucker, Little Colorado spinedace, loach

minnow, Mexican stoneroller, Quitob-

aquito pupsh, razorback sucker, Sonora

chub, spikedace, Virgin spinedace, Vir-

gin River chub, woundn, Yaqui catsh,

Yaqui chub, Yaqui topminnow, and Zuni

bluehead sucker.

license, and Short-term (one day) Combo

Hunt/Fish license.

As of Jan. 1, 2019, a Utah stamp is no lon-

ger needed for a licensed Arizona angler

oshonLakePowell.

LostYourLicense? If you lose or damage

your license, you can get a replacement

multaneous shing as dened. Anglers

may use a single line with no more

than two single hooks, as with a prima-

ry hook and a dropper hook or y.

ArticialFliesandLures

• “Articial ies and lures” means man-

made devices intended as visual

attractants to catch sh. Articial ies

and lures does not include living or

dead organisms or edible parts of those

organisms, natural or prepared food

stuffs, or chemicals or organic mate-

rials intended to create a scent, avor,

or chemical stimulant to the device

regardless of whether it is added or ap-

plied during or after the manufacturing

process. (R12-4-301)

• Check the Special Regulations to

determine if hooks must also be sin-

gle-pointed barbless hook only.

Other Fishing Methods

• Bow and arrow, crossbow, snare, gig,

spear or spear gun, or snagging are val-

id methods for taking common carp,

buffalosh, mullet, tilapia, goldsh, and

shad statewide unless a closure or Spe-

cial Regulation restricts it.

• Bow and arrow shing for catsh (5

catsh daily bag limit, any combina-

tion) is valid at Apache Lake, Canyon

Lake and Saguaro Lake.

If any of these protected native sh are

incidentally caught, they must be imme-

diately released unharmed. See page 33.

at any license dealer, Department of-

ce or online at azgfd.gov. You will be

required to complete an “Afdavit for

Duplicate License” form and pay an $8

replacement fee. Licenses purchased on-

line can be reprinted for free.

• Spear and spear gun shing for striped

bass is valid at Lake Powell, Lake Mead,

Lake Mohave (between Hoover Dam

and Cottonwood Landing) and Lake

Pleasant. Daily bag limits vary between

locations. See

Special Regulations

for

more details.

• See R12-4-313 C for other legal methods

of taking aquatic wildlife (bow and ar-

row, spear or spear gun, snagging, nets,

traps, etc.) for specic sh species.

CapturingBaitshand

Craysh

forBait

• Live baitsh may be used only in ar-

eas approved for certain species (see

page 10-11).

• Live bait may be taken by minnow trap,

dip net, cast net, pole and line, hand-

line, craysh net or seine.

• Cast nets shall not exceed a 4-foot ra-

dius (or an 8-foot diameter).

• Seine nets shall not exceed 10 feet in

length and 4 feet in width.

• Except for sunsh of the genus Lep-

omis, the esh of gamesh may not be

used as bai

t (see page 32 for sunsh).

• Landing nets or dip nets may be used

for the capture of legal baitsh or cray-

sh or only to land a legally hooked sh.

•

Any unattended traps or devices used

to catch or hold aquatic wildlife or sh

72023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

General Statewide Fishing Regulations

STATEWIDE FISHING REGULATIONS (CONTINUED)

LICENSE REVOCATION AND CIVIL LIABILITY

must have attached water resistant

identication legibly bearing the name,

address, and shing license number of

the person using the device.

• All aquatic wildlife taken incidental-

ly while capturing live bait with nets

r traps must be returned immediately

and unharmed to the water after being

caught.

• All live legal baitsh and live cray-

sh caught must be for personal use

nly and are not to be sold or used for

commercial purposes.

• Live craysh may only be used as bait

on the same body of water where they

were captured.

Daily Bag and Possession Limit

• The daily bag limit is the maximum

number of sh that may be legally

caught and reduced to possession in

one day. Once you catch a sh and do

not release it unharmed, it now counts

toward your daily bag limit. This in

cludes any sh you catch and give away

o someone else. Daily bag limits are for

24-hour periods (midnight to midnight).

• Possession limits are twice the daily

bag limits unless otherwise noted (in-

cluding waters listed under the

Special

Regulations

• No person shall have in their posses-

sion (in the eld, in camp, in transit, or

at perman

ent residence) more than two

daily bag limits of any sh species. Fish

are in an angler’s possession wheth

er on hand, in cold storage, in transport,

at h

ome, or elsewhere under their

ownership.

• An angler may take daily bag limits of

several types of sh per day. Daily bag

limits apply to all Arizona waters shed

that day. An angler who has taken and

kept a bag limit of sh may not continue

to sh for the same species that day. Ad

ditionally, an angler who has taken and

ept a possession limit of sh (twice the

daily bag limit) may not continue to sh

on subsequent days, unless the angler

has rst consumed or given away all or

a portion of the possession limit.

• Where only catch-and-release shing

is allowed, sh must immediately be

returned unharmed to the water after

being caught.

• Unlicensed children under the age of

10 and unlicensed blind residents may

take their own separate daily bag lim

its as established for each species. They

also ar

e entitled to the use of two poles.

Closures to Fishing

Sensitive areas may be permanently

closed to shing. Some areas (streams)

being actively restored for native trout re

covery efforts may be temporarily closed

o shing.

Length Limits

Most shing waters in Arizona do not

have length limits. Check the

Special

Regulation

waters (including

Designated

Community Fishing Program

waters) to

determine if length limits apply to species

found in the water you wish to sh. A

minimum length means that a sh shorter

than a designated length must be returned

to the water unharmed immediately after

being caught.

How to Measure the Length

of a Fish

1. Total length is the standard.

2. Place the sh at on its side with the

jaw closed.

3. Squeeze the tail

n lobes togeth

er to produce the

aximum total

length.

4. Measure in a straight line from the tip of

the snout to the extreme tip of the tail.

5. Where length limits apply, you must re

lease unharmed all sh not measuring

withi

n the legal length limit.

Transport and Storage of Fish

• Anglers may transport up to a posses-

sion limit of any sh species as long as

ey are not alive.

• It is illegal to transport live sh, includ-

ing in live wells or other containers. All

sh m

ust be killed or released before

transportation from the body of water.

This does not apply to some live bait

sh that are transported from licensed

bai

t dealers. See page 10 for

Live Bait-

sh — Legal Species, Legal Areas and

Reg

ulations

• Fish must be transported in a way that

they can be counted and species of sh

can be identied. All sh must have a

piece of skin attached to the carcass

or llets so species can be determined.

If minimum length limits apply to the

species, the head, tail and skin must be

intact so sh length and species can be

determined.

License Revocation

You can have your shing, hunting and

trapping license privileges revoked by the

Commission for up to ve years or more

for a conviction of:

• unlawful taking or possession of wildlife

(including sh)

• careless use of rearms resulting in hu-

man injury or death

•

destroying or injuring livestock

• acts of vandalism or littering while

hunting or shing

•

unlawful entry into a closed area for

purposes of taking wildlife

•

unlawful posting of state or federal lands

• residency license fraud

Such revocations may be recognized by oth-

er states that are members of the Interstate

ldlife Violator Compact.

You may also be civilly liable for the loss

of wildlife to the state (see below). (A.R.S.

17-340)

Civil Liability

Under state law (A.R.S. 17-314) anyone who

is found to have unlawfully wounded or

killed, or unlawfully possessed any of the

following wildlife may be subject to civil

action by the Arizona Game and Fish Com

mission. The civil damages may reach as

uch as $8,000 per incident. (A.R.S. 17-314)

Total Length

Pinch

mouth

closed

Pinch

tail to

point

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV8

General Statewide Fishing Regulations

COMMON VIOLATIONS

Fish or Take Aquatic Wildlife

Without a License or With the

rong License

In order to sh or take any aquatic wild-

life in Arizona, you must have a valid

shing license, as applicable, in your pos-

session if you are 10 years of age or older.

You should check your license every

time that you go shing.

(A.R.S. 17-331)

Fishing with an Unattended Line

Anytime you are shing your line must

be constantly attended and within your

immediate control. Before you leave the

area, even for a short while, your line

must be reeled in and removed from the

water. (A.R.S. 17-301C)

Exceed Daily Bag and/or

Possession Limit

Fish may only be taken as prescribed by

Commission Order for daily bag and/or

possession limit. Please consult Commis-

sion Orders for specics. After you have

caught and kept your daily bag limit, it is

illegal to continue to:

• Fish for that same species of sh and

practice catch-and-release;

• Fish for that same species of sh with

the intent of replacing any sh in your

bag with a “better sh” — this is also

known as culling;

• Fish for that same species of sh with

the intent of “helping” another angler

get his/her daily bag limit; or

• Fish for a species of sh if you already

have the possession limit (twice the

daily bag limit) for that species (e.g., in

an ice chest at camp, or at home in your

freezer). (A.R.S. 17-309A14 and 15)

Possess Unlawfully Taken

Aquatic Wildlife

Any aquatic wildlife that is unlawful-

ly taken may not be legally possessed.

Whether or not you were involved in the

illegal taking of wildlife or sh, you can-

not legally possess such parts thereof.

(A.R.S. 17-309A16)

Obtain License or Permit

by Fraud

Only persons who have been a domiciled

resident (A.R.S. 17-101A17) of Arizona for

the six months immediately preceding

the date of application, or members or

spouse of a member of the armed forc-

es of the United States who are on active

duty and stationed in this state for ei-

ther permanent or temporary duty may

obtain resident shing licenses and per-

mits. If the residency of the applicant

is in question, the following factors will

be considered: Does not claim residen-

cy for any purpose in any other state or

jurisdiction; has been issued an Arizona

driver’s license or an Arizona commercial

driver’s license; is employed full-time in

Arizona; les federal and/or state income

taxes as an Arizona resident; votes in

Arizona; is enrolled in, or has minor chil-

dren enrolled in an Arizona public school

without payment of non-resident tuition.

Unlawful Possession,

Transportation or Release

of Live Fish

Except for designated baitsh, it is illegal

for a person to transport live sh away

from the waters where caught. It is also

illegal to release live sh into a body of

water if they did not come from that body

of water or without a proper stocking

permit. (A.R.S. 17-306 and 17-309A 1, R12-

4-313 and R12-4-314)

Baitsh can be transported from licensed

bait dealers to areas approved for baitsh

or caught and used on-site at approved

areas.

Littering While Taking

Aquatic Wildlife

All anglers are responsible for clean-

ing up after themselves. All camp and

shoreline areas should be left clean. Bait

containers, wrappers, hooks, line and

associated debris constitute litter and

should be picked up, packed out, and

properly disposed of. Also, all anglers are

responsible for the proper care and dis-

posal of their sh carcasses. Shorelines

and waterways must be kept as clean as

they were found. (A.R.S. 17-309A9)

Unlawful Possession or

Transportation of Live Craysh

Except for Yuma County and a portion

of La Paz County or under a live wildlife

license authority, it is unlawful for a per-

son to import, transport or possess live

craysh other than on or at the body of

water where caught. (A.R.S. 17-309A1,

R12-4-314)

Other Violations

• Refuse to produce a license or sh for

inspection upon request of an enforce-

ment ofcer.

• Snag or attempt to snag sh except as

allowed by R12-4-313.

• Attempt to take sh by hand, with or

without a hook.

• Use a landing net to capture sh, ex-

cept to land a legally-hooked sh. Dip or

seine nets are only legal for the capture

of baitsh.

• Waste game sh by intentionally

leaving or abandoning any llets or

commonly edible portion of any sh.

• Offer any recreationally caught sh or

aquatic wildlife for sale or barter, except

as authorized by R12-4-305.P.

• Use electrical devices, explosives, re-

arms, drugs, chemicals or poison that

may kill or injure sh and aquatic

wildlife.

• Use or possess live bait in areas or on

waters where shing is restricted to the

use of articial ies and lures only, or

where the use of live baitsh is restrict-

ed. (pages 10-11).

It is every angler’s responsibility to

protectourshingheritage.Youcan

help ensure responsible and ethical

shingbyreportingviolationsimme-

diately to our Operation Game Thief

hotline 1-800-352-0700.

92023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

LiveBaitsh–LegalSpecies,LegalAreasandRegulations

Legal Areas Anglers May Transport And Use Live Baitﬁsh

Live baitsh that are legal for use in Arizona include only

those species identied on these two pages. No other sh

species may be used as live bait.

Live baitsh may be obtained and used only in the legal

areas identied below.

No live baitsh may be used or possessed while on any

waters in Coconino, Apache, Navajo, Pima and Cochise

counties. All other counties have specic baitsh regula-

tions by body of water or area.

Please dispose of all unwanted baitsh by burying them on

land far from the water.

It is illegal

• To release live baitsh or other live sh into any Arizona

waters.

• To use or possess any restricted live baitsh while shing

waters prohibiting use of that baitsh.

• To sell live baitsh (or waterdogs) without a Live Baitsh

Dealers License.

• To keep or harm any game sh or aquatic wildlife inciden-

tally taken while capturing live baitsh with seines, dip

nets, traps or cast nets.

Arizona Live Baitsh License Dealers may offer for sale any

of the following: fathead minnows (most common), golden

shiner and goldsh. Any legal baitsh obtained from a

licensed baitsh dealer may be transported for use only to

Legal Areas Allowed

Fathead minnows are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz, Maricopa

Pinal and Yuma. These baitsh may be used in all waters of Mohave county except

the Virgin River. Additional open areas include: 1) the mainstream portions of the

Gila and Salt rivers, and that portion of the Verde River below the Tuzigoot Bridge,

including impounded reservoirs, 2) Tonto Creek from Gisela downstream, 3) those

portions of Apache, Roosevelt, Pleasant and Horseshoe lakes lying outside of these

counties, and 4) that portion of the San Francisco River in Greenlee County.

Notes: Live baitsh may not be transported to the Verde River upstream from

Horseshoe Dam and the Salt River above the Roosevelt Diversion Dam in Gila

County. Fathead Minnows are permitted for use as live bait only when caught and

used on site at Riggs Flat Lake in Graham County. No waters of any other coun-

ties are open.

Legal Areas Allowed

Golden shiner andgoldsh are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz

and Yuma. Open areas include: 1) Lake Mead, and 2) the Colorado River down-

stream from Hoover Dam to the Southern International Boundary with Mexico,

including impounded reservoirs, and 3) Alamo Lake. No waters of any other coun-

ties are open.

the following legal areas.

These three baitsh species may also be collected and used

alive onsite only in the identied legal areas.

Fathead minnow

(most commonly used)

Golden shiner

Goldsh

Waterdogs

Waterdogs are NOT considered baitsh, however they

have specic regulations governing their use in Arizo-

na. For regulations on live waterdog legal areas, capture,

possession, and transportation see R12-4-313 B3 and

R12-4-314 B & C.

No live waterdogs or salamanders may be taken, used or

possessed in that portion of Santa Cruz County lying east

and south of State Highway 82, or that portion of Coch-

ise County lying west of the San Pedro River and south of

State Highway 82 (this includes Parker Canyon Lake).

Legal live baitsh can be obtained from licensed bait dealers and

from wild capture for personal use only. For regulations on legal

capture methods, possession and transport of live baitsh, see:

• Capturing baitsh and craysh for bait (page 7 of this book)

• Lawful methods R12-4-313 A thru E

• Possession of live sh R12-4-314 B & C

• Possession and transportation of live baitsh R12-4-314 B and C

• Seasons for lawfully taking sh R12-4-313 A thru C

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV10

Carp

Sunshes (includes bluegill,

redear sunsh, green

sunsh, and hybrid sunsh)

Tilapia

Gizzard shad

Goldsh

LiveBaitsh–LegalSpecies,LegalAreasandRegulations

General Statewide Fishing Regulations

The following live baitﬁsh may be collected and used onsite only in the identiﬁed legal areas.

It is illegal to transport any of these live baitﬁsh to or from these waters.

Legal Areas Allowed

Sunshes are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz and Yuma. Addi-

tional open areas include: 1) the Colorado River south of the Nevada-California

boundary downstream to the Southern International Boundary with Mexico,

including impounded reservoirs, 2) the Gila, Salt, and Verde rivers, including im-

pounded reservoirs, 3) community waters in Maricopa County, 4) Lake Pleasant,

5) Alamo Lake, and 6) Patagonia Lake.

Legal Areas Allowed

Tilapia are permitted on all waters of Yuma County. Additional open areas

include: 1) waters in La Paz County located west of Highway 95 and south of

Interstate 10, and 2) the Colorado River from the Palo Verde Diversion Dam

downstream to the Southern International Boundary with Mexico, including

impounded reservoirs. No waters of any other counties are open.

Legal Areas Allowed

Carp and Goldsh are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz and

Yuma. Additional open areas include: 1) Lake Mead, 2) the Colorado River down-

stream from Hoover Dam to the Southern International Boundary with Mexico,

including impounded reservoirs, 3) the Gila, Salt, and Verde rivers, including im-

pounded reservoirs, 4) community waters in Maricopa County, 5) Lake Pleasant,

and 6) Alamo Lake.

Legal Areas Allowed

Gizzard shad are permitted for use as live bait only from the following areas: 1)

the Colorado River south of Separation Canyon downstream to the Southern In-

ternational boundary with Mexico, including impounded reservoirs (e.g., Lake

Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu) and directly connected backwaters (e.g.,

Topock Marsh and Mittry Lake), 2) the Gila and Salt Rivers, including impounded

reservoirs (e.g., Roosevelt Lake and Apache Lake), 3) community waters in Mar-

icopa County, and 4) Lake Pleasant.

Threadnshad are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz, Maricopa,

Pinal and Yuma. Threadn shad may be used in all waters of Mohave County ex-

cept the Virgin River. Additional open areas include: 1) the mainstream portions

of the Gila and Salt rivers, and that portion of the Verde River below the Tuzigoot

Bridge, including impounded reservoirs, 2) Tonto Creek from Gisela downstream,

3) those portions of Apache, Roosevelt, Pleasant and Horseshoe lakes lying out-

side of these counties, 4) that portion of the San Francisco River in Greenlee

County and 5) Patagonia Lake.

Threadn shad

112023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

WHITE MOUNTAINS

ThefollowingbodiesofwateridentiedunderSpecialRegulationsandSeasons(pages12–25)havespecialshingseasons(R12-4-

313),dailybagandpossessionlimits,lengthlimitsorclosuresthatdifferfromGeneralStatewideRegulations(pages6–9)orStatewide

Daily Bag and Possession Limits (page 6). Exceptions to General Statewide Regulations and General Sport Fishing Season are

emphasized and listed, however, additional non-special regulation waters may be listed on maps for reference and convenience.

Special Regulations

include shing seasons, daily bag and possession limits,

length limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas

closed to shing.

Notes:

General Statewide Regulations

apply to all waters and sh species within

the White Mountains area except as listed below.

2. For each water listed, the possession limit is two times the daily bag limit,

unless a different possession limit is specied.

Aker Lake Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only.

Becker Lake Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only.

Burro Creek Closed to shing from Jan. 1 to April 30. Catch-and-release only

for trout; trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be

kept; articial y and lure only; single-pointed barbless hooks only from

May 1 to Dec. 31.

Carnero Lake The limit is 2 trout; articial y and lure only.

Coyote Creek Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only.

Lee Valley Creek The limit is 2 trout (includes any combination of trout and

grayling); articial y and lure only.

Lee Valley Lake The limit is 2 trout (includes any combination of trout and

grayling); articial y and lure only.

Little Colorado River (Greer) upstream of River Reservoir to the conuence

of the East and West Forks Little Colorado River; catch-and-release only

for trout; trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be

kept; articial y and lure only from Oct. 1 through April 30. General state-

wide regulations apply from May 1 to Sept. 30.

Mamie Creek Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only.

Nutrioso Creek From its conuence with the Little Colorado River upstream

to Highway 180 in the city of Nutrioso excluding Nelson Reservoir. Unlimit-

ed rainbow and brown trout from Sept. 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1

through Aug. 31 statewide daily bag limits for trout apply.

PattersonPonds The Community Fishing Program pond limit is 2

trout; 2 catsh; 1 bass, minimum size 13 inches; 5 sunsh.

River Reservoir Catch-and-release only for trout; trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only from Oct. 1

through April 30. General statewide regulations apply from May 1 to Sept. 30.

Show Low Creek Meadow The limit is 2 trout; 2 catsh; 1 bass, mini-

mum size 13 inches; 5 sunsh; 1 white amur (minimum size 30 inches).

Silver Creek In Navajo County within the boundaries of the Arizona Game

and Fish Commission-owned property, excluding that portion designated

as state sh hatchery. Articial y and lure shing only using single-point-

ed barbless hooks and catch-and-release only for trout from Oct. 1 through

March 31. No trout may be kept. Trout must be immediately released un-

harmed. From April 1 through Sept. 30 shing is limited to the designated area

below the section boundary fence and general statewide regulations apply.

NEW

South Fork Little Colorado River In Apache County from the upper

sh barrier (Phone Line Road crossing) to its headwaters, including tributary

Bill Reilly Creek catch-and-release only for trout; trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only from May 1 to Dec. 31; closed to shing from

Jan. 1 to April 30.

Thompson Creek Closed to shing from Jan. 1 to April 30. Catch-and-release

only for trout; trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may

be kept; articial y and lure only; single-pointed barbless hooks only from

May 1 to Dec. 31.

East Fork Little Colorado River upstream of Colter Dam in Apache County is

closed to shing from Jan. 1 to April 30. Catch-and-release only for trout; trout

must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y

and lure only; single-pointed barbless hooks only from May 1 to Dec. 31.

West Fork Black River from the conuence of Hayground Creek upstream

including tributaries is closed to shing from Jan. 1 to April 30. Catch-and-

release only for trout; trout must be immediately released unharmed; no

trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; single-pointed barbless hooks

only from May 1 to Dec. 31.

Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing

• Region I headquarters in Pinetop Posted boundary.

• State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries.

NATIVE TROUT RECOVERY CLOSURES

• Bear Wallow Creek in Greenlee County

• Coleman Creek in Apache and Greenlee counties

• Conklin Creek in Greenlee County

• Hayground Creek in Apache County

• Mineral Creek in Apache County, upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves

National Forests boundary.

• Raspberry Creek in Greenlee County

• Soldier Creek in Apache County

•

REVISED

South Fork Little Colorado River from conuence of Little

Colorado River upstream to upper sh barrier (Phone Line Road crossing) in

Apache County.

• Stinky Creek in Apache County

• West Fork of the Black River From the upper Apache trout barrier ¼ mile

below Forest Service Road 116, downstream for .3 miles to a point 100

yards below the next Apache trout barrier in Apache County.

NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to

bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 46 for

information on Concho Lake, Crescent Lake, Greer Lakes (Tunnel and River),

Luna Lake and Show Low Lake.

LiveBaitshRegulations

No live baitsh may be used or in possession on any waters in this shing

area in Navajo or Apache Counties, no exceptions. See pages 10–11.

Watercraft and Motor Restrictions

The use of watercraft and motors are restricted on the following waters in

this shing area:

Single electric motor only: Aker Lake, Bunch Reservoir, Carnero Lake, Lee

Valley Lake, Scott Reservoir, Tunnel Reservoir, Woodland Lake, Pratt Lake,

Hulsey Lake.

10 horsepower or less: Becker Lake, Big Lake, Concho Lake, Crescent Lake,

Fool Hollow Lake, Luna Lake, Nelson Reservoir, Rainbow Lake, River Reser-

voir, Show Low Lake.

For more information and a complete listing, refer to page 47.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV12

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

Special Regulations and Seasons–Fish: Commission Order 40

FISHING WATERS — WHITE MOUNTAINS

1 Aker Lake

2 Becker Lake

3 Big Lake

4 Black River

5 Burro Creek

6 Carnero Lake

7 Coyote Creek

8 Crescent Lake

9 East Fork of the Little

Colorado River

10 Fool Hollow Lake

11 Greer Lakes (Tunnel,

Bunch and River)

12 Lee Valley Lake

13 Little Colorado River

14 Luna Lake

15 Mamie Creek

16 Nelson Reservoir

17 Nutrioso Creek

00 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters

00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters

W Tribal Lands

W National Park, Monument, or

Memorial Closed to Hunting

White Mountain &

San Carlos Apache

Reservations

Navajo &

Hopi Indian

Reservations

APACHE

GREENLEE

NAVA J O

Apache-Sitgreaves

National Forests



ed For

Concho

Headquarters

Holbrook

St Johns

Salado

Arntz

El Tule

Goodwater

Hunt

Pinta

Alpine

Aripine

Bell

Blue

Eagar

Green Spot

Greer

Hannagan

Meadow

Linden

Los

Burros

Morenci

Nutrioso

Pinedale

Pinetop

Rosebud

Snowake

Sprucedale

Spur Cross

Strayhorse

Taylor

Three

Forks

Vernon

Zeniff

261

277

260

377

180

191

White Mountain &

San Carlos Apache

Reservations

Bell

Show Low

260

White Mountain

& San Carlos

Apache Reservations

Apache-Sitgreaves

National Forests

261

APACHE

191

Fishing Waters - White Mountains

18 Patterson Ponds

19 Rainbow Lake

20 Show Low Creek

21 Show Low Lake

22 Silver Creek

23 South Fork of the

Little Colorado River

24 Thompson Creek

25 West Fork of the

Black River

26 Woodland Lake

132023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

NORTH CENTRAL

Special Regulations

include shing seasons, daily bag and possession limits,

length limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas

closed to shing.

Notes:

General Statewide Regulations

apply to all waters and sh species within

the North Central area except as listed below.

2. For each water listed, the possession limit is two times the daily bag limit,

unless a different possession limit is specied.

Beaver Creek (Wet and Dry) Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass;

unlimited channel and athead catsh.

Cataract Lake The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4

channel catsh.

City Reservoir The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4

channel catsh; the limit is 5 sunsh.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park Lagoons The limit is 2 bass; the limit is 4 cat-

sh; the limit is 10 sunsh.

Dogtown Lake The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4

channel catsh.

East Verde River Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited

channel and athead catsh.

Elk Tank Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only.

Fain Lake The limit is 4 catsh, 2 bass (minimum size 13 inches), 10

sunsh, 1 white amur (minimum size 30 inches), and statewide limits for all

other species.

Fossil Creek, Middle Reach Seasonally, from the rst Saturday in October

through April 30, shing is allowed between the waterfall located approxi-

mately 1 mile above the Flume Trailhead parking lot along FS 708 and the

downstream-most power line crossing (immediately below Sally May Wash).

Catch-and-release only for roundtail chub. Roundtail chub must be imme-

diately released unharmed; no chub may be kept; articial y and lure only;

single-pointed barbless hooks only.

Francis Short Pond The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is

4 catsh; the limit is 5 sunsh.

Goldwater Lake (Upper) The limit is 1 bass, minimum size 13 inches.

NEW

Goldwater Lake (Lower) Catch and release only, articial ies and

lures only.

Granite Basin Lake The limit is 4 catsh in any combination.

Grapevine Creek in Yavapai County is closed to shing from Jan. 1 to April

30. Catch-and-release only for trout; trout must be immediately released

unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; single-pointed

barbless hooks only from May 1 to Dec. 31.

J.D. Dam Lake Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only.

Kaibab Lake The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 chan-

nel catsh.

Lake Mary, Lower The limit is 4 channel catsh.

Middle Tank Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only.

REVISED

OakCreek

• Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and at-

head catsh.

• Between the Highway 89A bridge crossing of Oak Creek at Slide Rock

State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Hatchery Property line

including the West Fork Oak Creek and Oak Creek. Catch-and-release only

for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be

kept; articial y and lure only, barbless hooks only.

REVISED

Oak Creek, West Fork Catch and release only for trout. Trout

must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y

and lure only, barbless hooks only. Between the Highway 89A bridge cross-

ing of Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs

Hatchery Property line.

Perkins Tank Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only.

Sante Fe Reservoir The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is

4 channel catsh.

Stone Dam Lake The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the lim-

it is 4 catsh.

Verde River and its tributaries

Downstream from Granite Creek to Horse-

shoe Dam.

Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel

and athead catsh.

West Clear Creek Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited

channel and athead catsh.

Whitehorse Lake The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4

catsh.

YavapaiLakes

In Urban Forest Park.

The limit is 4 catsh, 2 bass (min-

imum size 13 inches), 10 sunsh, 1 white amur (minimum size 30 inches),

and statewide limits for all other species.

Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing

• Fossil Creek In Yavapai County; except for the 4.5 mile middle reach por-

tion during open season and open area as described under Fossil Creek,

Middle Reach Special Regulation/Season language opposite column.

• GapCreek 

between Honeymoon Cabin and its conuence with the Verde

River.

• Lake Mary, Upper Posted area immediately above the dam.

• State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries.

NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to

bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 46 for

information on Lynx Lake and Verde River.

LiveBaitshRegulations

No live baitsh may be used or in possession on any waters in Coconino

County, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this shing area,

see pages 10–11.

Watercraft and Motor Restrictions

The use of watercraft and motors are restricted on the following waters in

this shing area:

Single electric motor only: Dogtown Reservoir, Goldwater Lake, Granite

Basin Lake, J.D. Dam Lake, Santa Fe Lake, Whitehorse Lake, Willow Creek

Reservoir

10 horsepower or less: Ashurst Lake, Cataract Lake, Kaibab Lake, Kinnikinick

Lake, Lower Lake Mary, Lynx Lake

For more information and a complete listing, please refer to page 47.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV14

Special Regulations and Seasons–Fish: Commission Order 40

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

FISHING WATERS — NORTH CENTRAL

1 Ashurst Lake

2 Beaver Creek,

Wet and Dry

3 Cataract Lake

4 City Reservoir

Dead Horse Ranch State

Park Lagoons

6 Dogtown Lake

7 East Verde River

8 Elk Tank

9 Fain Lake

10 Fossil Creek

11 Francis Short Pond

12 Goldwater Lake

13 Granite Basin Lake

14 J.D. Dam Lake

15 Kaibab Lake

16 Kinnikinick Lake

17 Lake Mary, Lower

18 Lake Mary, Upper

19 Long Lake

20 Lynx Lake

21 Middle Tank

22 Mingus Lake

23 Oak Creek

24 Oak Creek, West Fork

25 Perkins Tank

26 Santa Fe Reservoir

27 Stone Dam Lake

28 Verde River

29 Watson and Willow lakes

30 West Clear Creek

31 Whitehorse Lake

32 Yavapai Lakes

00 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters

00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters

W Tribal Lands

W National Park, Monument, or

Memorial Closed to Hunting

152023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

MOGOLLON RIM

Special Regulations

include shing seasons, daily bag and possession limits,

length limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas

closed to shing.

Notes:

General Statewide Regulations

apply to all waters and sh species within

the Mogollon Rim area except as listed below.

2. For each water listed, the possession limit is two times the daily bag limit,

unless a different possession limit is specied.

All waters within the city park systems of Payson The limit is 4 catsh in

any combination.

Bear Canyon Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited

channel and athead catsh.

Black Canyon Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited

channel and athead catsh.

CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge Reservoir) Unlimited smallmouth and

largemouth bass; unlimited channel and athead catsh.

Canyon Creek

•

From the O.W. Bridge to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

Catch-and-

release only for trout; trout must be immediately released unharmed;

no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; single-pointed barbless

hooks only.

ChevelonCreek

•

From the conuence with Willow Springs Creek to Chevelon Crossing in-

cluding Chevelon Canyon Lake

. The limit is 2 trout; articial y and lure

only.

•

From Chevelon Crossing to the Little Colorado River.

Unlimited rainbow

and brown trout from Sept. 1 through March 31. Statewide daily bag limits

apply for trout.

Chevelon Canyon Lake The limit is 2 trout; articial y and lure only. Un-

limited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and athead

catsh.

Dude Creek in Gila County is closed to shing from Jan. 1 to April 30. Catch-

and-release only for trout; trout must be immediately released unharmed; no

trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; single-pointed barbless hooks

only from May 1 to Dec. 31.

East Clear Creek

In Coconino and Navajo counties and its tributaries up-

stream from the conuence of East Clear Creek and Willow Creek including

lue Ridge and Knoll reservoirs.

Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from

Sept. 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through Aug. 31 statewide daily

bag limits for trout apply.

EastVerdeRiver

•

From the creek source to the SRP Pumphouse.

Catch-and-release only

for trout; trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be

kept; articial y and lure only; single-pointed barbless hooks only. Un-

limited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and athead

catsh.

•

From the Pumphouse downstream.

Statewide daily bag limits apply for

trout. Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and

athead catsh.

Green Valley Park Lakes (town of Payson) The limit is 4 catsh, 2 bass

(minimum size 13 inches), 10 sunsh, 1 white amur (minimum size 30 inches).

Horton Creek in Gila County Catch and release only for trout, trout must be

immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure

only; single-pointed barbless hooks only.

Knoll Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel

and athead catsh.

Long Tom Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited

channel and athead catsh.

Willow Springs Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited

channel and athead catsh.

Woods Canyon Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited

channel and athead catsh.

Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing

• State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries.

• Chase Creek in Gila County.

NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to

bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 46 for

information on Tonto Creek and Woods Canyon Lake.

LiveBaitshRegulations

No live baitsh may be used or in possession on any waters in Navajo or

Coconino counties, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this

shing area, see pages 10–11.

Watercraft and Motor Restrictions

The use of watercraft and motors are restricted on the following waters in

this shing area:

Single electric motor only: Bear Canyon Lake, Green Valley Lake, Knoll Lake,

Woods Canyon Lake

10 horsepower or less: Black Canyon Lake, C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Lake,

Chevelon Canyon Lake, Willow Creek Reservoir, Willow Springs Lake

For more information and a complete listing, please refer to page 47.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV16

Special Regulations and Seasons–Fish: Commission Order 40

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

FISHING WATERS — MOGOLLON RIM

00 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters

00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters

W Tribal Lands

W National Park, Monument, or

Memorial Closed to Hunting

1 Bear Canyon Lake

2 Black Canyon Lake

3 CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge Reservoir)

4 Canyon Creek

5 Chevelon Creek

6 Chevelon Canyon Lake

7 Christopher Creek

8 East Clear Creek

9 East Verde River

10 Green Valley Park Lakes (Community Fishing)

11 Haigler Creek

12 Horton Creek

13 Knoll Lake

14 Long Tom Lake

15 Tonto Creek

16 Willow Springs Lake

17 Woods Canyon Lake

2023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST

Special Regulations

include shing seasons, daily bag and possession limits,

length limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas

closed to shing.

Notes:

General Statewide Regulations

apply to all waters and sh species within

the Colorado River Northwest area except as listed below.

2. For each water listed, the possession limit is two times the daily bag limit,

unless a different possession limit is specied.

Bright Angel Creek Unlimited trout; unlimited striped bass; unlimited cat-

sh. Trout taken at Bright Angel Creek shall be killed and retained as part of

the bag limit or immediately released.

Colorado River

•

From Glen Canyon Dam to the Paria rife (Lees Ferry).

The limit is 2 rain-

bow trout per day; articial y and lure only; barbless hooks only. Rainbow

trout taken from this portion of the Colorado River shall be killed and re-

tained as part of the bag limit or immediately released; there is no limit

on other sport sh species which includes all species of bass (including

sunsh and stripers), all species of catsh, all species of trout other than

rainbow trout, and walleye.

•

From the Paria rife to Navajo Bridge, including all tributaries.

The lim-

it is 6 rainbow trout per day. Rainbow trout taken from this portion of the

Colorado River shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or im-

mediately released; there is no limit on other sport sh species which

includes all species of bass (including sunsh and stripers), all species of

catsh, all species of trout other than rainbow trout, and walleye.

•

From Navajo Bridge to Separation Canyon, including all tributaries with-

in the Grand Canyon National Park.

There is no limit on sport sh species

which includes all species of bass (including sunsh and stripers), all spe-

cies of catsh, all species of trout, and walleye.

•

From Separation Canyon to Hoover Dam (including Lake Mead)

. The limit

is 5 trout; the limit is 20 striped bass 20 inches in length or larger; unlimit-

ed for striped bass under 20 inches in length; the limit is 15 crappie.

•

From Hoover Dam to Davis Dam (including Lake Mohave and Willow

Beach)

the limit is 5 trout in any combination; the limit is 20 for striped

bass 20 inches in length or larger; unlimited for striped bass under 20

inches in length; striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun from

that portion of Lake Mohave between Hoover Dam and Cottonwood

Landing.

•

From Davis Dam to the California-Nevada boundary

the limit is 5 trout in

any combination; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches.

Lake Powell The limit is 20 for smallmouth bass and 5 for largemouth bass;

unlimited for striped bass; unlimited for walleye; the limit is 10 crappie. Carp

may be taken by spearshing and bow and arrow during daylight hours.

Striped bass may also be taken by spearshing during daylight hours.

Topock Marsh The limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 25

crappie.

Virgin River Unlimited bass; unlimited catsh.

Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing

• Colorado River (those portions listed below)

• Posted areas immediately below Glen Canyon Dam (Lake Powell).

• One-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its conu-

ence with the Little Colorado River.

• Posted areas immediately below Davis Dam (Lake Mohave).

• Lake Mead Posted portions and the area immediately above Hoover Dam.

• Little Colorado River That portion lying within the Grand Canyon National

Park.

• Riviera Marina To include the public waterway into and within the

marina.

• State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries.

LiveBaitshRegulations

No live baitsh may be used or in possession on any waters in Coconino

County, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this shing area,

see pages 10–11.

Watercraft and Motor Restrictions

The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some waters in this

shing area. For more information, please refer to page 47.

Colorado River Special Use Privilege

The Colorado River Stamp — California is no longer available. The privileg-

es of these stamps are now bundled together and included in the Arizona

General Fishing license and Combo Hunt/Fish licenses (youth, adult and

short-term). These licensees may sh from a boat on any waters that form

the mutual boundaries between Arizona and California, or Nevada, and as

of 2018, Utah; or when shing from the California, or Nevada, shorelines of

these waters. (see pages 7 and 53)

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV18

Special Regulations and Seasons–Fish: Commission Order 40

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

FISHING WATERS — COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST

1 Bright Angel Creek

2 Colorado River below Davis Dam

3 Lake Havasu (see page 20)

4 Lake Mead

5 Lake Mohave

6 Lake Powell

7 Lees Ferry on Colorado River

8 Topock Marsh

9 Virgin River

10 Willow Beach on Colorado River

NOTE: For Lake Havasu information, see page 20.

00 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters

00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters

W Tribal Lands

W National Park, Monument, or

Memorial Closed to Hunting

National Wildlife Refuge

192023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

COLORADO RIVER SOUTHWEST

Special Regulations

include shing seasons, daily bag and possession limits,

length limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas

closed to shing.

Notes:

General Statewide Regulations

apply to all waters and sh species within

the Colorado River Southwest area except as listed below.

2. For each water listed, the possession limit is two times the daily bag limit,

unless a different possession limit is specied.

Colorado River

•

From California-Nevada boundary to the Southern International Boundary

with Mexico including Lake Havasu, Martinez Lake, Mittry Lake and asso-

ciated backwaters.

The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size

13 inches; the limit is 25 sunsh or crappie in any combination.

CanalsinYumaCounty Catch-and-release only for white amur. White amur

must be immediately released unharmed; no white amur may be kept. Note:

White amur are similar to, and can be mistaken for, common carp. Bow hunt-

ers should use caution and not shoot white amur.

Designated Community Fishing Program waters

• Council Avenue Pond (city of Somerton)

• Fortuna Lake (Yuma area)

• PacicAvenueAthleticComplexPond (city of Yuma)

• Redondo Lake (Yuma area)

• West Wetlands Pond (city of Yuma)

Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing

• Alamo Lake Posted area immediately above the dam.

• Cibola Lake From the rst Monday in September (Labor Day) through

March 15.

• Lake Havasu Posted portions.

• Martinez Lake Posted portions from Oct. 1 through March 1.

NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to

bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 46 for

information.

LiveBaitshRegulations

See pages 10–11 for details.

Watercraft and Motor Restrictions

The use of watercraft and motors are restricted on the following waters in

this shing area:

Single electric motor only: Fortuna Lake, Quigley Pond,

Redondo Lake

For more information and a complete listing, please refer to page 47.

Colorado River Special Use Privilege

The Colorado River Stamp — California is no longer available. The privileges

of this stamp are now bundled together and included in the Arizona Gen-

eral Fishing license and Combo Hunt/Fish (youth, adult and short-term)

licenses. These licensees may sh from a boat on any waters that form the

mutual boundaries between Arizona and California; or when shing from

the California shorelines of these waters. In addition to large stretches of the

Colorado River, these shing privileges include Lake Havasu and associated

backwaters (e.g., Martinez Lake, Mittry Lake). (see page 7)

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV20

Special Regulations and Seasons–Fish: Commission Order 40

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

FISHING WATERS — COLORADO RIVER SOUTHWEST

1 Alamo Lake

2 Colorado River – Parker Strip

3 Colorado River – Yuma area

4 Council Avenue Pond (Community

Fishing)

5 Fortuna Lake (Community Fishing)

6 Lake Havasu

7 Martinez Lake

8 Mittry Lake

9 Pacic Avenue Athletic Complex

Pond

10 Redondo Lake (Community Fishing)

11 Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and

Drainage District Canal System

12 Yuma County Water Users’

Association Canal System

13 West Wetlands Pond (Community

Fishing)

00 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters

00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters

W Tribal Lands

W National Park, Monument, or

Memorial Closed to Hunting

Military Range or Proving Ground

National Wildlife Refuge

212023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

CENTRAL

Special Regulations

include shing seasons, daily bag and possession limits,

length limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas

closed to shing.

Notes:

General Statewide Regulations

apply to all waters and sh species within

the Central area except as listed below.

2. For each water listed, the possession limit is two times the daily bag limit,

unless a different possession limit is specied..

Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake The limit is 5 catsh, any com-

bination, when taken by bow and arrow (Note: the catsh limit is 10, any

combination, for all other legal methods).

Bartlett Lake The limit is 15 crappie.

Crystal Gardens Water Treatment Facility (city of Avondale, 17 lake complex)

Catch-and-release only for all resident sh species. All sh must be immedi-

ately released unharmed; single-pointed barbless hooks only.

Note: the city

of Avondale requests that anglers use articial ies and lures, and not use

any prepared baits with the exception of worms.

Horseshoe Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited

channel and athead catsh.

Lake Pleasant Unlimited for striped bass; striped bass may be taken by

spear or spear gun.

Roosevelt Lake The limit is 15 crappie.

Salt River (Upper)

From Roosevelt Diversion Dam upstream to the boundary

junction of the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian Reservations.

Unlimited

smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and athead catsh.

Salt River Project Canal System (

135 miles of canals

) Catch-and-release only

for white amur. White amur must be immediately released unharmed; no

white amur may be kept.

Tempe Town Lake (city of Tempe) The limit is 2 bass, minimum size

13 inches; the limit is 4 catsh in any combination; and the limit is 10 sunsh

in any combination.

The Pond at Town Hall (town of Gilbert) Catch-and-release only for all resi-

dent sh species. All sh must be immediately released unharmed; articial

y and lure only; barbless hooks only.

Water Ranch Lake (town of Gilbert) The limit is 2 trout; the limit is 2

catsh; catch and release only for bass and sunsh; bass and sunsh must

be immediately released unharmed; no bass or sunsh may be kept; sin-

gle-pointed barbless hooks only.

Managed Community Fishing Program waters

East Valley Locations

• Chaparral Park Lake (city of Scottsdale)

• Desert Breeze Park Lake (city of Chandler)

• Discovery Park Ponds (town of Gilbert)

• Eastmark Park Pond (city of Mesa)

• Eldorado Park Pond (city of Scottsdale)

• Evelyn Hallman Park Pond (city of Tempe)

• Freestone Park Lake (town of Gilbert)

• Gilbert Regional Park Pond (town of Gilbert)

• GreeneldParkPond (city of Mesa)

• Kiwanis Park Lake (city of Tempe)

• Mansel Carter Oasis Park Lake (town of Queen Creek)

• McQueen Park Pond (town of Gilbert)

• Papago Park Ponds (city of Phoenix)

• Red Mountain Park Lake (city of Mesa)

• Riverview Park Lake (city of Mesa)

• Roadrunner Park Pond (city of Phoenix)

• Tempe Town Lake (city of Tempe)

• Veterans Oasis Park Lake (city of Chandler)

• Water Ranch Park Lake (town of Gilbert)

West Valley Locations

• Alamar Park Pond (city of Avondale)

• Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park (city of Phoenix)

• Bonsall Park Pond (city of Glendale)

• Cortez Park Lake (city of Phoenix)

• Desert West Park Lake (city of Phoenix)

• Encanto Park Lake (city of Phoenix)

• Festival Fields Pond (city of Avondale)

• Friendship Park Pond (city of Avondale)

• Heroes Regional Park Pond (city of Glendale)

• Paloma Park Lake (city of Peoria)

• Pioneer Park Lake (city of Peoria)

• Rio Vista Park Pond (city of Peoria)

• Steele Indian School Park Pond (city of Phoenix)

• Sundance Park Lake (city of Buckeye)

• Surprise Park Lake (city of Surprise)

City of Maricopa

• Copper Sky Park Lake

• Pacana Park Pond

City of Casa Grande

• Dave White Regional Park Pond

Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing

• Agua Fria River Posted areas immediately below Waddell Dam (Lake

Pleasant)

• Apache Lake Posted areas immediately below Roosevelt Dam (Roosevelt

Lake)

• Canyon Lake Posted areas immediately below Horse Mesa Dam (Apache

Lake)

• Saguaro Lake Posted areas immediately below Mormon Flat Dam (Can-

yon Lake)

NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to

bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures (Roosevelt Lake).

See page 46 for information on Lake Pleasant, Salt River, Tonto Creek and

Verde River.

LiveBaitshRegulations

See pages 10–11 for details.

Watercraft and Motor Restrictions

The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some waters in this

shing area. For more information, please refer to page 47.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV22

Special Regulations and Seasons–Fish: Commission Order 40

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

FISHING WATERS — CENTRAL

1 Apache Lake

2 Bartlett Lake

3 Canyon Lake

4 Crystal Gardens Water

Treatment Facility

5 Horseshoe Lake

6 Lake Pleasant

7 Mansel Carter Oasis Park Lake

8 Roosevelt Lake

9 Saguaro Lake

10 Salt River (lower)

00 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters

00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters

W Tribal Lands

Military Range or Proving Ground

National Wildlife Refuge

11 Salt River (upper)

12 Salt River Project Canal System

13 Tempe Town Lake

14 Verde River

15 Water Ranch Lake

16 West Valley Community Fishing waters

17 East Valley Community Fishing waters

18 City of Maricopa Community Fishing waters

19 City of Casa Grande Community Fishing waters

2023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

SOUTHEAST

Special Regulations

include shing seasons, daily bag and possession limits,

length limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas

closed to shing.

Notes:

General Statewide Regulations

apply to all waters and sh species within

the Southeast area except as listed below.

2. For each water listed, the possession limit is two times the daily bag limit,

unless a different possession limit is specied.

REVISED

Cluff Ranch Pond 3 Catch and release only for all sh species

(excluding rainbow trout) from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2024.

Dankworth Pond The limit is 4 catsh in any combination.

Frye Mesa Reservoir The limit is 2 trout, any combination.

Grant Creek Catch and release only for trout, trout must be immediately

released unharmed; no trout may be kept; articial y and lure only; single-

pointed barbless hooks only.

Parker Canyon Lake Daily bag limits have been reduced to 4 channel

catsh.

Pena Blanca Lake The limit is 4 catsh in any combination.

Roper Lake The limit is 4 catsh in any combination.

All waters, not in the Community Fishing Program, but within the city park

systems of Tucson The limit is 4 catsh in any combination.

Managed Community Fishing Program waters

• Graham County Fairgrounds Pond

• Kennedy Park Lake (city of Tucson)

• Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park (city of Tucson)

• Sahuarita Lake (town of Sahuarita)

• Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park (city of Tucson)

Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing

• Archer Lake at Christopher Columbus Park in Pima County

• Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties

• Ash Creek and Marijilda Creek and their tributaries in Graham County

(Gila trout recovery)

• Bog Hole Wildlife Area Posted portions

• Bonita Creek in Graham County

• Cienega Creek Posted portions in Pima County

• Frye Creek in Graham County

• Kino Environmental Restoration Project in Pima County

• Lower Sabino Canyon

From the conuence of the East and West forks of

Sabino Creek, downstream to the U.S. Forest Service boundary

in Pima

County

• O’Donnell Canyon in Santa Cruz County

• Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County

• West Turkey Creek in Cochise County

LiveBaitshRegulations

No live baitsh may be used or in possession on any waters in Pima or Coch-

ise Counties, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this shing

area, see pages 10–11.

Waterdog Prohibitions

No live waterdogs or salamanders may be taken, used or possessed in that

portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south of State Highway 82, or

that portion of Cochise County lying west of the San Pedro River and south

of State Highway 82 (this includes Parker Canyon Lake). See R12-4-313.C.4

and R12-4-316.A & C.

Watercraft and Motor Restrictions

The use of watercraft and motors are restricted on the following waters in

this shing area:

Single electric motor only: Cluff Ranch Ponds, Dankworth Pond, Riggs Flat

Lake, Roper Lake

10 horsepower or less: Arivaca Lake, Parker Canyon Lake, Pena Blanca Lake

No watercraft allowed on: Frye Mesa Reservoir, Rose Canyon Lake

For more information and a complete listing, please refer to page 47.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV24

Special Regulations and Seasons–Fish: Commission Order 40

SpecialRegulationsandSeasons–Fish:CommissionOrder40

FISHING WATERS — SOUTHEAST

1 Arivaca Lake

2 Cluff Ranch Ponds 1

and 3

3 Dankworth Pond

4 Frye Mesa Reservoir

5 Graham County

Fairgrounds Pond

6 Grant Creek

7 Parker Canyon Lake

8 Patagonia Lake

9 Pena Blanca Lake

10 Roper Lake

11 Riggs Flat Lake

12 Rose Canyon Lake

13 Tucson Community

Fishing Lakes

Kennedy Park Lake

Lakeside Lake at Chuck

Ford-Lakeside Park

Silverbell Lake at

Christopher Columbus

Park

14 Sahuarita Lake (Com-

munity Fishing Lake)

00 Popular General Regulation

Fishing Waters

00 Special Regulation Fishing

Waters

W Tribal Lands

W National Park, Monument, or

Memorial Closed to Hunting

Military Range or Proving

Ground

National Wildlife Refuge

252023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species

TROUT

ThefollowingbodiesofwateridentiedunderSpecialRegulationsandSeasons(pages12–25)havespecial

shingseasons(R12-4-313),dailybagandpossessionlimits,lengthlimitsorclosuresthatdifferfrom

GeneralStatewideRegulations(pages6–9)orStatewideDailyBagandPossessionLimits (page 6). Only

exceptions to General Statewide Regulations and General Sport Fishing Seasons are shown for each area.

CATCH AND RELEASE

articialiesandluresonly,

single-pointed barbless hooks:

• Aker Lake

• Becker Lake

• Burro Creek — May 1 through

Dec. 31

• Canyon Creek-OW Bridge to

the Fort Apache Reservation

Boundary

• Coyote Creek

• Dude Creek — May 1 through

Dec. 31

• East Fork, Little Colorado

River-above Colter Dam —

May 1 through Dec. 31

• East Verde River-origin to the

pumphouse

• Elk Tank

• Grant Creek – Pinaleno

Mountains

• Grapevine Creek — May 1

through Dec. 31

• Horton Creek

• J.D. Dam

• Mamie Creek

• Middle Tank

• Perkins Tank

• River Reservoir — Oct. 1

through April 30

• Silver Creek — Oct. 1 through

March 31

• Thompson Creek — May 1

through Dec. 31

• West Fork Black River-

Hayground Creek to Fort

Apache Reservation Boundary

— May 1 through Dec. 31

CATCH AND RELEASE

articialiesandluresonly,

barbless hooks:

• Oak Creek-West Fork Oak

Creek

CATCH AND RELEASE

articialiesandluresonly:

• Lower Goldwater

2 TROUT LIMIT

articialiesandluresonly:

• Carnero Lake

• Chevelon Canyon Lake

• Chevelon Creek, from the

Conuence with Willow

Springs Creek to Chevelon

Crossing

• Lees Ferry

• Lee Valley Creek

• Lee Valley Lake

2 TROUT LIMIT:

• Alamar Park Pond

• Bonsall Pond

• Council Avenue Pond

• Dave White Regional Park Pond

• Discovery Park Ponds

• Eastmark Park Pond

• Eldorado Park Pond

• Evelyn Hallman Pond

• Festival Fields Pond

• Freestone Pond

• Friendship Pond

• Frye Mesa Reservoir

• Gilbert Regional Park Pond

• Graham County Fairgrounds

Pond

• Greeneld Park Pond

• Heroes Regional Park Pond

• McQueen Pond

• Pacana Pond

• Pacic Avenue Athletic

Complex Ponds

• Papago Park Ponds

• Patterson Ponds

• Rio Vista Park Pond

• Roadrunner Park Pond

• Show Low Creek Meadow

• Steele Indian School Park

Pond

• Water Ranch Park Lake

(barbless hooks only)

• West Wetlands Pond

5 TROUT LIMIT:

• Colorado River-Separation

Canyon to the California/

Nevada Boundary, including

Lake Mead and Lake Mohave

10 TROUT LIMIT:

• Colorado River-California/

Nevada Boundary to the

International Boundary

UNLIMITED TROUT

REGULATIONS:

• Colorado River-Navajo Bridge

to Separation Canyon

SEASONAL UNLIMITED

TROUT REGULATIONS

SEPT.1–MARCH31

ANNUALLY:

• Chevelon Creek-Chevelon

Crossing to the conuence

with the Little Colorado River

• East Clear Creek

• Nutrioso Creek

For information about

the Arizona Trout

Challenge, see page 35.

Where to Fish for Wild and Hatchery Native Trout

APACHE TROUT

• East Fork of the Little

Colorado River above

Coulter Dam

• South Fork Little Colorado

River in Apache County

from the upper sh barrier

(Phone Line Road cross-

ing) to its headwaters,

including tributary Bill

Reilly Creek

• West Fork of the Little

Colorado River

• West Fork of the Black

River

ADDITIONAL WATERS FOR

HATCHERY APACHE TROUT

• Aker Lake

• East Fork of the Black River

• Lee Valley Lake

• LCR near Greer

• Silver Creek

GILA TROUT

• Dude Creek (wild sh)

• East Verde River (hatchery

sh)

• Frye Mesa Reservoir

(hatchery sh)

• Goldwater Lake (hatchery sh)

• Grapevine Creek (wild sh)

• Lynx Lake (hatchery sh)

• Watson Lake (hatchery sh)

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV26

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species | Trout

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species

Rainbow Trout

Description: Olive to bluish on the back,

silvery sides, a pink band on the sides

from head to tail. Many small black spots

on back, sides, adipose and dorsal n.

Distinct radiating rows of black spots on

tail n. Generally, no spots on pectoral,

pelvic and anal ns. Length: up to 28

inches. Weight: up to 15 pounds.

Brown Trout

Description: Olive-brown with yellowish

sides. Some orange or red spots on the

sides, spots often encircled with light

yellow or white Dark spots on back and

sides. Tail n usually unspotted or vague-

ly spotted. Adipose n usually orange or

reddish. Length: up to 30 inches. Weight:

up to 20 pounds.

Apache Trout

Description: The Apache trout is one of

Arizona’s two native trout species and

is the Arizona state sh. Body color is

yellowish-gold at the top of the head and

the back is a dark olive. Dorsal, anal and

pelvic ns are white tipped with dark,

bold spots on dorsal and tail n. Spotting

on the body is sparse and irregular and

may extend below the lateral line. Two

small black spots on either side of pupil

give appearance of black stripe through

eye. Length: up to 20 inches. Weight: up to

5 pounds.

Cutthroat Trout

Description: Body shape similar to

rainbow trout. Back and sides are lightly

spotted; Dorsal, adipose and tail ns are

heavily spotted. Red or reddish-orange

slash on throat. Length: up to 20 inches.

Weight: up to 6 pounds.

Brook Trout

Description: Gray to olive-green on the

back. Vermiculations or worm-like

markings on the back and dorsal n.

Sides lighter in color with blue halos

around pink or red spots. White edge on

lower ns and lower tail. Length: up to 18

inches. Weight: up to 4 pounds.

Gila Trout

Description: Gila trout have iridescent

gold sides that blend to a darker shade

of copper on the opercles. Spots on the

body of this trout are small and profuse,

generally occurring above the lateral line

and extending onto the head, dorsal n

and caudal n. Dorsal, pelvic and anal

ns have a white to yellowish tip that

may extend along the leading edge of

the pelvic ns. Parr marks are commonly

retained by adults, although they may be

faint or absent. Length: up to 20 inches.

Weight: up to 5 pounds.

Grayling

Description: The dorsal n is large,

dark-gray, blotched with pale spots, with

cross-rows of deep blue spots and edged

with red or orange. The dorsal n has 17

to 25 rays. The tail n is forked. The body

has scattered black spots on silver-gray,

sometimes pink sides. Scales larger than

for trout. Length: up to 14 inches. Weight:

up to 1.5 pound.

Tiger Trout

Description: Tiger Trout is a sterile hybrid

that is the result of crossing a female

brown trout with a male brook trout. Hy-

bridization can occur naturally, however

it is very rare. Stocked tiger trout are pro-

duced in a hatchery. Coloring, markings,

and tail shape can vary but generally

is a dark maze-like pattern all over a

brownish, gray, or silver body. The belly

varies from white to yellowish orange as

does the pectoral, pelvic and anal ns.

These ns also have white leading edges.

The tail n is square to slightly forked.

Length: up to 25 inches. Weight: up to 5

pounds (up to 32 pounds in other states).

Trout Family

(includes all species of trout, brook trout, and grayling)

Native Trout

272023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species

BASS (LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH)

ThefollowingbodiesofwateridentiedunderSpecialRegulationsandSeasons(pages12–25)havespecial

shingseasons(R12-4-313),dailybagandpossessionlimits,lengthlimitsorclosuresthatdifferfrom

GeneralStatewideRegulations(pages6–9)orStatewideDailyBagandPossessionLimits (page 6). Only

exceptions to General Statewide Regulations and General Sport Fishing Seasons are shown for each area.

CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY:

• Cluff Ranch Ponds

• Crystal Gardens Water

Treatment Facility (city of

Avondale)

• The Pond at Town Hall (town

of Gilbert)

• Water Ranch Park Lake

CATCH AND RELEASE

articialiesandluresonly:

• Lower Goldwater

UNLIMITED — NO LIMIT FOR

EITHER LARGEMOUTH OR

SMALLMOUTH BASS:

• Bear Canyon Lake

• Beaver Creek (Wet and Dry)

• Black Canyon Lake

• CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue

Ridge)

• Chevelon Canyon Lake

• Colorado River-Glen Canyon

Dam to Separation Canyon

• East Verde River

• Horseshoe Lake

• Knoll Lake

• Long Tom Lake

• Oak Creek

• Upper Salt River (Roosevelt

Diversion Dam upstream to

the Reservation Boundary)

• Verde River and tributaries

• Virgin River

• West Clear Creek

• Willow Springs Lake

• Woods Canyon Lake

1 BASS LIMIT, MINIMUM

SIZE 13 INCHES:

• Alamar Park Pond

• Bonsall Pond

• Council Avenue Pond

• Dave White Regional Park

Pond

• Discovery Park Ponds

• Eastmark Park Pond

• Eldorado Park Pond

• Evelyn Hallman Pond

• Festival Fields Pond

• Freestone Pond

• Friendship Pond

• Gilbert Regional Park Pond

• Goldwater Lake

• Graham County Fairgrounds

Pond

• Greeneld Pond

• Heroes Regional Park Pond

• McQueen Pond

• Pacana Park Pond

• Pacic Avenue Athletic

Complex Pond

• Papago Park Ponds

• Patterson Ponds (St. Johns)

• Rio Vista Park Pond

• Roadrunner Park Pond

• Show Low Creek Meadow

• Steele Indian School Park

Pond

• West Wetlands Pond

2 BASS LIMIT:

• Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Lagoons

2 BASS LIMIT, MINIMUM

SIZE 13 INCHES:

• Alvord Lake

• Cataract Lake

• City Reservoir

• Chaparral Park Lake

• Copper Sky Lake

• Cortez Park Lake

• Desert Breeze Park Lake

• Desert West Park Lake

• Dogtown Lake

• Encanto Park Lake

• Fain Lake

• Fortuna Lake

• Francis Short Pond

• Green Valley Park Lakes

• Kaibab Lake

• Kennedy Park Lake

• Kiwanis Park Lake

• Lakeside Lake

• Mansel Carter Oasis Lake

• Paloma Park Lake

• Pioneer Lake

• Red Mountain Park Lake

• Redondo Lake

• Riverview Park Lake

• Santa Fe Reservoir

• Silverbell Lake

• Sahuarita Park Lake

• Stone Dam

• Sundance Park Lake

• Surprise Park Lake

• Tempe Town Lake

• Veterans Oasis Park Lake

• Whitehorse Lake

• Yavapai Lakes

6 BASS LIMIT, MINIMUM

SIZE 13 INCHES:

• Topock Marsh

• Colorado River-Davis Dam to

the International Boundary

20 SMALLMOUTH BASS,

5 LARGEMOUTH BASS LIMIT:

• Lake Powell

•

For information about the

Arizona Hawg Bass Challenge,

see page 34.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV28

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species | Bass

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species

Largemouth Bass

Description: Large mouth with upper

jaw of adults extending beyond rear

margin of eye. Dark olive-green on back,

green sides shading to white belly. Dark

horizontal band on each side. Deep notch

in dorsal n. Soft dorsal n with 12 to 13

rays. Length: up to 25 inches. Weight: up

to 15 pounds.

Striped Bass

Description: Body has six to nine black

horizontal stripes on silvery-white sides.

Dorsal ns are distinctly separate, unlike

yellow bass, which are joined at the

base. Pelvic ns in large adults, white

with anal n edged in white. Lower jaw

protrudes beyond upper jaw. Generally

two patches of teeth on tongue. 2nd anal

spine distinctly shorter than the 3rd. Tail

is slightly forked. Length: up to 50 inches.

Weight: up to 60 pounds.

Smallmouth Bass

Description: Smallmouth bass most

often are bronze to brownish green in

color, with dark vertical bars on sides.

In contrast to the largemouth bass, the

upper jaw does not extend beyond rear

margin of eye. Eye reddish in color.

Shallow notch in dorsal n. Soft dorsal n

has 13 to 15 rays. Length: up to 20 inches.

Weight: up to 6 pounds.

White Bass

Description: Body silver-white, 4 to 7

dark horizontal lines; Lines below lateral

line often faint and broken. Dorsal ns

are distinctly separate, unlike the yellow

bass, which are joined at the base. 2nd

anal spine distinctly shorter than the 3rd.

Lower jaw protrudes beyond upper jaw;

Generally a single patch of teeth at base

of tongue. Length: up to 18 inches. Weight:

up to 4 pounds.

Yellow Bass

Description: Body has golden-yellow

sides with 5 to 7 horizontal lines; Lines

appear broken and offset about midway

on the lower side. Dorsal ns are con-

nected. 2nd anal spine is about as long as

the 3rd anal spine. No patches of teeth on

tongue. Length: up to 13 inches. Weight:

up to 1.5 pounds.

Bass Family

Temperate Bass Family

292023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species

CATFISH

ThefollowingbodiesofwateridentiedunderSpecialRegulationsandSeasons(pages12–25)havespecial

shingseasons(R12-4-313),dailybagandpossessionlimits,lengthlimitsorclosuresthatdifferfrom

GeneralStatewideRegulations(pages6–9)orStatewideDailyBagandPossessionLimits(page6).Only

exceptions to General Statewide Regulations and General Sport Fishing Seasons are shown for each area.

FLATHEAD AND CHANNEL

CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY:

• Cluff Ranch Ponds

• Crystal Gardens Water

Treatment Facility (city of

Avondale)

• The Pond at Town Hall (town

of Gilbert)

CATCH AND RELEASE

articialiesandluresonly:

• Lower Goldwater

UNLIMITED — NO LIMIT FOR

EITHER FLATHEAD OR

CHANNEL:

• Bear Canyon Lake

• Beaver Creek (Wet and Dry)

• Black Canyon Lake

• CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue

Ridge)

• Chevelon Canyon Lake

• Colorado River-Glen Canyon

Dam to Separation Canyon

• East Verde River

• Horseshoe Lake

• Knoll Lake

• Long Tom Lake

• Oak Creek

• Upper Salt River (Roosevelt

Diversion Dam upstream to

the Reservation Boundary)

UNLIMITED — NO LIMIT FOR

EITHER FLATHEAD OR

CHANNEL CONTINUED:

• Verde River upstream of

Horseshoe Dam including

tributaries

• Virgin River

• West Clear Creek

• Willow Springs Lake

• Woods Canyon Lake

2 CATFISH LIMIT:

• Alamar Park Pond

• Bonsall Pond

• Council Avenue Pond

• Dave White Regional Park

Pond

• Discovery Park Ponds

• Eastmark Park Pond

• Eldorado Park Pond

• Evelyn Hallman Pond

• Festival Fields Pond

• Freestone Pond

• Friendship Pond

• Gilbert Regional Park Pond

• Graham County Fairgrounds

Pond

• Greeneld Park Pond

• Heroes Regional Park Pond

• McQueen Pond

• Pacana Park Pond

• Pacic Avenue Athletic

Complex Pond

• Papago Park Ponds

• Patterson Ponds

• Rio Vista Park Pond

• Roadrunner Park Pond

• Show Low Creek Meadow

• Steele Indian School Pond

• Water Ranch Park Lake

• West Wetlands Pond

4 CATFISH LIMIT:

• Alvord Lake

• Cataract Lake

• Chaparral Park Lake

• City Reservoir

• Copper Sky Lake

• Cortez Park Lake

• Dankworth Pond

• Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Lagoons

• Desert Breeze Park Lake

• Desert West Park Lake

• Dogtown Lake

• Encanto Park Lake

• Fain Lake

• Fortuna Lake

• Francis Short Pond

• Granite Basin Lake

• Green Valley Park Lakes

• Kaibab Lake

• Kennedy Park Lake

• Kiwanis Park Lake

• Lakeside Lake

• Lower Lake Mary

• Mansel Carter Oasis Lake

• Paloma Park Lake

• Parker Canyon Lake

• Pena Blanca Lake

• Pioneer Park Lake

• Yavapai Lakes

• Redondo Lake

• Red Mountain Park Lake

• Riverview Park Lake

• Roper Lake

• Sahuarita Park Lake

• Santa Fe Reservoir

• Silverbell Lake

• Stone Dam

• Sundance Park Lake

• Surprise Park Lake

• Tempe Town Lake

• Tucson waters in the city park

system, but not in the CFP

• Veterans Oasis Park Lake

• Whitehorse Lake

5 CATFISH LIMIT WHEN

TAKEN BY BOW AND ARROW:

• Apache Lake

• Canyon Lake

• Saguaro Lake

ChannelCatsh

Description: Scattered black spots on a

silver or gray colored back and sides with

a white belly. Few spots on large adults.

Smooth, scaleless skin. 8 barbels or

“whiskers.” Short base on small adipose

n. Deeply forked tail. Anal n has 24 to

30 rays and is slightly rounded. Length:

up to 35 inches. Weight: up to 30 pounds.

FlatheadCatsh

Description: Back and sides mottled,

dark-brown to yellow-brown; belly is

yellowish-white. Head is broad and at

with small eyes. Large mouth, lower jaw

projecting beyond the upper jaw. Adi-

pose n is large; Tail n is at or slightly

notched. Length: up to 50 inches. Weight:

up to 70 pounds.

Bullhead (black, yellow, brown)

Description: Body is yellow-olive to

brown on back with yellowish sides,

and yellow to white belly. Slight to no

mottling. Chin barbels are always light in

color, either white or pale yellow. Anal n

is moderately long with a straight prole;

Tail n is rounded. Length: up to 16 inch-

es. Weight: up to 3 pounds.

CatshFamily

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV30

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species | Catsh | Crappie

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species

CRAPPIE (INCLUDING BLACK AND WHITE)

COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM WATERS

ThefollowingbodiesofwateridentiedunderSpecialRegulationsandSeasons(pages12–25)havespecial

shingseasons(R12-4-313),dailybagandpossessionlimits,lengthlimitsorclosuresthatdifferfrom

GeneralStatewideRegulations(pages6–9)orStatewideDailyBagandPossessionLimits(page6).Only

exceptions to General Statewide Regulations and General Sport Fishing Seasons are shown for each area.

10 CRAPPIE:

• Lake Powell

15 CRAPPIE:

• Bartlett Lake

• Colorado River-Separation Canyon to

Davis Dam, including Lake Mead and

Lake Mohave

• Roosevelt Lake

25 CRAPPIE:

• Colorado River-California/Nevada border

to the International Boundary, including

Topock Marsh and Lake Havasu (in any

combination with sunsh)

Black Crappie

Description: Head and back heavily and

irregularly spotted with black blotches

on a silver-olive background; Tail, dorsal

and anal ns are spotted. Seven or eight

spines on dorsal n. Body is compressed.

Length: up to 15 inches. Weight: up to 4

pounds.

“Ifpeoplecan’tgettothesh,

we’llbringshtothepeople.”

There are more than 53 park lakes and

ponds participating in the program in

25 cities across the state. To ensure an-

glers have a good chance of catching sh,

plenty of ready-to-catch sh are stocked

during the fall, winter and spring seasons.

License Requirements

All Community Fishing Program waters

require anglers 10 years of age or older to

be licensed. Valid licenses include:

• General Fishing

• Youth Combination Hunt and Fish (ages

10-17)

• Combination Hunt and Fish (18 and over)

• Or Pioneer, Blind, Disabled Veteran,

Short-term (one day) and youth group

licenses

Community Lakes and Ponds

Each of the waters in the managed

Community Fishing Program is

designated as either a Lake or a Pond and

has been named accordingly. Community

Lakes are larger bodies of water, generally

over 3 acres, and have higher daily bag

limits (see table below). Community

Ponds have daily bag limits that are only

half that of Lakes. Limits are reduced

at the smaller bodies of water to avoid

overcrowding and overshing, while still

providing a quality shing experience.

Once your daily limit is reached, you

must stop shing for that species.

Community Fishing Details

The Community Fishing webpage is your

source of information for everything you

need to know about the program: www.

azgfd.gov/community

Fish Species

Daily Bag Limits

Minimum Size Limit

Lakes Ponds

Catsh 4 2 None

Trout 4 2 None

Bass 2 1 13 inches or more

Sunsh: various species including bluegill, redear,

green and hybrid

10 5 None

White amur (grass carp) 1 1 30 inches or more

312023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species

Bluegill

Description: The bluegill has blue color-

ing on the chin, a solid black opercle ap,

a small mouth and a dark spot at the rear

of the dorsal n. The body is very com-

pressed or at and has from ve to nine

dark vertical bars on the sides. Length: up

to 12 inches. Weight: up to 3 pounds.

Walleye

Description: Back is yellow-olive with

a brassy cast. Sides brassy-yellow with

dark mottling. Belly is white. Dark spot

at rear of spiny dorsal n. Anal n and

lower lobe of tail n are white. Eyes are

opaque-silver in color. Length: up to 28

inches. Weight: up to 14 pounds.

Common Carp

Description: Back olive-yellow with

yellowish gold sides. Scales on back and

upper sides are dark-edged, with a dark

spot at the base. The dorsal n has 17 to

22 rays. One saw-toothed spine at front

of long dorsal and anal n. Two barbels

at each corner of the mouth on the upper

jaw. Large adults have reddish-orange

anal and tail n. Length: up to 40 inches.

Weight: up to 40 pounds.

RedearSunsh

Description: The “Red-ear” sunsh has a

black opercle ap which is bordered with

a reddish or orange color on the rear of

the ap. Sides of head have olive-brown

speckling. Body is compressed or at

with an olive-green cast, light speckling

on sides. Pectoral n long and pointed,

usually extends far past eye when bent

forward. Length: up to 14 inches. Weight:

up to 5 pounds.

Northern Pike

Description: Back and sides, dusky

olive-green with rows of light oval spots.

Dorsal, anal and tail n have round to

oblong darkened spots. Dorsal n located

far back on an elongated body. Large ca-

nine-like teeth. Cheeks completely scaled,

nly upper half of the gill cover is scaled.

Length: up to 45 inches. Weight: up to 30

pounds.

Roundtail Chub (native)

Description: Body is thick and stream-

lined, dark olive-gray above with silver

sides. Mouth extends to front of eye. Dor-

sal n and anal n usually have 8 to 10

rays. Large forked tail n. Breeding males

develop red or orange coloration on lower

half of cheek and bases of paired ns.

Length: up to 18 inches. Weight: up to 3

pounds. Catch-and-release only, state-

wide.

GreenSunsh

Description: Large mouth with blue-green

striations on the cheeks. Opercle ap is

black with reddish or orange border. Body

olive-green in color, dark vertical bars

on sides. Pectoral n short and rounded.

Caudal n and lower n margins are

white or yellowish with dusky spots at

rear of dorsal and anal ns. Length: up to

10 inches. Weight: up to 1.5 pounds.

Yellow Perch

Description: Back olive-green; sides

brassy-yellow with 6 to 9 dark vertical

bars; Belly is white. Anal n, pectoral

and pelvic ns are amber-orange tinted.

Small teeth, not canine-like. Soft (rear)

dorsal n has 12 to 13 rays. Length: up to

12 inches. Weight: up to 1 pound.

White Amur or grass carp

Similar to common carp only in general

color (brassy yellow) and large scales.

Notable differences include no barbels on

bony mouth, no spine on a short dorsal

n or anal n, more elongated body, less

yellow in color, tail darker and more deep

ly forked. These sh are highly effective

weed eaters an

d are stocked to control

nuisance weeds and algae. Length: up to

42 inches. Weight: up to 40 pounds. 1 sh,

30 inch minimum statewide.

SunshFamily(allpicturedareinthegenusLepomis)

Pike and Perch Family

Minnow Family

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV32

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species | Additional Species

Special Regulations and Seasons by Species

Colorado River Pikeminnow

Description: Body is long and slen-

der, gray-green back with silver sides.

Scales, very small. Long, conical shaped

head, attened between the eyes; large,

horizontal mouth. Dorsal n originates

behind origin of pelvic ns. Dorsal and

anal ns almost always with nine rays.

Tail n, large and deeply forked. Length:

up to 36 inches. Weight: up to 20 pounds.

Bonytail Chub

Description: Extremely rare. Federal-

ly listed as Endangered. Body highly

streamlined, bluish, dusky color above,

pale below. Head short, concave on top,

arching smoothly into a subtle hump in

adults. Dorsal n rays almost always 10

or more; anal n rays 9-11; very slender

caudal peduncle. Length: up to 24 inches.

Weight: up to 3 pounds.

See page 6 for a complete list of Commission designated protected sh. The four sh illustrated here are protected in Arizona.

Should any of these be caught (most likely to occur in Colorado, Salt, Verde and Gila river systems), they must be immediately re-

leased unharmed.

Razorback Sucker

Description: Back, olive to brown-black,

sides brown or pinkish; belly, white to

yellow. Adults have sharp-edged keel or

“humpback.” Mouth facing downward;

lower lip widely separated into two lobes

by a deep groove. 13-16 dorsal rays; 7 anal

rays. Length: up to 30 inches. Weight: up

to 8 pounds.

Humpback Chub

Description: Federally listed as Endan-

gered. Body streamlined, dark olive-gray

above, silver sides. Small head with snout

overhanging mouth. High pronounced

hump immediately behind head. This

high-hump acts as a barrier to pass-

ing water forcing the body against the

bottom where currents are slightly less,

thus enabling these sh to move through

rapids separating one eddying habitat

from another. Deeply embedded scales.

Slender caudal peduncle. Dorsal n rays

usually 9, anal n rays 10 or more. Length:

up to 18 inches. Weight: up to 2 pounds.

Protected Native Fish:

332023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Are You Up for a Challenge?

Arizona is home to great largemouth

bass shing! The Arizona Game and Fish

Department works to provide great op-

portunities for anglers to catch huge

largemouth bass all over the state.

The Arizona Hawg Bass Challenge is a

three tiered, voluntary, incentive-based

conservation program designed to en-

courage anglers to learn about and

pursue really large largemouth bass,

while encouraging and celebrating catch-

and-release shing.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has launched three shing challenges to encourage catch and release of the state’s biggest,

oldest and most valuable sh. Pick your challenge of choice — or why not aim to complete all three?

Get more information and read the rules online at azgfd.gov. Good luck!

Categories and designated lengths

and weights:

1. Hawg Bass Conservation Challenge: 5

pounds or 21 inches

2. Hawg Bass Memory Challenge: 8

pounds or 24 inches

3. 10 Pound Club: 10 pounds or 26 inches

To complete a challenge, verify your big

sh by taking a picture while weighing

or measuring it following the rules and

guidelines listed online at azgfd.gov.

Release your sh quickly back into the

lake where you caught it. Submit your

picture via [email protected]. Make

sure you include a valid email address.

A department biologist will contact you

to discuss all the great details of your

catch. Your picture will be posted on

the Hawg Bass Conservation Board on

shaz.azgfd.com.

Those who complete the Memory Chal-

lenge or are eligible for the 10 Pound Club

will receive a decal and T-shirt for that

challenge category.

Arizona is home to world-class athead

and channel catsh shing! The Arizo-

na Game and Fish Department works to

provide great opportunities for anglers to

catch huge athead and channel catsh

all over the state.

The Arizona Fat Cat Challenge is a vol-

untary, incentive-based, conservation

program designed to encourage anglers

to learn about and pursue giant athead

and channel catsh, while encouraging

catch-and-release on individual sh that

exceed the designated weight or length.

Designated lengths and weights

Flathead Catsh: 40 pounds or 45 inches

Channel Catsh: 15 pounds or 36 inches

Anglers who catch a 10 pound-bass will

be entered into a drawing to be held in

February each year for a prize valued at

over $1,000!

Goals:

Conservation through catch-and-release

of the biggest, oldest, most valuable in-

dividuals in waters the department is

managing for bass as well as promoting

catch and release of large brood sh in all

bass waters.

Excite anglers about Arizona shing, en-

couraging them to purchase licenses and

sh more resulting in benets to anglers,

shing-related businesses, local commu-

nities and the sheries by having more

support and funding for conservation.

Collect valid information through citi-

zen-science about memorable bass to

help the department better enhance, con-

serve and promote bass shing.

Share information about shing opportu-

nities and destinations to make shing

more enjoyable.

How to complete the challenge:

Verify your catch by taking a picture of

the sh while being weighed or measured

following the rules and guidelines listed

online at azgfd.gov.

Release your sh quickly back into the

lake or river where you caught it. Sub-

mit your picture via BFishing@azgfd.gov.

Make sure you include a valid email ad-

dress. A department biologist will contact

you to discuss all the great details of your

catch and get your information to send

you an Arizona Fat Cat Challenge sh-

ing shirt and decal for your truck or boat

to celebrate your catch. Your picture will

also be posted on the Fat Cat Conserva-

tion Board on shaz.azgfd.com.

Arizona Hawg Bass Challenge

Arizona Fat Cat Challenge

•

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV34

Are You Up for a Challenge?

Fishing Tips and Resources

1. Run the ends of the line through

the eye of the hook two times.

2. Loop the line around 4 or 5 times,

then thread the loose end back

between the two loops near the

hook as shown.

3. Pull tight. Trim the loose end.

Standard Fishing Knot

Trilene Knot (a strong all-purpose knot)

1. Keep it simple and safe.

Forget technique and tactics, kids just

want to throw a line in the water and

catch something. Choose simple equip-

ment. A push button spincast reel and

a 5-6 foot rod are best. Pack only the

amount of tackle you need to keep ev-

erybody shing (hooks, bobbers and

weights). Fish with easy-to-use bait se-

cured under a small bobber or on the

bottom. Provide your youngster with

his or her own small tackle kit. Spend

your time teaching and coaching the

kids, don’t plan to do much shing

yourself.

2. Be prepared.

Have all the things you need to sh

beforehand, so when you go shing

there are no delays. Get lots of worms.

They are great universal bait and kids

will love the dirt, slime and squirm of

worms. Bring drinks and snacks in

a small tote — being in the outdoors

makes kids hungry. Bring a camera to

capture the memories.

Remembering these ve simple kid-style tips will help make your next family

shing trip an enjoyable and memorable experience

3. Make it fun.

Take kids to a place where they can

catch a lot of sh such as bluegill. Help

them identify their catch (see pages

26–33) and teach them how to proper-

ly handle the sh they catch. If shing

is slow, take a short break and walk the

shoreline or play at the nearby play-

ground. Relax and have patience. Seize

opportunities to explore and discover,

to make up games and to tell stories.

4. Involve the kids.

Whenever you can, let kids do things

themselves — bait the hook, cast their

own rods, reel in the sh and remove

the sh from the hook. Give kids a role

for the day — choosing where to sh,

what to bring for snacks, how long to

sh each spot, netting the sh or count-

ing the birds.

5.Gowheretheshare.

Nearby Community Fishing Program

waters are excellent locations to catch

all kinds of sh including bluegill, trout

and catsh.

Simple Tips for Family Fun

If you’re looking for new places to catch

trout this summer — or you’d like to

catch a new trout species — we have

a challenge for you. Rise to the Wild

Trout Challenge and pursue naturally

reproducing populations of native and

nonnative trout, or chase the Arizona

Trout Challenge, which includes hatch-

ery-raised trout.

Arizona manages more than 100 wa-

ters statewide for trout. Both challenges

offer the opportunity to sh for native

Gila and Apache trout, found only in

the Southwest. Listed as threatened un-

der the Endangered Species Act, they

can be shed in certain waters, thanks

to conservation efforts here and in New

Mexico.

Explore special shing spots, learn about

trout and enjoy Arizona’s high country.

Here’s how to take the challenge:

1. For the Wild Trout Challenge, catch

all ve species of wild trout in Ari-

zona: Gila, Apache, brown, brook and

rainbow trout.

2. For the Arizona Trout Challenge,

catch six of the eight species in the

state: the ve named above, plus cut-

throat, tiger trout and grayling.

3. Photograph the sh you catch.

4. SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS and an

application identifying where and

when those sh were caught to the

Arizona Game and Fish Department

at aztroutchallenge@azgfd.gov.

Are you up for the challenge? For

theneprintandanapplication,visit

www.azgfd.gov/troutchallenge.

Arizona Trout Challenge

352023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

FishAZ Network — Recruitment, Retention & Reactivation

Areyouinterestedingoingshing,butnotsure

where to start?

You’re in the right place. Welcome to the FishAZ Network, an ex-

tensive group of partners along with the Arizona Game and Fish

Depar

tment that have developed a statewide program of events

and activities just for you.

Our shing events and activities are conducted in a safe environ-

ment by seasoned and passionate shermen and women. These

vents are designed to teach shing skills, aquatic conservation

and the fun of shing to the public and offer instructional and ex-

periential, hands-on activities for all skill levels and interests.

Ariz

ona has extensive opportunities and destinations to go sh-

ing, from a local pond to a remote mountain stream, so let’s get

ou started.

To get started, visit: bit.ly/FishAZnetwork

FishAZ Network — Events, Activities, Connections

and Networking

The FishAZ Network is a centralized calendar and registration listing of events and activities. We’ve collected the many events happen-

ing throughout the state by Game and Fish and the many partners and put them in one place.

From large public shing clinics in a local community to stream shing, social meet ups and advanced shing techniques. Many

provide guidance on where and when to sh; selecting tackle and bait; casting and rigging techniques; shing safety and ethics; care

of your catch; and more.

Equipment Loaner Program

The Department has shing equip-

ment available for loan for public use for

groups, organizations, municipalities and

other entities. A shing event kit can in-

clude 50 rods and reels, tackle box and

bait if needed. Use of the equipment re-

quires listing the event on the FishAZ

Network and registration of participants.

To reserve equipment, email shazR3@

azgfd.gov.

Become a Fishing Volunteer

The Department is looking for dedicated

individuals who want to volunteer with

the FishAZ Network. You don’t have to be

an expert to help others learn how to sh

and about shing conservation. Volun-

teering is rewarding and engaging. To get

star

ted, visit volunteer.azgfd.gov.

Contact

For information about the FishAZ Net-

work, rod loaner program or volunteer

opportunities, visit www.azgfd.gov/sh

and click “FishAZ Network” or email,

[email protected].

INTRODUCTORY EVENTS

• Non-live shing events, classroom, lessons, demonstrations, practice,

equipment, casting practice, types of knots and tackle setups, species info,

biology, habitats, etc.

BEGINNER EVENTS

• Beginner shing events, equipment provided, basic reel and tackle combos,

instruction, catching sh, cleaning sh, cooking sh, locally area waters, other

outdoor recreation activities.

DEVELOPING EVENTS

• Progressive shing using your equipment, streams, rivers and lakes near local

areas, advanced tackle, lures and casting, where and when to sh, different

species and approaches, cleaning and cooking sh, catch and release and ethics.

INTERMEDIATE EVENTS

• Mountain water shing, advanced casting, equipment and tackle, more

challenging/rarer sh species, use of watercraft (boats, kayaks, canoes, oat tubes)

trolling, specialty baits and lures.

EXPERIENCED EVENTS

• Remote shing location, unique/rare destinations, specialty species, challenges,

tournaments, using electronics, watercraft, advanced shing experiences.

Event Types — Skill-Based, Progressive Experiences

We’ve created ve categories to help guide you based on your skill, experience, in-

terests and expectations. However, these are merely guidelines — they are not

erequisites.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV36

Fishing Tips and Resources

Whirling Disease and Aquatic Invasive Species

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Protocols

(A.R.S. 17-255 — Director’s Order 3)

DAY USERS: Any watercraft, boats, vehicles, conveyances, or

other equipment that have been in or on aquatic invasive spe-

cies (AIS) listed waters for 5 days or less (lakes Mead, Mohave,

Havasu, Pleasant, Powell, Canyon, Apache, Saguaro; and Low-

er Colorado River, Lees Ferry and the Lower Salt/Verde rivers).

Please see Director’s Order 2 for a full list of AIS waters online at

www.azgfd.gov/ais.

Day-use Protocols:

Step 1 After removing from water and before transport from

an AIS listed water, clean and remove any clinging ma-

terial (plants, mud, snails).

Step 2 Remove the plug and drain all residual water. The

plug(s) must remain out during transport.

Step 3 Dry completely prior to use in any other water.

*If launching in another waterbody in less than 18 consecutive

days November through April or 7 days May through October,

please call the AIS Program to determine if an inspection or de-

contamination may be necessary.

LONG-TERM USERS AND MOORED BOATS: Any watercraft,

boats, vehicles, equipment, or conveyances that have been in or

on aquatic invasive species (AIS) listed waters for 6 consecutive

days or longer.

Long-term Moored Protocols:

Step 1 Contact the AIS Program prior to departure (recommend

a minimum of 72 hours notice) to schedule decontami-

nation with an authorized inspector.

Step 2 Clean and remove any clinging material (plants, mud,

snails).

Step 3 Remove the plug and drain all residual water. The

plug(s) must remain out during transport.

Step 4 Following decontamination, keep the boat out of the

water and dry for a minimum of 18 consecutive days

from November through April or 7 consecutive days

from May through October. Boaters will be issued seal

and receipt as proof inspection/decontamination.

For more information, call the AIS Program at 623-236-7608.

Check www.azgfd.gov/ais for details on

AIS Director’s Orders and mandatory protocols for

lea

ving AIS-affected waters.

It is illegal to stock sh or aquatic wildlife includ-

ing craysh, frogs, waterdogs and turtles. Illegal sh

stocking, and everything else moved along with

them, plants, mussels, viruses, harmful algae, etc.,

threaten the quality of our shing waters as well as

the Department’s ability to manage them.

If you observe or know of someone stocking Arizona

waters, report it to Operation Game Thief at 1-800-

352-0700. Information leading to an arrest may be

rewarded up to $1,000. Anyone found guilty of ille-

gally stocking sh or aquatic wildlife may be subject

to revocation of hunting and shing privileges and

civil assessments.

Illegal Fish Stocking — It’s Stealing Your

Angling Future!

Unknowingly moving a species between waterbod-

ies can cause irreversible ecological damage. The

following protocols shall be taken for any equipment

that has been in or on waters or locations listed in Di-

rector’s Order 2. Anglers should inspect and clean

equipment including but not limited to waders, boots,

nets and tackle. Remove any visible plants, algae, ani-

mals, and mud, and disinfect the equipment using one

or more of the following decontamination methods:

Option 1: Submerge equipment in a mixture of water

and quaternary ammonium based cleaner (6 ounc-

es quaternary ammonium per 1 gallon of water) for

20 minutes.

Option 2: Soak equipment in 140º F water for 10

minutes.

Option 3: Freeze equipment overnight.

Option 4: Completely dry equipment for at least 7

consecutive days from May through October or 18

consecutive days from November through April.

Cleaning Your Gear Protects Our Waters

Whirling disease is a parasitic infection that attacks

juvenile trout, eventually killing them. The disease is

transmitted primarily by infected sh or sh parts, or

shing equipment and wading gear. Whirling disease

is not a human health concern. The Arizona Game

and Fish Department continues to monitor and test

for any presence of the disease. You can help prevent

the spread of whirling disease in the following ways:

• Do not transport live sh or sh parts from one body

of water to another.

• Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wad-

ing gear, and drain water from boats before leaving

the infected water.

• Allow gear to dry thoroughly before next use.

For more information, visit

www.stopaquatichitchhikers.org.

Prevent the Spread of Whirling Disease

372023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Whirling Disease and Aquatic Invasive Species

Arizona’s list of aquatic invasive species

affected waters:

(A.R.S. 17-255 — Director’s Order 2)

• Lake Powell (quagga mussel)

• Lake Mead (quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail)

• Lake Mohave (quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail)

• Lake Havasu (quagga mussel, didymo)

• Lower Colorado River (quagga mussel, giant salvinia,

apple snail, water hyacinth)

• Lake Pleasant (quagga mussel)

• Lees Ferry (quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail)

• Lower Salt/Verde River (quagga mussel, apple snail)

• Apache Lake (quagga mussel, golden algae)

• Canyon Lake (quagga mussel, golden algae)

• Saguaro Lake (quagga mussel, golden algae)

• Roosevelt Lake (golden algae)

• Red Mountain Park Lake (quagga mussel, apple snail)

This list was effective Sept. 15, 2018.

A full list of AIS-affected waters can be found at

www.azgfd.gov/AIS.

Listing of Arizona’s aquatic

invasive species:

(A.R.S. 17-255 — Director’s Order 1)

Plants

• didymo (a.k.a. rock snot)

• giant salvinia

• golden algae

• hydrilla

• water hyacinth

Animals

• apple snail

• Asian carp (silver, big head, black)

• golden mussel

• New Zealand mudsnail

• quagga mussel

• red claw craysh

• rusty craysh

• snakehead species

• water eas (spiny, shhook)

• zebra mussel

This list was effective Sept. 15, 2018.

Red Claw CRayfish Quagga mussels

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV38

Fishing Tips and Resources

ViolatorsStealYourFish–HelpUsCatchGameFish

Help Protect Our Fisheries

Poaching is a crime! Poachers are thieves stealing from you!

Dotherightthing.Reportaviolator.Yourtipcanmakethedifferenceinapprehendingashthief.

Operation Game Thief is a 24/7 hotline to

reportshandwildlifeviolations.

Report a violation. Rewards of $50-$1,000

are offered for information leading to an

arrest for shing violations. Callers can

remain condential. Call 1-800-352-0700.

Bag and possession limits provide ev-

eryone with a chance at a quality shing

experience and protect the shery. Any-

one who keeps or gives away more than

their limit is breaking the law — they are

thieves stealing sh from you and other

responsible anglers.

Your help is needed to catch these vio-

lators. If you witness someone keeping

more than the daily bag and posses-

sion limit, shing with more than two

poles at the same time, or not complying

with other shing rules, contact the Op-

eration Game Thief hotline to report the

violation.

Reported violations are prioritized based

on the quality of the information provid-

ed. Because the Department has a limited

number of Wildlife Ofcers statewide, it

is not possible to have an immediate re-

sponse to every call. That is why it is

important that you be a good witness

so that follow-up by an ofcer can be

conducted.

• Recognize what specic activities are violations.

• Do not put yourself in danger or confront the violator.

• Write down the date, time and specic park and lake location.

• Write down a description of the person(s) (physical and

clothing).

• If possible, get the vehicle description and license plate

number.

• Try to take pictures or video of the violation and violator.

• Call or go online to report the violation as soon as possible.

Be a good witness:

Helpreducecrayshpopulationsinour

watersbyremovingcrayshatevery

opportunity.Craysharenotnativeto

Ar-

izona, yet they have become established

in many wa

ters throughout the state. They

endanger aquatic native species as well as

sportshby:

• Preying on all life stages of sh, am-

phibians and invertebrates

• Aggressively competing for habitat and

food

• Destroying productive habitat in our

streams, ponds and lakes

Be careful with the use and disposal of

craysh.

• Itisunlawfultotransportlivecraysh

(except for that part of southwestern

Arizona south of I-10 and west of High-

way 95).

• If you intend to keep and eat craysh,

pack them in ice for transport. This will

kill them while keeping them fresh un-

til you arrive at your destination.

• By law, you may only use live craysh

as bait in the same body of water where

they were caught.

• Do not throw unused bait craysh, or

bait of any kind, back into the water

alive.

Withavalidshinglicense(orforyouth

under age 10), an unlimited number of

crayshmaybecaughtbythefollowing

methods:

• By hand or hand-held device, such as a

shing pole.

• Landing nets, dip nets or umbrella nets

• Craysh nets or traps not exceeding 3

feet on a side or diameter

• Cast nets not exceeding a 4-foot radius

• Minnow traps not exceeding 1 foot in

height and width, and 2 feet in length

• Seine nets not exceeding 10 feet in

length and 4 feet in width

• Craysh may be caught during the day

or night.

See azgfd.gov for more information on

craysh capture methods and cooking

recipes.

392023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Arizona State Fish Records

As reported to and veried by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Updated Feb. 3, 2023. For more current record listings, go to azgfd.gov.

INLAND WATERS — HOOK AND LINE

Species Name Size Location Angler Date

Bass, Hybrid Striped 2 lb. 13.76 oz. 18.5 in. Lake Pleasant Ray Gilmore, Peoria 10/29/13

Bass, Largemouth 16 lb. 7.68 oz 28.0 in. Canyon Lake Randall E. White, Mesa 4/22/97

Bass, Rock 0 lb. 12.96 oz. 10.25 in. Upper Verde River Eric Woolsey, Cottonwood 4/6/06

Bass, Smallmouth 7 lb. 0.96 oz. 22.75 in. Roosevelt Lake Dennis K. Barnhill, Mesa 3/18/88

Bass, Striped 29 lb. 13.76 oz. 45.25 in. Lake Pleasant Bob Liddington, Phoenix 7/13/10

Bass, White 4 lb. 11.7 oz. 19.5 in. Lake Pleasant David Amburgey, Peoria 4/72

Bass, Yellow 2 lb. 2.56 oz. 14.25 in. Canyon Lake Ron Johnson, Chandler 2/7/20

Bluegill 3 lb. 15.68 oz. 15.75 in. Goldwater Lake Christopher Ray Mapes, Prescott Valley 5/2/04

Buffalo, Bigmouth 36 lb. 6 oz. 38.5 in. Roosevelt Lake Leon Steward, Payson 3/14/95

Buffalo, Black 35 lb. 6.72 oz. 40.5 in. Canyon Lake David Hoenshell, Mesa 5/24/95

Bullhead, Black 2 lb. 6.1 oz. 16.5 in. Parker Canyon Lake Mikki St. George, Sierra Vista 9/9/02

Bullhead, Yellow 4 lb. 8.1 oz. 17.75 in. Mormon Lake Patricia Simmon, Phoenix 7/15/89

Carp 37 lb. 0.0 oz. 40.0 in. Bartlett Lake Jonathan Gardner, Phoenix 8/8/87

Catsh, Channel 33 lb. 5.76 oz. 39.5 in. Upper Lake Mary Carson Pete, Flagstaff 3/26/17

Catsh, Flathead 76 lb. 8.64 oz., 53.5 in. Bartlett Lake Eddie Wilcoxson, Surprise 04/12/13

Crappie, Black 4 lb. 10.0 oz. --in. San Carlos Lake John Shadrick, Mammoth 1959

Crappie, White 3 lb. 5.28 oz. 16.75 in. Lake Pleasant Robert Schnell, Glendale 2/22/82

Grayling, Arctic 1 lb. 9.76 oz. 14.65 in. Lee Valley Lake Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff 7/10/95

Northern Pike 32 lb. 5.6 oz. 49 in. Ashurst Lake Ronald Needs, Flagstaff 11/5/04

Roundtail Chub

3 lb. 14.9 oz. 18.5 in. Lower Salt River Richard L. Walton, Chandler 3/3/84

Striped Mullet 5 lb. 2.24 oz. 23.75 in. Fortuna Pond Robert Bayles, Yuma 4/24/04

Sucker, Desert

2 lb. 10.75 oz. 18.0 in. Verde River Edith Toney, Mesa 9/20/92

Sucker, Sonora 6 lb. 23 in. Lower Salt River Ronald Nuss Jr., Gilbert 10/20/20

Sunsh, Green 1 lb. 15.84 oz. 12.5 in. Patagonia Lake Kevin M. Naujelis, Tucson 5/20/17

Sunsh, Hybrid

2 lb. 2.22 oz. 12.5 in. Patagonia Lake Mikey Alan Porter, Tucson 6/5/98

Sunsh, Redear 3 lb. 9.0 oz. 14.5 in. Goldwater Lake Jay Adkins, Prescott 8/12/93

Tilapia 7 lb. 8.8 oz. 20.0 in. Saguaro Lake Tim Alan Schoenecker, Gilbert 3/31/02

Trout, Apache

5 lb. 15.5 oz. 24.0 in. Hurricane Lake

Lyle Hemphill, Lakeside 6/10/93

Trout, Brook 4 lb. 15.2 oz. 20.5 in. Sunrise Lake

Marshall Gregg, Whiteriver 10/20/95

Trout, Brown 22 lb. 14.5 oz. 36.0 in. Reservation Lake

Bryce Sisson, Prescott 8/6/99

Trout, Cutthroat 6 lb. 5.0 oz. 22.3 in. Luna Lake Eric James Walter, Tucson 10/76

Trout, Gila 5 lb. 1.92 oz. 23 in. Goldwater Lake David Worsham, Avondale 6/2/18

Trout, Rainbow 15 lb. 9.12 oz. 32.5 in. Willow Springs Lake Harold Wright, Sun City 9/29/06

Trout, Tiger 3 lb. 0.16 oz. 18.75 in. Morton Lake Anthony Lerma, Flagstaff 5/23/20

Walleye 16 lb. 1.76 oz. 31 in. Show Low Lake Gregg Munck, Show Low 11/18/02

White Amur (triploid) 61 lb. 1.92 oz. 60 in. Red Mountain Park Dennis Gleason, Mesa 4/2/19

Yellow Perch 1 lb. 10.0 oz. 13.5 in. Stoneman Lake Art Ellico, Kingman 3/21/84

INLAND WATERS — CATCH-AND-RELEASE

Species Name Size Location Angler Date

Bass, Largemouth 28 in. Lake Pleasant Bill Wilson, Glendale 3/12/05

Bass, Smallmouth 23 in. Roosevelt Lake Ginger Wright, Tonto Basin 6/18/06

Bass, Striped 34.25 in. Lake Pleasant Eric Martinez Jr. 4/11/21

Bass, White 18 in. Lake Pleasant Bradley Garraway, Phoenix 3/24/05

Bass, Yellow 13 in. Roosevelt Lake Tom Simpson, Pahrump, NV 12/10/08

Bluegill 13 in. Mohawk Wellton Canal Bob Dippery Sr., Apache Junction 4/15/11

Buffalo, Black 41 in. Apache Lake Bill Groseclose, Apache Junction 4/23/03

Carp 37 in. McKellips Lake Mack Hollen Jr., Phoenix 5/6/06

Catsh, Channel 34 in. Upper Lake Mary Jared Sandall, Rimrock 3/28/15

Catsh, Flathead 53 in. Roosevelt Lake Andrew Srejic, Avondale 9/23/06

Crappie, Black 16 in. Apache Lake Ron Robinson, Alta Vista, IA 4/6/98

Crappie, White 16 in. San Carlos Reservoir Matthew Rokusek, Gilbert 3/31/18

Northern Pike 44 in. Upper Lake Mary Scott A. Webster, Phoenix 4/26/13

Roundtail Chub 17 in. Verde River Rudolph Hoffman, Gilbert 7/12/15

Sucker, Desert 18 in. Lower Salt River Kendra Loubere, New River 1/17/22

Sucker, Sonora 25 in. Lower Salt River Alex Loubere, New River 3/21/22

Sunsh, Green 13 in. Lake Pleasant Tyler Johnson, New Brighton, MN 4/10/17

Sunsh, Hybrid 10 in. Papago Ponds #2 Mack Hollen Jr., Phoenix 6/19/04

Sunsh, Redear 13.75 in. Pena Blanca Lake Colin Parish, Tucson 6/19/21

Tilapia 18 in. Tempe Town Lake Brandon Williams, Scottsdale 4/29/09

Trout, Apache 27 in. Silver Creek Tim McGough, Scottsdale 10/2/09

Trout, Brook 15 in. Perkins Tank Rob Gerlak 4/9/15

Trout, Brown 23 in. Black River Benjamin A. Payne, Tucson 6/23/07

Trout, Cutthroat 19 in. Big Lake David Michael Ruiz, Buckeye 11/13/20

Trout, Gila 16 in. Green Valley Park Zachary Young 11/14/21

Trout, Rainbow 32 in. Silver Creek Ben Sandall, Flagstaff 1/30/10

Trout, Tiger 20 in. Becker Lake Reese McFarland, Tucson 10/19/19

Walleye 33 in. Fool Hollow Lake Gregg Munck, Show Low 6/27/04

White Amur (triploid) 47 in. Encanto Park Lake Denny Noel, Phoenix 10/18/06

Yellow Perch 12 in. Upper Lake Mary Larry Larsen 5/30/20

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV40

Fishing Tips and Resources

Arizona State Fish Records

INLAND WATERS — NON-HOOK AND LINE

Species Name Size Location Angler Date

Buffalo, Bigmouth (archery) 39 lb. 8.0 oz. 41.5 in. Saguaro Lake Michael T. Young, Mesa 3/28/90

Buffalo, Black (archery) 47 lb. 2.56 oz. 45 in. Apache Lake Bryan Darnell, Dewey 3/19/05

Buffalo, Smallmouth (archery) 42 lb. 0 oz. 35.5 in. Saguaro Lake Tristen K. McGee 2/20/21

Catsh, Channel (archery) 12 lb. 1.6 oz. 30 in. Apache Lake Sean Toolson, Gilbert 3/29/18

Catsh, Flathead (archery) 60 lb. 0 oz. 47 in. Roosevelt Lake Dean W. Linne 5/31/15

Carp (archery) 42 lb. 3.84 oz. 40.5 in. Saguaro Lake Travis Frazier 2/18/22

Striped Mullet (archery) 9 lb. 1.6 oz. 27.25 in., Yuma Salinity Canal Daniel S. Day, Yuma 5/2/04

Sonora Sucker (archery)

4 lb. 15.52 oz. 23.5 in. Lower Salt River Ronald Nuss, Jr., Mesa 4/28/97

Tilapia (archery) 10 lb. 0 oz. SRP canal Trevor Gamble 3/21/15

COLORADO RIVER WATERS — HOOK AND LINE

Species Name Size Location Angler Date

Bass, Largemouth 16 lb. 14.0 oz. 28.25 in. Yuma Dale Uden, Yuma 3/8/96

Bass, Smallmouth 6 lb. 4.48 oz. 21 in. Lake Havasu Sue Nowak, Lake Havasu City 2/23/17

Bass, Striped

67 lb. 1.0 oz. 47.5 in. Willow Beach Jeff Smith, Henderson, NV 8/15/97

Bass, White 5 lb. 5.0 oz. 19.6 in. Imperial Reservoir Norman Mize, Chula Vista, CA 3/72

Bluegill 3 lb. 10.4 oz. 15.25 in. Laughlin Lake Michael Tahash, Laughlin, NV 9/14/10

Bullhead, Yellow 2 lb. 8.8 oz. 15.5 in. Near Bullhead City Douglas R. Pinotti, Mesa 3/24/86

Carp 42 lb. 0.0 oz. 43.0 in. Lake Havasu Gary Ramseld, Lake Havasu City 3/79

Catsh, Channel 35 lb. 4.0 oz. 38.0 in. Topock Marsh Wando L. Tull, Barstow, CA 1952

Catsh, Flathead 74 lb. 0.0 oz. 51.5 in. Laguna Dam Walter Wilson, Bard, CA 5/11/98

Crappie, Black 2 lb. 12.0 oz 16.0 in. Havasu Springs, Lake Havasu Julie Grammer, Makanda, IL 3/11/96

Pacic Tenpounder 12.6 oz. 15.75 in. Near Pilot Knob Charles Reel, Jr., Yuma 6/13/81

Striped Mullet 9 lb. 8.0 oz. 25.5 in. Colorado River/Gila River conuence Buddy E. Fike, Glendale 3/76

Sucker, Razorback

2, 5

9 lb. 13.0 oz. 29.0 in. Lake Havasu Freeman Summers, Lake Havasu City 1/23/78

Sunsh, Green 1 lb. 5.28 oz. 11.5 in. Lake Havasu Jose Orozco, Poston 7/16/97

Sunsh, Hybrid

3 lb. 1.28 oz. 16.0 in. Parker Rob Woodford, Bullhead City 10/12/00

Sunsh, Redear

6 lb. 0.0 oz. 17 in. Lake Havasu Thomas M. Farchione 5/4/21

Tilapia 6 lb. 2.72 oz. 19 in. Parker A. Clark Wellard, Pocatello, ID 1/27/06

Trout, Brook 5 lb. 4.0 oz. 19.0 in. Lees Ferry Moe Beck, Glendale 3/6/82

Trout, Brown 17 lb. 0.0 oz. 32.0 in. Last Chance Bay, Lake Powell Chuck Holland, Phoenix 5/1/71

Trout, Cutthroat 9 lb. 8.0 oz. 30.5 in. South of Davis Dam Jeff Vincent, Mohave Mesa 8/79

Trout, Rainbow 21 lb. 5.5 oz. --in. Willow Beach John Reid, Las Vegas, NV 9/66

Walleye 8 lb. 1.0 oz. 29.0 in. Lake Powell Bud Clifford, Phoenix 5/77

Warmouth 12.0 oz. 10.0 in. Senator Lake Patrick R. Ferguson, Yuma 3/74

COLORADO RIVER WATERS — NON-HOOK AND LINE

Species Name Size Location Angler Date

Carp (archery) 38 lb. 39.5 in. Lake Havasu Ted Keller, Lake Havasu City 5/9/19

Carp (spear) 31 lb. 14.08 oz. 38 in. Lake Mohave Giovanni Cappelli, Willow Beach 7/14/14

Striped Bass (spear) 26 lb. 12.4 oz. 41 in. Lake Mohave Giovanni Cappelli, Willow Beach 8/20/13

Striped Mullet (archery) 3 lb. 13.0 oz. 21.0 in. Yuma Dell Owens, Phoenix 5/19/91

Tilapia (archery) 7 lb. 15.7 oz. Hidden Shores Jason Rabe, Yuma 4/18/22

COLORADO RIVER WATERS — CATCH-AND-RELEASE

Species Name Size Location Angler Date

Bass, Largemouth 28 in. Lower Colorado River David Percell, Bullhead City 2/17/04

Bass, Smallmouth 22 in. Lake Havasu Jeffrey Dean, Lake Havasu City 2/12/05

Bass, Striped 45 in. Bullhead City Kenan Guleryuz, Bullhead City 10/4/10

Carp 48 in. Lake Mohave Gary Sweet, Bullhead City 10/20/07

Catsh, Channel 35 in. Lake Havasu George S. Terro Jr., Bullhead City 4/25/18

Catsh, Flathead 50.75 in. Colorado River Robert Wright, Buckeye 2/16/20

Sunsh, Redear 14.25 in. Lake Havasu Darren Van Houten, Kingman 4/25/19

Tilapia 17 in. Colorado River Barbara Harp, Mackay, ID 2/10/12

Trout, Rainbow 22 in. Bullhead City Kenan Guleryuz, Bullhead City 11/5/10

Warmouth 10 in. Imperial Dam Barbara Harp, Mackay, ID 3/26/06

White Amur (triploid) 44 in. Yuma Richard Halliwill, Nutrioso 4/9/09

NOTES: Records are based upon weight recorded on

state-certied (legal for trade) scales and two witnesses

to the weighing. Record sh must be available for in-

spection by Department personnel. New record sh must

outweigh the standing record for the species by at least

one full ounce. Fish taken from private waters that are

closed to public access are not eligible for record status.

1. Based on total length only and rounded down to

nearest inch. New entries must exceed existing

entry by at least 1 inch.

2. Larger than current all-tackle world record listed

by the International Game Fish Association and

the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

3. World record for all tackle as veried by the

National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

4. Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

5. Species now protected, may not be taken.

6. No longer can be taken by non-hook-and-line

methods.

412023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Catch-and-Release Record Form

Angler’s Name: _________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________________________________________________________

Species: _________________________ and/or ________________________________

Common Name Scientic Name

Date Caught: ___________________________________________________________

Certied Weight (Rule #1) ____________ pounds and ____________________ ounces

(for example, 3 pounds and 5 ounces)

Total Length (Rule #2) _________________________ inches

Location of Catch (Rule #3): ________________________________________________

Type of Lure or Bait ______________________________________________________

Species Identied By (Rule #4): _____________________________________________

Fishing License Number: ________________ Veried by (Rule #5): _________________

Scale Location: _________________________________________________________

Registered Scale Number: _______________________________________________

Expiration Date or Certication Date: ______________________________________

Witnesses to Weight (except catch-and-release entries):

We, the undersigned, witnessed the weighing of the sh described above and attest to

the weight and length as listed (Rule #1, 2, 6).

Printed Name: __________________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________________________

Printed Name: __________________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________________________

Requirements For Reporting

Rule #1 Fish must be weighed on a certied fair trade scale in

pounds. Scale location, register number and expiration

date of scale certication must be recorded on entry

form. Fish should be weighed whole and ungutted. The

Department reserves the right to cut open any sh after

weighing. (Rule #1 not required for catch-and-release

entries).

Rule #2 Length of the sh must be measured by a straight line

from the tip of the snout to the tip of the compressed tail

in inches.

Rule #3 Fish must be caught in Arizona waters including the

Colorado River where it borders Mexico, California and

Nevada, and all of Lake Powell. Fish must be taken during

the legal open season and by the legal method of take for

the water where taken. Any illegal act associated with

taking or handling of the sh will disqualify the record.

Rule #4 Identication of species must be veried by a member of

the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A photograph of

the sh is required for the record le and for identication

purposes.

Rule #5 Angler must provide a valid Fishing License number. A

photo copy of the current valid license, or verication by

a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, is

required.

Rule #6 If the weights and measurements are not witnessed

by the Department personnel, two witnesses must be

present at the time the sh is weighed and measured

(except catch-and-release entries).

Rule #7 The Arizona Game and Fish Department reserves the right

to further check identication and/or verication of wit-

nesses and to refuse an application that is questionable.

Rule #8 Fish taken from private waters that are closed to public

access are not eligible for Record or Fish-of-the-Year.

Rule #9 Eligible sh species for both State record and Fish-of-the-

Year entries are those sportsh listed under the current

State records. Illegally released sh species from pet

and aquarium trades are not eligible for a State record

or Fish-of-the-Year.

Rule #10 In the event of any dispute regarding the authenticity

of the sh record application, the sh must be made

available for inspection by Arizona Game and Fish Depart-

ment personnel. The determination made by Department

personnel shall be conclusive.

(check applicable box)

State Record

 

Statewide Fish-of-the-Year

 

Arizona Fish Entry Form

The Catch-and-Release State Record Program requires only an accurate,

total-length measurement (no weight) and a photograph. This record program is

designed to minimize sh stress and maximize sh survival for those who wish to

return sh to the water. It is based on the principle that the less you restrain and

handle a sh after capture (live well transport, weight handling, re-release, etc.)

the greater the likelihood of survival. Here is a highlight of the rules:

• Catch-and-Release state record sh are recognized by total length in inches

only (longest measurement from the snout or nose to the tip of the com-

pressed tail).

• Total length of the sh must be measured. A clear photo verifying the species

and length must be included with the entry form, include a tape measure,

ruler or other measuring device next to the sh in the photograph. Entries

cannot be considered without a measuring device in the photograph.

• All fractions of length will be rounded down to the nearest inch.

• New catch-and-release record must exceed existing record by at least 1

inch.

Witnesses to the capture of Catch and Release sh entries are desirable, how-

ever, the program is honor-based and witnesses are not mandatory.

Submit your completed entry form and photograph to:

Arizona Game and Fish Department, Fisheries Branch

5000 W. Carefree Highway

Phoenix, AZ 85086



Yes, the Arizona Game and Fish Department may use my photo for promotional purposes.

(Use this form or a copy for all Arizona State Records, Statewide, or

Catch-and-Release entries.)

Catch and

Release

Kept

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV42

Fishing Tips and Resources

Fish Weighing Scales at a Location Near You

Phoenix Area

Arizona Game and Fish

Department

7200 E. University Ave.

Mesa, AZ 85207

(480) 981-9400

Hours Mon–Fri

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

Arizona Game and Fish

Department

5000 W. Carefree Highway

Phoenix, AZ 85086

(602) 942-3000

Hours: Mon–Fri

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 120 pounds

Roosevelt Lake Marina Store

Highway 188

Roosevelt, AZ 85545

(602) 977-7170

Hours: Mon-Sun

7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Liar’s Corner

9529 E. Apache Trail

Mesa, AZ

(480) 986-2515

Hours: Mon–Sat

6 a.m.–6 p.m.;

Sun 6 a.m.–4 p.m.

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

Flagstaff Area

Arizona Game and Fish

Department

3500 S. Lake Mary Rd.

Flagstaff, AZ 86001

(928) 774-5045

Hours: Mon–Fri

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has placed 21 sh weighing scales at locations across the state. The scales are intended to

ease the difculty many anglers have had nding certied scales to weigh their record sh catches.

Kingman Area

Arizona Game and Fish

Department

5325 N. Stockton Hill Road

Kingman, AZ 86409

(928) 692-7700

Hours: Mon–Fri

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 60 pounds

Willow Beach Store

25804 N. Willow Beach Rd.

Willow Beach, AZ 86445

(928) 767-4747

Summer Hours:

Mon–Sun

7 a.m.–7 p.m.;

Winter Hours:

Mon–Sun

9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 120 pounds

Prescott

Walmart

3050 E. State Route 69

Prescott, AZ 86301

(928) 445-1113

Open 24 hours

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

Bullhead

Riviera Marina

520 Riviera Blvd

Bullhead City, AZ 86442

(928)763-8550

Hours: Mon–Sun

7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Scale capacity: 60 pounds

Pinetop Area

Arizona Game and Fish

Department

2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.

Pinetop, AZ 85935

(928) 532-3680

Hours: Mon–Fri

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

Big Lake Store

(928) 521-1387

Hours: Summer

6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.;

Spring/Fall

8 a.m.–5 p.m.;

Closed Winter

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

Tucson Area

Arizona Game and Fish

Department

555 N. Greasewood Rd.

Tucson, AZ

(520) 628-5376

Hours: Mon–Fri

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

Patagonia Lake

Marina Cove Store at

Patagonia Lake State Park

(520) 287-5545

Hours: Mon–Sun

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Scale capacity: 120 pounds

Yuma Area

Arizona Game and Fish

Department

9140 E. 28th St.

Yuma, AZ

(928) 342-0091

Hours: Mon–Fri

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 120 pounds

Alamo Lake State Park Store

38 miles north of Wenden

at the lake

Hours: Mon–Sun

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

Fisher’s Landing

Martinez Lake Road

Yuma, AZ

11 miles W. on Martinez Lake

Rd. from Hwy 95 (MP 46.9)

Winter hours: Mon–Sun

8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Summer hours: Mon–Thurs

8 a.m.–4 p.m.;

Fri–Sun 7 a.m. to dusk

Scale capacity: 120 pounds

Sportsmen’s Hide-A-Way

1645 S. Engler Ave.

Yuma, AZ

Hours: Mon–Sat

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

Lake Havasu

Bass Tackle Master

362 London Bridge Rd., Suite 1

Lake Havasu, AZ

Hours: Mon–Fri

6 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat 6 a.m.–5

p.m.; Sun 6 a.m.–noon

Scale capacity: 30 pounds

432023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Fish Consumption and Your Health

Health and Environmental Information

Fishing is a great way to spend time with friends and family.

Eating sh is a contributor to your overall health and is an

excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which

benet heart health. The American Heart Association rec-

ommendseatingshatleasttwiceaweek.

However, some types of sh (store-bought or sport-caught)

from some locations, may containelevated levels of mer-

cury or other environmental contaminants. The amount of

these substances in the sh’s esh is generally highest in

older, larger, predatory sh.

The benets and risks of eating sh vary depending on a

person’s stage of life:

• Children and pregnant women are advised by the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to avoid eating sh

with high levels of mercury contamination.

• For middle-aged and older men and postmenopausal

women, the benets of sh consumption far outweigh the

potential risks when the amount of sh eaten is within

the recommendations established by the FDA and Envi-

ronmental Protection Agency (see EPA website www.epa.

gov/waterscience/sh/publicinfo.html).

Fish consumption guidelines are primarily designed to pro-

tect pregnant women, women of child bearing age, children

and anglers who regularly consume sh in larger quantities

over long periods of time. This information is not intended

todiscourageyoufromeatingshbuttoguideyouinmak-

ing healthy choices. Don’t stop eating sh; just be careful of

the sh and amounts you eat, and where they come from.

Working with the Arizona Department of Environmental

Quality, the Arizona Game and Fish Department investi-

gates areas where there may be concern for environmental

contaminants in sh. In Arizona, mercury and pesticides

have been found in several waters affecting various species.

Lead and Fishing

Some kinds of shing equipment such as sinkers and jigs

are made from lead, which can be dangerous to the health of

humans and wildlife. You can reduce your exposure to lead

from shing equipment by following a few simple guide-

lines:

• Never put lead in your mouth (use pliers to close sinkers

around shing line).

• Don’t touch or eat food after handling lead shing equip-

ment without washing your hands rst.

• Don’t let small children handle lead shing equipment.

Based on these investigations, site-specic public adviso-

ries from the Arizona Department of Health Services and

the Department of Environmental Quality have been devel-

oped, and anglers are advised to limit the consumption of

certain kinds of sh from these locations.

PleaseexaminetheSiteSpecicFish

Consumption Advisories table (at right).

Some birds have been poisoned by eating lead shing

equipment because they mistake it for food. Although there

is little evidence that this occurs often in Arizona, you can

help to assure that this does not happen. To prevent wildlife

exposure to lead:

• Consider using alternatives to lead when you purchase

shing equipment (steel, bismuth, tungsten, resin, or

glass weights).

• Make reasonable attempts to recover any lost equipment

made from lead.

• Clean up any lead shing tackle you nd on shore or in

the shallows.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV44

Fishing Tips and Resources

Fish Consumption Advisories

Arizona Fish Consumption Advisories

Trout produced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and channel catsh that are stocked into Community Fishing Program waters have

been tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for mercury. The results of the analysis indicate that these sh are safe for consumption.

SiteSpecicFishConsumptionAdvisories

Please check the AZGFD website (azgfd.gov) or azdeq.gov/fca for the latest information.

RED ADEQ recommends that the public not consume this species.

ORANGE

ADEQ recommends that adults limit consumption of these sh to 2.4 ounces (uncooked weight) per week and children 12

years old and younger limit consumption to 2 ounces per month (uncooked weight).

GREEN

AZGFD and ADEQ provide a “green light” list of sh species from specic waters that may be consumed without limits. Visit

azdeq.gov/fca for more information and to view an interactive map of the Green Light Fisheries.

WATERBODY SPECIES CATEGORY

Alamo Lake

Black Crappie Red

Channel Catsh Orange

Largemouth Bass Red

Apache Lake Largemouth Bass Orange

Arivaca Lake Largemouth Bass Red

Bartlett Lake

Channel Catsh Orange

Flathead Catsh Orange

Largemouth Bass Orange

Becker Lake Largemouth Bass Orange

Black Canyon Lake Largemouth Bass Orange

Canyon Lake Yellow Bass Orange

Horsethief Basin Largemouth Bass Orange

Lake Mary (Upper and Lower)

Walleye Red

Northern Pike Orange

Lake Pleasant

Largemouth Bass Orange

Striped Bass Orange

Lake Powell Striped Bass Orange

Long Lake Walleye Orange

Lyman Lake

Channel Catsh Orange

Walleye Red

Parker Canyon Lake

Bluegill Orange

Largemouth Bass Red

Patagonia Lake Flathead Catsh Orange

Pena Blanca Lake Largemouth Bass Red

Roosevelt Lake

Channel Catsh Orange

Largemouth Bass Orange

Santa Fe Reservoir Black Crappie Orange

Scott Reservoir Largemouth Bass Orange

Soldier and Soldiers Annex Lakes Walleye Red

Tonto Creek

Smallmouth Bass Red

Carp Orange

Willow Springs Lake Largemouth Bass Orange

452023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Angler Access Restrictions

BALD EAGLE CLOSURES

WILDLIFE AREA RESTRICTIONS (R12-4-802) AND OTHER CLOSURES

Inadditiontoshingareaandseasonclosuresidentiedonpages12-25,othershingareasmaybe

seasonally closed due to bald eagle breeding areas and/or Wildlife Area restrictions.

Lakes With Bald Eagle Breeding

Closure Areas

• Concho Lake – There is no vehicle or foot trafc

allowed on a portion of the south side of the lake

from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Arizona Game

and Fish Pinetop ofce, (928) 367-4281.

• Crescent Lake – A portion of the west side is

closed to all entry from March 1 through Aug. 31.

Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest,

Springerville Ranger District, (928) 333-6200.

• Greer Lakes (Tunnel and River)

(not enacted

unless pair moves nesting location)

— Portions

of the lakes may be closed to watercraft and a

portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot

entry from March 1 through July 31. Contact the

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville

Ranger District, (928) 333-6200.

• Lake Pleasant – No vehicle, watercraft, or foot

entry is allowed into the Lower Agua Fria River

Arm from Dec. 15 to June 15. Contact Maricopa

County Parks and Recreation, (928) 501-1710.

• Luna Lake – There is no vehicle or foot trafc

allowed on a portion of the north side of the lake

from Jan. 1 to June 15. Contact Apache-Sitgreaves

National Forest, Alpine Ranger District, (928)

339-5000.

• Lynx Lake – A portion of the lake’s east side is

closed to vehicle and foot trafc from Dec. 1 to

June 30. Contact the Prescott National Forest,

Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000.

• Show Low Lake – A portion of the lake is closed

to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may

be closed to foot entry from March 1 to Aug. 31.

Contact Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest,

Lakeside Ranger District, (928) 368-2100.

• White Horse Lake — A portion of the shoreline

may be closed to foot entry from March 1 to Aug.

31. Contact Kaibab National Forest, Williams

Ranger District (928) 635-5600.

• Woods Canyon Lake — A portion of the lake

may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the

shoreline is closed to foot entry from March 1

through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves

National Forest, Black Mesa Ranger District, (928)

535-7300.

Rivers/Creeks with Bald Eagle

Breeding Closure Areas

Verde River

•

Not planned for enactment unless nesting

resumes.

Verde River below Sycamore Canyon

Wilderness may be closed to foot and vehicle

entry from Dec. 1 to June 15. Floating through

is allowed. Contact Coconino National Forest,

Sedona Ranger District, (928) 282-4119.

• Verde River near Chasm Creek is closed to foot

and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating

through is allowed. Contact Prescott National

Forest, Verde Ranger District, (928) 567-4121.

• Verde River near Cold Water Creek, allows water-

craft to oat through but no stopping on the river

or landing is allowed Dec. 1 to June 30.

Contact Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger

District, (928) 567-4121.

• Verde River near East Verde River, allows water-

craft to oat through but no stopping on the river

or landing is allowed Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact

Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District,

(928) 595-3300.

• Verde River near Mule Shoe Bend, allows water-

craft to oat through

but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed

from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National

Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300.

• Verde River below Horseshoe Dam is closed to

vehicle or foot entry on the southwest side of the

river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is

allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on

the southwest side of the river is allowed. Contact

Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District,

(480) 595-3300.

• Verde River below Bartlett Dam is closed to foot

or vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating

through is allowed. Contact Tonto National For-

est, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300.

• Verde River at the Needle Rock Recreation area

is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the east

and portions of the west side of the river from

Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed,

but no stopping in the river or landing on east

side of river is allowed. Contact Tonto National

Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-

3300.

Tonto Creek

• Tonto Creek from Gisela to 76 Ranch is closed to

all entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto

National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District

(602) 225-5395.

• Tonto Creek inlet to Roosevelt Lake is closed to

vehicle and foot entry within 1000 feet of the

nest on land, and to watercraft within 300 feet

on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto

National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District

(602) 225-5395.

Salt River

• Salt River from Horseshoe Bend to Redmond

Flat allows watercraft to oat through, but no

stopping in the river or landing is allowed from

Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest,

Globe Ranger District, (928) 402-6200.

• Salt River near Meddler Point is closed to

vehicle and foot entry within 1000 feet of the

nest on land, and to watercraft within 300 feet

on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto

National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District

(602) 225-5395.

• Salt River below Stewart Mountain Dam, is

closed to vehicle or foot entry on the south

side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating

through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National

Forest, Mesa Ranger District, (480) 610-3300.

• Salt River near Goldeld-Kerr Fire Station is

closed to foot and vehicle entry on the north

side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating

through is allowed. Contact Tonto National For-

est, Mesa Ranger District, (480) 610-3300.

The following areas have seasonal closures that

mayaffectshingaccesstoaportionofthese

lakes:

• Luna Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions closed

to public entry from Feb. 15 through July 31

annually.

• Mittry Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions closed

to public entry.

• Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions

closed to public entry from

Nov. 15 through Feb. 15 annually.

• Silver Creek Hatchery

The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee and land

management agencies, closes sensitive bald eagle breeding areas along Arizona’s rivers and lakes during ve to eight months

of the year. The closures prevent public entry and deter human activity during critical times of the breeding cycle. You can

identify the closure areas by looking for No Entry signs on roads, trails and at boat ramps, and No Entry buoys on the water.

Some closures may not be enacted or lifted early depending on when and where the eagles nest. For additional information

on any closure, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Terrestrial Branch, (623) 236-7506.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV46

Fishing Tips and Resources

Boating Information

Motor Restrictions:

Powerboats restricted to a single

electric motor not exceeding 10 horse-

power on:

Powerboats restricted to a single electric

motor or a single gasoline engine not

exceeding 10 horsepower on:

No watercraft allowed on:

Aker Lake

Bear Canyon Lake

Bunch Reservoir

Carnero Lake

Chaparral Park Lake

Cluff Ponds

Coconino Reservoir

Coors Lake

Dankworth Pond

Dogtown Reservoir

Fortuna Lake

Goldwater Lake

Granite Basin Lake

Horsethief Basin Lake

Hulsey Lake

J.D. Dam Lake

Knoll Lake

Lee Valley Lake

Arivaca Lake

Ashurst Lake

Becker Lake

Big Lake

Black Canyon Lake

C.C. Cragin (Blue

Ridge)

Cataract Lake

Chevelon Canyon

Lake

Concho Lake

Crescent Lake

Fool Hollow Lake

Kaibab Lake

Kinnikinick Lake

Frye Mesa Reservoir

Rose Canyon Lake

(AGFD R12-4-517 (A)(B)(C))

This list was effective May 24, 2011

McKellips Park Pond

Pratt Lake

Quigley Pond

Redondo Lake

Riggs Flat Lake

Roper Lake

Santa Fe Reservoir

Scott’s Reservoir

Sierra Blanca Lake

Soldier Lake

Stoneman Lake

Tunnel Reservoir

Whitehorse Lake

Willow Creek Reser-

voir (also known as

llow Valley Lake)

Woodland Lake

Woods Canyon Lake

Little Mormon Lake

Lower Lake Mary

Luna Lake

Lynx Lake

Marshall Lake

Mexican Hay Lake

Nelson Reservoir

Parker Canyon Lake

Pena Blanca Lake

Rainbow Lake

River Reservoir

Show Low Lake

Whipple Lake

White Mountain Lake

Willow Springs Lake

• Boat registration

• Life jackets for all

• Throwable otation aid

• Fire extinguisher (B-1)

• Horn, whistle or bell

• Navigation lights

Visit www.azgfd.gov/boating for additional boating tips

and details on free boating safety courses in your area.

Hook

With

the

Right

Gear

472023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Amphibian Notes:

Amphibians: Commission Order 41

Requires a valid shing or combination license

Open Areas - Statewide - As dened in ARS§17-101, but does not include any area closed under ARS §17-303 and 17-304, or R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803

Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Amphibians Bag and Possession Limit

A. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024

(1, 2, 5, 7, and 8)

Statewide, except areas

closed in Note 7

All amphibians, except those named in

Subsections B, C, D, E, F, G, and H

Ten (10) per year or in possession of

each species live or dead.

B. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024

(1, 2, 7, and 8)

Statewide, except areas

closed in Note 7

Bufo cognatus (Great Plains toad), B. punctatus

(red-spotted toad), Scaphiopus couchi (Couch’s

spadefoot), and Spea multiplicata (Mexican

spadefoot)

Ten (10) per day or in possession

per species live or dead.

C. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024

(1, 2, 3, 7, and 8)

Statewide, except areas

closed in Note 7

Craugaster augusti (barking frog)

Two (2) per year or in possession

live or dead.

D. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024

(1, 2, 4, 7, and 8)

Statewide, except areas

closed in Notes 4 and 7

All species in the genus Ambystoma (waterdog or

tiger salamander)

Unlimited live or dead.

E. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024

(1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 10)

Statewide, except areas

closed in Notes 7 and 9

Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) Unlimited dead.

F. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024

(1, 2, 7, and 8)

Statewide, except areas

closed in Note 7

All species in the genus Xenopus (clawed frog) and

Bufo marinus (giant toad)

Unlimited dead.

G. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024

(1, 2, 6, 7, and 9)

Statewide, except areas

closed in Notes 6 and 7

Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frog) Unlimited dead.

H. There is no open season on Ambystoma tigrinum stebbinsi (Sonoran tiger salamander), Rana tarahumarae (Tarahumara frog), Rana blairi (plains leopard frog), Rana

chiricahuensis (Chiricahua leopard frog), Rana pipiens (northern leopard frog), Rana yavapaiensis (lowland leopard frog), Rana onca (relict leopard frog).

1. A shing or combination license is

required for take of amphibians. Amphib-

ians may be taken day or night. Methods

of take are prescribed in R12-4-313.

2. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation

controls access to the taking of aquatic

wildlife on its installation.

3. The possession limit for Craugaster

augusti (barking frog) legally held prior to

January 1, 2005 is 10 per person.

4. No waterdogs or salamanders may be

taken in that portion of Santa Cruz Coun-

ty lying east and south of State Highway

82 or that portion of Cochise County lying

west of the San Pedro River and south of

State Highway 82.

5. No Hyla wrightorum (Arizona treefrogs)

may be taken in Cochise or Santa Cruz

counties.

6. Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard

frogs) may not be taken from the portion

of the Hassayampa River between Wick-

enburg and Morristown.

7. Amphibians may not be taken at any

time (or during periods specied) within

the following areas:

(1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal

hatcheries, except for Arizona Game

and Fish Department sponsored sh-

ing clinics.

(2) Posted boundary of the Region I

regional headquarters in Pinetop.

(3) The Colorado River one-half mile

up stream and one-half mile down-

stream from its conuence with the

Little Colorado River.

(4) That portion of the Little Colorado

River lying within the Grand Canyon

National Park.

(5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley

Lake.

(6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin

and its conuence with the Verde

River.

(7) Mineral Creek in Apache County

upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves

National Forest Boundary.

(8) Posted areas immediately above the

dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake

and Lake Mead.

(9) Posted areas immediately below

Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell

(Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse

Mesa and Mormon Flat dams.

(10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and

Spawning Pond Number 2 located

along the Salinity Canal north of

Yuma.

(11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from

April 1 through July 31.

(12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake.

(13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of

Roosevelt Lake from November 15

through February 15 annually.

(14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from

November 15 through February 15

annually.

(15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are

closed to all public entry from Decem-

ber 15 through June 15.

(16) Posted portions of Lake Mead.

(17) Posted portions of Powers Butte

Wildlife Area are closed to entry for

the purpose of taking wildlife.

(18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife

Area.

(19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu.

(20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in

Pima County.

(21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham

counties.

(22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz Coun-

ty.

(23) Cibola Lake from the rst Monday

in September (Labor Day) through

March 15.

(24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake

from October 1 through March 1.

(25) Posted in accordance with and pursu-

ant to ARS 17-303 and 304.

8. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion

Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest,

and Agua Fria National Monuments are

open to the take of wildlife.

9. Havasu, Bill Williams River, Cibola, and

Imperial National Wildlife Refuges are

open to the take of bullfrogs, as permitted

by refuge regulations (posted areas are

closed).

10. Within Unit 25M, bullfrogs may only be

taken by minnow trap, craysh net, hand,

or with any hand-held, non-motorized

implement that does not discharge a

projectile, as prescribed in R12-4-313(D.6).

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV48

Fishing Tips and Resources

Crustaceans and Mollusks Notes:

Crustaceans and Mollusks: Commission Order 42

Requires a valid shing or combination license

Open Areas - Statewide - As dened in ARS§17-101, but does not include any area closed under ARS §17-303 and 17-304, or R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.

Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Crustaceans and Mollusks Bag and Possession Limit

A. Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2024

All

Statewide, except areas in Notes

below.

All crustaceans and mollusks,

except those named in Subsection B

Unlimited dead, except that area in

Note 3.

B. There is no open season on any species in the genus Oxyloma (ambersnails), the genus Pyrgulopsis (springsnails; see Note 2 as it applies to the Huachuca

springsnail [P. thompsoni]), the genus Tryonia (springsnails), Sonorella eremita (San Xavier talussnail), Sonorella macrophallus (Wet Canyon talussnail), Sonorella

grahamensis (Pinaleno talussnail), Sonorella imitator (mimic talussnail), Sonorella christenseni (Clark Peak talussnail), Oreohelix grahamensis (Pinaleno mountainsnail),

Gastrocopta dalliana (shortneck snaggletooth), Gastrocopta quadrigens (cross snaggletooth), and Anodonta californiensis (California oater).

1. By law, crustaceans and mollusks are

considered aquatic wildlife and a shing

or combination license is required for take.

Methods of take are prescribed at R12-4-313.

2. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation

controls access to the taking of aquatic

wildlife on its installation.

3. Craysh may be possessed live or dead in

that portion of La Paz County west of High-

way 95 and south of Interstate 10; in Yuma

County and on the Colorado River from

Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to

the southern international boundary with

Mexico.

4. Intentional transport of live or dead aquatic

invasive species [crustaceans and mollusks

listed in Director’s Order #1: Potamopyrgus

antipodarum (New Zealand mudsnail),

Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel),

Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel),

Cherax quadricarinatus (red-claw craysh),

Orconectes rusticus (rusty craysh), and

Pomacea species (applesnails) in Arizona is

prohibited (with the exception of preserved

scientic and educational specimens).

5. Crustaceans and mollusks may not be taken

at any time within the following areas:

(1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal

hatcheries, except for Arizona Game

and Fish Department sponsored shing

clinics.

(2) Posted boundary of the Region I regional

headquarters in Pinetop.

(3) The Colorado River one-half mile up-

stream and one-half mile downstream

from its conuence with the Little Col-

orado River.

(4) That portion of the Little Colorado River

lying within the Grand Canyon National

Park.

(5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Res-

ervoir.

(6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin

and its conuence with the Verde River.

(7) Mineral Creek in Apache County

upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves

National Forest Boundary.

(8) Posted areas immediately above the

dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake

and Lake Mead.

(9) Posted areas immediately below Davis,

Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake

Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and

Mormon Flat dams.

(10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and

Spawning Pond Number 2 located along

the Salinity Canal north of Yuma.

(11) Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1

through July 31.

(12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake.

(13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roo-

sevelt Lake from November 15 through

February 15 annually.

(14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from

November 15 through February 15 an-

nually.

(15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are

closed to all public entry from December

15 through June 15.

(16) Posted portions of Lake Mead.

(17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife

Area are closed to entry for the purpose

of taking wildlife.

(18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife

Area.

(19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu.

(20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in

Pima County

(21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham

counties.

(22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County.

(23) Cibola Lake from the rst Monday in

September (Labor Day) through March

15.

(24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from

October 1 through March 1.

(25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant

to ARS 17-303 and 304.

6. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion

Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and

Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to

the take of wildlife.

Reptiles: Commission Order 43 (aquatic only)

Requires a valid hunting or combination license

GENERAL

CONSULT THE 2021-2025 ARIZONA REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN REGULATIONS FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF COMMISSION ORDER 43 (includes terrestrial). A shing

or combination license is required for take of softshell turtles. *Open Areas do not include areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county

preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities (except as specically opened in this Commission Order) or areas closed under A.R.S. Sections 17-

101, 17-303 and 17-304, or Commission Rules R12-4-321, R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803. Other Notes may apply (see Open Areas information below).

Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Reptiles Bag and Possession Limit

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024

(1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,

12, 22, 26, 30,

31, 32)

Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 9, 11,

14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,

27, 28, and 29 (also noted above*).

Nerodia fasciata (banded watersnake),

Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell),

Trachemys scripta (slider), and all species of

the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles)

Unlimited dead.

LIMITED WEAPON HAND OR HAND-HELD IMPLEMENT REPTILES

Open Areas do not include any area closed under A.R.S. Sections 17-101, 17-303 and 17-304, or Commission Rules R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.

Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Reptiles Bag and Possession Limit

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023

Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024

(2, 7, 8, 9, 13)

Statewide, including private lands within

city limits and areas within municipal parks,

municipal preserves, county parks, county

preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted

water treatment facilities. except areas

closed in Note 10.

Nerodia fasciata (banded watersnake),

Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell),

Trachemys scripta (slider), and all species of

the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles)

Unlimited dead.

492023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Reptile Notes:

1. A hunting or combination license is

required for take of reptiles. A shing or

combination license is required for take of

softshell turtles. Reptiles may be taken day

or night. See R12-4-304 (F) for restrictions

on trapping and the use of articial light

and rearms. By law, softshell turtles are

considered aquatic wildlife and a shing

or combination license is required for take;

methods of take are prescribed in R12-4-313.

2. A hunting or combination license is

required for take of reptiles. A shing or

combination license is required for take of

softshell turtles. Reptiles may be taken day

or night. See R12-4-304 (F) for restrictions

for trapping and the use of articial light. By

law, softshell turtles are considered aquatic

wildlife and a shing or combination

license is required for take. Methods of take

are prescribed in R12-4-318 (C.9).

7. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation,

the Yuma Proving Ground, and Camp

Navajo control access to hunting on their

installations.

8. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation

controls access to the taking of aquatic

wildlife on its installation.

9. Turtles may not be taken at any time (or

during periods specied) within the follow

ing areas:

(1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal

hatcheries, except for Arizona Game

and Fish Department sponsored shing

clinics.

(2) Posted boundary of the Region I region-

al headquarters in Pinetop.

(3) The Colorado River one-half mile up-

stream and one-half mile downstream

om its conuence with the Little

Colorado River.

(4) That portion of the Little Colorado River

lying within the Grand Canyon National

Park.

(5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake.

(6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin

and its conuence with the Verde River.

(7) Mineral Creek in Apache County

upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves

National Forest Boundary.

(8) Posted areas immediately above the

dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake

and Lake Mead.

(9) Posted areas immediately below Davis,

Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake

Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and

Mormon Flat dams.

(10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and

Spawning Pond Number 2 located along

the Salinity Canal north of Yuma.

(11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April

1 through July 31.

(12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake.

(13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of

Roosevelt Lake from November 15

through February 15 annually.

(14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from No

vember 15 through February 15 annually.

(15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are

closed to all public entry from December

15 through June 15.

(16) Posted portions of Lake Mead.

(17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife

Area are closed to entry for the purpose

of taking wildlife.

(18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife

Area.

(19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu.

(20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in

Pima County.

(21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham

counties.

(22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County.

(23) Cibola Lake from the rst Monday in

September (Labor Day) through March

15.

(24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from

October 1 through March 1.

(25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant

to ARS 17-303 and 304.

10. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion

Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and

Agua Fria national monuments are open to

hunting concurrent with a game hunting

season in the unit in which they occur.

11. Open Areas do not include private lands

within city limits and areas within munici

pal parks, municipal preserves, county parks,

county preserves, airports, golf courses, or

posted water treatment facilities (except

as specically opened in this Commission

Order) or any area closed to hunting, shing,

or trapping under A.R.S, Sections 17-303 and

17-304, or Commission Rules R12-4-321, R12-

4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803.

12. General Reptile seasons must comply with

R12-4-304 - Lawful Methods for Taking Wild

Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles:

F. An individual may take reptiles by any

method not prohibited in R12-4-303 or

R12-4-318 under the following condi

tions. An individual:

Shall check pitfall traps of any size

daily, release non-target species, re-

move pitfalls when no longer in use,

d ll any holes;

2. Shall not use rearms at night; and

3. May use articial light while taking

reptiles, if the light is not attached

to or operated from a motor vehicle,

motorized watercraft, watercraft

under sail, or oating object towed by

a motorized watercraft or a watercraft

under sail.

13. Limited Weapon Hand or Hand-held Imple-

ment Reptile seasons must comply with

R12-4-318 - Seaso

ns for Lawfully Taking Wild

Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles:

C. When designated by Commission order,

the following seasons have specic re-

quirements and lawful methods of take

ore restrictive than those for general

and special seasons, as prescribed in

this Section. While taking the species

authorized by the season, a person par

ticipating in:

A “limited weapon hand or hand-held

implement” season may use one or

more of the following methods or de-

vices for taking wildlife, if authorized

under R12-4-304 as lawful for the

species hunted:

a. Catch-pole,

b. Hand,

c. Snake hook, or

d. Snake tongs.

22. The following Pima County parks and pre

serves are open to hunting concurrent with

a gam

e hunting season in the unit in which

they occur: A-7 Ranch in Units 32 and 33,

Oracle Ridge Property in Unit 33, Six Bar

Ranch in Unit 33, Emperita Ranch in Unit

34B, Bar V Ranch in Unit 34B, Sands Ranch

in Unit 34B, Clyne Ranch in Unit 34B, Dia

mond Bell Ranch in Unit 36A, Marley Ranch

n Unit 36A and 36B, Rancho Seco in Units

36A and 36B, Kings 98 Ranch in Unit 36C,

Old Hayhook Ranch in Unit 36C, Verdugo

in Unit 36C, Bee Ranch in Unit 37A, Mordka

Ranch in Unit 37A, Buckelew Ranch in Unit

37A, Carpenter Ranch in Unit 37A, Cochise

Canyon Ranch in Unit 37A, Lords Ranch in

Unit 37A, and Tortolita Mountain Park in

Unit 37A. Hunting in County Parks, opened

by this Commission Order, is not permitted

within ¼ mile of any developed picnic area,

developed camp ground, shooting range,

occupied building, boat ramp, or golf course.

Developed areas do not include trails.

26. The following parks and preserves in

Maricopa County are open to hunting as

dened in R12-4-321: Lake Pleasant, White

Tank Mountains, McDowell Mountain,

and Estrella Mountain Regional parks.

Hunting in parks and preserves opened by

this Commission Order is not permitted

within ¼ mile of any developed picnic area,

developed camp ground, shooting range,

occupied building, boat ramp, or golf course.

Developed areas do not include trails.

30. The area within the fenced enclosure inside

the loop formed by Tonto National Forest

Road 647, also known as the Walnut Canyon

Enclosure, is open to public entry and hunt

ing during a concurrent open game hunting

seaso

31. The following City of Tucson water Prop-

erties located in Avra Valley are open to

nting via foot access only: the Duval

property in Unit 36C and the Buckelew

property in Unit 37A; all other Tucson water

properties are closed to hunting.

32. In the northern portion of Unit 5A, access is

permitted on the Clear Creek Ranch by writ-

ten permission only by contacting the Hopi

ribe Wildlife and Ecosystems Management

Program via e-mail at hopihunts@hopi.

nsn.us or by calling (928) 734-3606 or (928)

734-3605 from Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Please contact in advance to gain access

for hunting and scouting. In Unit 5B North,

access is permitted on the Hopi’s Hart/Drye

Ranch and in Unit 4A on the Hopi’s Aja

Ranch by signing in at designated sign-in

boxes located at access points.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV50

Arizona Revised Statutes and Commission Rules

Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws (Game and Fish)

A.R.S. 17-101

Denitions

A. In this title, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. “Angling” means the taking of sh by one line

and not to exceed two hooks, by one line and one

articial lure, which may have attached more than

one hook, or by one line and not to exceed two

articial ies or lures.

2. “Bag limit” means the maximum limit, in number or

amount, of wildlife that may lawfully be taken by

any one person during a specied period of time.

3. “Closed season” means the time during which

wildlife may not be lawfully taken.

4. “Commission” means the Arizona game and sh

commission.

5. “Department” means the Arizona game and sh

department.

6. “Device” means any net, trap, snare, salt lick,

scaffold, deadfall, pit, explosive, poison or stu-

pefying substance, crossbow, rearm, bow and

arrow, or other implement used for taking wildlife.

Device does not include a raptor or any equipment

used in the sport of falconry.

7. “Domicile” means a person’s true, xed and per-

manent home and principal residence. Proof of

domicile in this state may be shown as prescribed

by rule by the commission.

9. “Fishing” means to lure, attract or pursue aquatic

wildlife in such a manner that the wildlife may be

captured or killed.

11. “Guide” means a person who does any of the fol-

lowing:

(a) Advertises for guiding services.

(b) Holds himself out to the public for hire as a

guide.

(d) Accepts compensation in any form commen-

surate with the market value in this state

for guiding services in exchange for aiding,

assisting, directing, leading or instructing a

person in the eld to locate and take wildlife.

(e) Is not a landowner or lessee who, without

full fair market compensation, allows access

to the landowner’s or lessee’s property and

directs and advises a person in taking wildlife.

12. “License classication” means a type of license,

permit, tag or stamp authorized under this title and

prescribed by the commission by rule to take, han-

dle or possess wildlife.

13. “License year” means the twelve-month period

between January 1 and December 31, inclusive, or

a different twelve-month period as prescribed by

the commission by rule.

14. “Nonresident”, for the purposes of applying for a

license, permit, tag or stamp, means a citizen of

the United States or an alien who is not a resident.

15. “Open season” means the time during which wild-

life may be lawfully taken.

16. “Possession limit” means the maximum limit, in

number or amount of wildlife, that may be pos-

sessed at one time by any one person.

17. “Resident”, for the purposes of applying for a

license, permit, tag or stamp, means a person who

is:

(a) A member of the armed forces of the United

States on active duty and who is stationed in:

(i) This state for a period of thirty days

immediately preceding the date of apply-

ing for a license, permit, tag or stamp.

(ii) Another state or country but who lists

this state as the person’s home of record

at the time of applying for a license, per-

mit, tag or stamp.

(b) Domiciled in this state for six months imme-

diately preceding the date of applying for a

license, permit, tag or stamp and who does

not claim residency privileges for any purpose

in any other state or jurisdiction.

18. “Road” means any maintained right-of-way for

public conveyance.

19. “Statewide” means all lands except those areas

lying within the boundaries of state and federal

refuges, parks and monuments, unless specically

provided differently by commission order.

20. “Take” means pursuing, shooting, hunting, sh-

ing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring or netting

wildlife or the placing or using of any net or other

device or trap in a manner that may result in the

capturing or killing of wildlife.

24. “Wildlife” means all wild mammals, wild birds and

the nests or eggs thereof, reptiles, amphibians,

mollusks, crustaceans and sh, including their

eggs or spawn.

25. “Youth” means a person who is under eighteen

years of age.

26. “Zoo” means a commercial facility open to the

public where the principal business is holding

wildlife in captivity for exhibition purposes.

B. The following denitions of wildlife shall apply:

1. “Aquatic wildlife” means sh, amphibians, mol-

lusks, crustaceans and soft-shelled turtles.

4. “Game sh” means trout of all species, bass of all

species, catsh of all species, sunsh of all spe-

cies, northern pike, walleye and yellow perch.

7. “Nongame animals” means all wildlife except

game mammals, game birds, fur-bearing animals,

predatory animals and aquatic wildlife.

9. “Nongame sh” means all the species of sh

except game sh.

13. “Trout” means all species of the family sal-

monidae, including grayling.

(law not cited in entirety)

A.R.S. 17-301

Times when wildlife may be taken; exceptions; methods

of taking

A. A person may take wildlife, except aquatic wild-

life, only during daylight hours unless otherwise

prescribed by the commission. A person shall not take

any species of wildlife by the aid or with the use of a

jacklight, other articial light, or illegal device, except

as provided by the commission.

B. A person shall not take wildlife, except aquatic wild-

life, or discharge a rearm or shoot any other device

from a motor vehicle, including an automobile, aircraft,

train or powerboat, or from a sailboat, boat under sail,

or a oating object towed by powerboat or sailboat

except as expressly permitted by the commission. No

person may knowingly discharge any rearm or shoot

any other device upon, from, across or into a road or

railway.

C. Fish may be taken only by angling unless otherwise

provided by the commission. The line shall be con-

stantly attended. In every case the hook, y or lure

shall be used in such manner that the sh voluntarily

take or attempt to take it in their mouths.

(law not cited in entirety)

A.R.S. 17-303

Taking or driving wildlife from closed areas

It is unlawful for any person, except by commission order,

to enter upon a game refuge or other area closed to hunt-

ing, trapping or shing and take, drive or attempt to drive

wildlife from such areas.

A.R.S. 17-304

Prohibition by landowner upon hunting;

posting; exception

A. Landowners or lessees of private land who desire to

prohibit hunting, shing or trapping on their lands

without their written permission shall post such lands

closed to hunting, shing or trapping using notices or

signboards.

B. State or federal lands including those under lease may

not be posted except by consent of the commission.

C. The notices or signboards shall meet all of the follow-

ing criteria:

1. Be not less than eight inches by eleven inches

with plainly legible wording in capital and bold-

faced lettering at least one inch high.

2. Contain the words “no hunting”, “no trapping” or

“no shing” either as a single phrase or in any

combination.

3. Be conspicuously placed on a structure or post

at least four feet above ground level at all points

of vehicular access, at all property or fence cor-

ners and at intervals of not more than one-quarter

mile along the property boundary, except that a

post with one hundred square inches or more of

orange paint may serve as the interval notices

between property or fence corners and points

of vehicular access. The orange paint shall be

clearly visible and shall cover the entire abo-

veground surface of the post facing outward and

on both lateral sides from the closed area.

D. The entry of any person for the taking of wildlife shall

not be grounds for an action for criminal trespassing

pursuant to section 13-1502 unless either:

1. The land has been posted pursuant to this section

and the notices and signboards also contain the

words “no trespassing”.

2. The person knowingly remains unlawfully on any

real property after a reasonable request to leave

by the owner or any other person having lawful

control over the property or the person knowingly

disregards reasonable notice prohibiting trespass

at the person’s entry to any real property.

A.R.S. 17-306

Importation, transportation, release or possession of live

wildlife; violations; classication

A. No person shall import or transport into this state

or sell, trade or release within this state or have in

the person’s possession any live wildlife except as

authorized by the commission or as dened in title 3,

chapter 16.

B. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly and without

lawful authority under state or federal law import and

transport into this state and release within this state

a species of wildlife that is listed as a threatened,

512023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws (Game and Fish)

endangered or candidate species under the endan-

gered species act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205; 87 Stat. 884; 16

United States Code sections 1531 through 1544).

C. A person who violates subsection B of this section is

guilty of a class 6 felony.

D. A person who violates subsection B of this section

with the intent to disrupt or interfere with the devel-

opment or use of public natural resources to establish

the presence of the species in an area not currently

known to be occupied by that species is guilty of a

class 4 felony.

A.R.S. 17-309

Violations; classication

A. Unless otherwise prescribed by this title, it is unlawful

for a person to:

1. Violate any provision of this title or any rule

adopted pursuant to this title.

2. Take, possess, transport, buy, sell or offer or

expose for sale wildlife except as expressly per-

mitted by this title.

3. Destroy, injure or molest livestock, growing crops,

personal property, notices or signboards, or other

improvements while hunting, trapping or shing.

4. Discharge a rearm while taking wildlife within

one-fourth mile of an occupied farmhouse or other

residence, cabin, lodge or building without per-

mission of the owner or resident.

5. Take a game bird, game mammal or game sh and

knowingly permit an edible portion thereof to go to

waste, except as provided in section 17-302.

6. Take big game, except bear or mountain lion, with

the aid of dogs.

7. Make more than one use of a shipping permit or

coupon issued by the commission.

8. Obtain a license or take wildlife during the period

for which the person’s license has been revoked

or suspended or the person has been denied a

license.

9. Litter hunting and shing areas while taking wildlife.

10. Take wildlife during the closed season.

11. Take wildlife in an area closed to the taking of that

wildlife.

12. Take wildlife with an unlawful device.

13. Take wildlife by an unlawful method.

14. Take wildlife in excess of the bag limit.

15. Possess wildlife in excess of the possession limit.

16. Possess or transport any wildlife or parts of the

wildlife that was unlawfully taken.

17. Possess or transport the carcass of big game

without a valid tag being attached.

18. Use the edible parts of any game mammal or any

part of any game bird or nongame bird as bait.

19. Possess or transport the carcass or parts of a car-

cass of any wildlife that cannot be identied as to

species and legality.

20. Take game animals, game birds and game sh

with an explosive compound, poison or any other

deleterious substances.

21. Import into this state or export from this state

the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wildlife

unlawfully taken or possessed.

B. Unless a different or other penalty or punishment is

specically prescribed a person who violates any

provision of this title, or who violates or fails to comply

with a lawful order or rule of the commission, is guilty

of a class 2 misdemeanor.

C. A person who knowingly takes any big game during

a closed season or who knowingly possesses, trans-

ports or buys any big game that was unlawfully taken

during a closed season is guilty of a class 1 misde-

meanor.

D. A person is guilty of a class 6 felony who knowingly:

1. Barters, sells or offers for sale any big game or

parts of big game taken unlawfully.

2. Barters, sells or offers for sale any wildlife or

parts of wildlife unlawfully taken during a closed

season.

3. Barters, sells or offers for sale any wildlife or

parts of wildlife imported or purchased in violation

of this title or a lawful rule of the commission.

4. Assists another person for monetary gain with the

unlawful taking of big game.

5. Takes or possesses wildlife while under perma-

nent revocation under section 17-340, subsection

B, paragraph 3.

E. A peace ofcer who knowingly fails to enforce a law-

ful rule of the commission or this title is guilty of a

class 2 misdemeanor.

A.R.S. 17-314

Illegally taking, wounding, killing or possessing wildlife;

civil penalty; enforcement

A. The commission may impose a civil penalty against any

person for unlawfully taking, wounding, killing or pos-

sessing any of the following wildlife, or part thereof, to

recover the following minimum sums:

1. For each turkey or javelina $500.00

2. For each bear, mountain lion, pronghorn (antelope)

or deer $1,500.00

3. For each elk or eagle, other than endangered spe-

cies $2,500.00

4. For each predatory, fur-bearing or nongame animal

$250.00

5. For each small game or aquatic wildlife animal

$50.00

6. For each bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo) or endan-

gered species animal $8,000.00

B. The commission may bring a civil action in the name of

this state to enforce the civil penalty. The civil penalty,

or a verdict or judgment to enforce the civil penalty,

shall not be less than the sum xed in this section. The

minimum sum that the commission may recover from

a person pursuant to this section may be doubled for

a second violation, verdict or judgment and tripled for

a third violation, verdict or judgment. The action to

enforce the civil penalty may be joined with an action

for possession and recovery had for the possession as

well as the civil penalty.

C. The pendency or determination of an action to enforce

the civil penalty or for payment of the civil penalty or a

judgment, or the pendency or determination of a crim-

inal prosecution for the same taking, wounding, killing

or possession, is not a bar to the other, nor does either

affect the right of seizure under any other provision of

the laws relating to game and sh.

D. All monies recovered pursuant to this section shall be

deposited in the wildlife theft prevention fund estab-

lished by section 17-315.

A.R.S. 17-331

License or proof of purchase required;

violation of child support order

A. Except as provided by this title, rules prescribed

by the commission or commission order, a person

shall not take any wildlife in this state without a valid

license or a commission approved proof of purchase.

The person shall carry the license or proof of pur-

chase and produce it on request to any game ranger,

wildlife manager or peace ofcer.

B. A certicate of noncompliance with a child support

order issued pursuant to section 25-518 invalidates

any license or proof of purchase issued to the support

obligor for taking wildlife in this state and prohibits

the support obligor from applying for any additional

licenses issued by an automated drawing system

under this title.

C. On receipt of a certicate of compliance with a child

support order from the court pursuant to section

25-518 and without further action:

1. Any license or proof of purchase issued to

the support obligor for taking wildlife that was

previously invalidated by a certicate of noncom-

pliance and that has not otherwise expired shall

be reinstated.

2. Any ineligibility to apply for any license issued by

an automated drawing system shall be removed.

A.R.S. 17-333 — Amended

License classications; fees; reduced fee and compli-

mentary licenses; annual report; review

A. The commission shall prescribe by rule license classi-

cations that are valid for the taking or handling of wildlife,

fees for licenses, permits, tags and stamps and applica-

tion fees.

B. The commission may temporarily reduce or waive any fee

prescribed by rule under this title on the recommendation

of the director

C. The commission may reduce the fees for licenses and

issue complimentary licenses, including the following:

1. A complimentary license to a pioneer who is at

least seventy years of age and who has been a

resident of this state for twenty-ve or more con-

secutive years immediately before applying for

the license. The pioneer license is valid for the

licensee’s lifetime, and the commission may not

require renewal of the license.

2. A complimentary license to a veteran of the armed

forces of the United States who has been a resi-

dent of this state for one year or more immediately

before applying for the license and who receives

compensation from the United States government

for a permanent service-connected disability

rated as one hundred percent disabling.

3. A license for a reduced fee of up to twenty-ve

percent less than the full license fee to a veteran

of the United States armed forces who has been a

resident of this state for one year or more imme-

diately before applying for the license and who

receives compensation from the United States

government for a service-connected disability.

4. A license for a reduced fee that is one-half of the

full license fee to a person who has been a resi-

dent of this state for one year or more immediately

before applying for the license and who submits

satisfactory proof to the department that the

person is a veteran and a bona de purple heart

medal recipient.

5. A youth license for a reduced fee to a resident of this

state who is either:

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV52

Arizona Revised Statutes and Commission Rules

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing

(a) A member of the boy scouts of America and who

has attained the rank of eagle scout.

(b) A member of the girl scouts of the USA and who

has received the gold award.

D. All monies collected pursuant to this section shall be

deposited, pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147, in the

game and sh fund established by section 17-261.

E. On or before December 31 of each year, the commission

shall submit an annual report to the president of the

senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the

chairperson of the senate natural resources, energy and

water committee and the chairperson of the house of rep

resentatives energy, environment and natural resources

committee, or their successor committees, that includes

information relating to license classications, fees for

licenses, permits, tags and stamps and

any other fees that

the commission prescribes by rule. The joint legislative

audit committee may assign a committee of reference to

hold a public hearing and review the annual report sub

mitted by the commission.

A.R.S. 17-335

Blind resident; shing license exemption

A blind resident may sh without a license and is entitled

to the same privileges as the holder of a valid license.

A.R.S. 17-340

Revocation, suspension and denial of privilege of taking

wildlife; civil penalty; notice; violation; classication

A. On conviction or after adjudication as a delinquent

juvenile as dened in section 8-201 and in addition to

other penalties prescribed by this title, the commis-

sion, after a public hearing, may revoke or suspend a

license issued to any person under this title and deny

the person the right to secure another license to take

or possess wildlife for a period of not to exceed ve

years for:

1. Unlawful taking, unlawful selling, unlawful offering

for sale, unlawful bartering or unlawful possession of

wildlife.

2. Careless use of rearms that resulted in the injury or

death of any person.

3. Destroying, injuring or molesting livestock, or damag-

ing or destroying growing crops, personal property,

notices or signboards or other improvements while

hunting, trapping or shing.

Littering public hunting or shing areas while taking

wildlife.

5. Knowingly allowing another person to use the per-

son’s big game tag, except as provided by section

17-332, subsection D.

A violation of section 17-303, 17-304, 17-316 or 17-341

or section 17-362, subsection A.

7. A violation of section 17-309, subsection A, paragraph

5 involving a waste of edible portions other than meat

damaged due to the method of taking as follows:

(a) Upland game birds, migratory game birds and

wild turkey: breast.

(b) Deer, elk, pronghorn (antelope), bighorn sheep,

bison (buffalo) and peccary (javelina): hind quar

ters, front quarters and loins.

8. A violation of section 17-309, subsection A, paragraph

1 involving any unlawful use of aircraft to take, assist

in taking, harass, chase, drive, locate or assist in

locating wildlife.

B. On conviction or after adjudication as a delinquent

juvenile and in addition to any other penalties pre-

scribed by this title:

1. For a rst conviction or a rst adjudication as a delin-

quent juvenile, for unlawfully taking or wounding

wildlife at any time or place, the commission, after a

public hearing, may revoke, suspend or deny the per-

son’s privilege to take wildlife for a period of up to ve

years.

For a second conviction or a second adjudication as a

delinquent juvenile, for unlawfully taking or wounding

wildlife at any time or place, the commission, after a

public hearing, may revoke, suspend or deny the per

son’s privilege to take wildlife for a period of up to ten

years.

For a third conviction or a third adjudication as a

delinquent juvenile, for unlawfully taking or wounding

wildlife at any time or place, the commission, after a

public hearing, may revoke, suspend or deny the per

son’s privilege to take wildlife permanently.

C. In accordance with title 41, chapter 6, article 10 and

notwithstanding subsection A of this section, a person

against whom the commission imposes a civil penalty

under section 17-314 for the unlawful taking, wound-

ing, killing or possession of wildlife may be denied the

right to obtain a license to take wildlife until the per-

son has made full payment of the civil penalty.

D. On receiving a report from the licensing authority of

a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact

adopted under chapter 5 of this title that a resident

of this state has failed to comply with the terms of a

wildlife citation, the commission, after a public hear-

ing, may suspend any license issued under this title to

take wildlife until the licensing authority furnishes sat-

isfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the

wildlife citation.

E. In carrying out this section, the director shall notify

the licensee, within one hundred eighty days after

conviction, to appear and show cause why the license

should not be revoked, suspended or denied. The

notice may be served personally or by certied mail

sent to the address appearing on the license.

F. The commission shall furnish to license dealers the

names and addresses of persons whose licenses have

been revoked or suspended, and the periods for which

they have been denied the right to secure licenses.

G. The commission may use the services of the ofce of

administrative hearings to conduct hearings and to

make recommendations to the commission pursuant

to this section.

H. Except for a person who takes or possesses wildlife

while under permanent revocation, a person who

takes wildlife in this state, or attempts to obtain a

license to take wildlife, at a time when the person’s

privilege to do so is suspended, revoked or denied

under this section is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

A.R.S. 17-341

Violation; classication

A. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly purchase,

apply for, accept, obtain or use, by fraud or misrep-

resentation a license, permit, tag or stamp to take

wildlife and a license or permit so obtained is void and

of no effect from the date of issuance thereof.

B. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a

class 2 misdemeanor.

A.R.S. 17-342

Colorado river special use permit

A. A person taking sh or amphibians for purposes other

than for prot from or while on a boat or other oating

device on all waters of the Colorado river south of the

Nevada-Arizona boundary shall have in his possession

a valid angling or shing license issued by either the

state of Arizona or the state of California. In addition

to one of the above described licenses, such person

shall have in his possession a valid California or Ari-

zona-Colorado river special use permit, as provided by

sections 17-343 and 17-344, which shall be obtained

on payment of a fee to be xed by the commission at

not to exceed four dollars. Such a permit shall not be

required to take sh or amphibians from canals, drains

or ditches used to carry water from the Colorado river

for irrigation or domestic purposes.

B. A person having in his possession a valid Arizona

shing license must have a California-Colorado river

special use permit to legally sh the waters described

in subsection A of this section. A person having in

his possession a valid California angling license must

have an Arizona-Colorado river special use permit to

legally sh the waters described in subsection A of

this section. Such special use permit when accompa-

nied by the proper license will allow the holder to sh

in any portion of such waters and permit him to enter

the waters from any point.

C. Shore line shing does not require a Colorado river

special use permit as long as the sherman remains

on the shore of the state from which he holds a valid

license and does not embark on the water.

R12-4-101 — Amended

Denitions

A. In addition to the denitions provided under A.R.S.

§ 17-101, R12-4-301, R12-4-401, and R12-4-501, the

following denitions apply to this Chapter, unless oth-

erwise specied:

“Commission Order” means a document adopted by the

Commission that does one or more of the following:

Open, close, or alter seasons,

Open areas for taking wildlife,

Set bag or possession limits for wildlife,

Set the number of permits available for limited hunts, or

Specify wildlife that may or may not be taken.

“Day-long” means the 24-hour period from midnight to

midnight.

“Identication number” means the number assigned to

each applicant or license holder by the Department,

as established under R12-4-111.

“License dealer” means a business authorized to sell

hunting, shing, and other licenses as established

under to R12-4-105.

“Live baitsh” means any species of live freshwater sh

designated by Commission Order as lawful for use in

taking aquatic wildlife under R12-4-313.

“Nonprot organization” means an organization that is

recognized under Section 501(c) of the U.S. Internal

Revenue Code.

“Management unit” means an area established by the

Commission for management purposes.

“Person” has the meaning as provided under A.R.S. § 1-215.

“Stamp” means a form of authorization in addition to a

license that allows the license holder to take wildlife

specied by the stamp.

“Waterdog” means the larval or metamorphosing stage of

a salamander.

“Wildlife area” means an area established under 12 A.A.C.

4, Article 8.

(rule not cited in entirety)

532023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing

R12-4-117

Indian Reservations

A state license, permit, or tag is not required to hunt or sh

on any Indian reservation in this State. Wildlife lawfully

taken on an Indian reservation may be transported or pro-

cessed anywhere in the State if it can be identied as to

species and legality as provided in A.R.S. § 17-309(A)(19).

All wildlife transported anywhere in this State is subject

to inspection under the provisions of A.R.S. § 17-211(E)(4).

R12-4-207

General Fishing License; Exemption

A. A general shing license is valid for the taking of all

aquatic wildlife and allows the license holder to

engage in simultaneous shing as dened under R12-

4-301. The general shing license is valid:

1. State-wide including Mittry Lake and Topock

Marsh and the Arizona shoreline of Lake Mead,

Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu, and Commission

designated community waters. The list of Commis-

sion designated community waters is available at

any license dealer, Department ofce, and online

at www.azgfd.gov.

2. On that portion of the Colorado River that forms

the common boundary between Arizona and

Nevada and Arizona and California and connected

adjacent water, provided Arizona has an agree-

ment with California and Nevada that recognizes a

general shing license as valid for taking aquatic

wildlife on any portion of the Colorado River that

forms the common boundary between Arizona and

Nevada and Arizona and California.

B. The general shing license is valid for one-year from:

1. The date of purchase when a person purchases

the shing license from a license dealer, as

dened under R12-4-101; or

2. The selected start date when a person purchases

the shing license from a Department ofce or

online. A person may select the start date for the

shing license provided the date selected is no

more than 60 calendar days from and after the

date of purchase.

C. A resident or nonresident may apply for a general

shing license by submitting an application to the

Department, a License Dealer as dened under R12-

4-101, or online at www.azgfd.gov. The application is

furnished by the Department and is available at any

Department ofce, license dealer, and online at www.

azgfd.gov. A general shing license applicant shall

provide the following information on the application:

1. The applicant’s:

a. Name;

b. Date of birth,

c. Physical description, to include the appli-

cant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;

d. Department identication number, when appli-

cable;

e. Residency status and number of years of

residency immediately preceding application,

when applicable;

f. Mailing address, when applicable;

g. Physical address;

h. Telephone number, when available; and

i. E-mail address, when available; and

2. Afrmation that the information provided on the

application is true and accurate; and

3. Applicant’s signature and date.

D. In addition to the requirements listed under subsection

(C), an applicant who is applying for a general shing

license:

1. In person shall pay the applicable fee required

under R12-4-102.

2. Online shall electronically pay the fee required

under R12-4-102 and print the new license. A

person applying online shall afrm, or provide

permission for another person to afrm, the

information electronically provided is true and

accurate.

E. In addition to the exemption prescribed under A.R.S. §

17-335, a person who is under 10 years of age may sh

without a shing license.

R12-4-210

Combination Hunting and Fishing License; Exemption

A. A combination hunting and shing license is valid for

the taking of small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory

animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds.

B. A combination hunting and shing license is valid for

the taking of all aquatic wildlife and allows the license

holder to engage in simultaneous shing as dened

under R12-4-301. The combination hunting and shing

license is valid:

1. State-wide including Mittry Lake and Topock

Marsh and the Arizona shoreline of Lake Mead,

Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu, and Commission

designated community waters. The list of Commis-

sion designated community waters is available at

any license dealer, Department ofce, and online

at www.azgfd.gov.

2. On that portion of the Colorado River that forms

the common boundary between Arizona and

Nevada and Arizona and California and connected

adjacent water, provided Arizona has an agree-

ment with California and Nevada that recognizes

a combination hunting and shing license as valid

for taking aquatic wildlife on any portion of the

Colorado River that forms the common boundary

between Arizona and Nevada and Arizona and

California.

C. The Department offers three combination hunting and

shing licenses:

1. A short-term combination hunting and shing

license, valid for one 24-hour period from midnight

to midnight.

a. The short-term combination hunting and

shing license is not valid for the take of big

game animals.

b. The short-term combination hunting and sh-

ing license is valid for the take of migratory

game birds and waterfowl, provided the per-

son possesses the applicable State Migratory

Bird stamp and Federal Waterfowl stamp.

c. The Department does not limit the number of

short-term combination hunting and shing

licenses a resident or nonresident may pur-

chase.

2. A combination hunting and shing license for a

person age 18 and over.

a. The combination hunting and shing license is

valid for one-year from:

i. The date of purchase when a person

purchases the combination hunting and

shing license from a license dealer, as

dened under R12-4-101;

ii. On the last day of the application dead-

line for that draw, as established by the

hunt permit-tag application schedule

published by the Department;

iii. On the last day of an extended deadline

date, as authorized under subsection

R12-4-104(C). If an applicant does not

possess a combination hunting and sh-

ing license that meets the requirements

of this subsection, the applicant shall

purchase the license at the time of appli-

cation; or

iv. The selected start date when a person

purchases the combination hunting

and shing license from a Department

ofce or online. A person may select

the start date for the combination hunt-

ing and shing license provided the date

selected is no more than 60 calendar

days from and after the date of purchase.

b. A valid hunt permit-tag, nonpermit-tag, or

stamp is required to validate the combination

hunting and shing license for the take of big

game animals, migratory game birds, or other

wildlife authorized by an applicable tag or

stamp.

3. A youth combination hunting and shing license

for a person through age 17.

a. The combination hunting and shing license is

valid for one-year from:

i. The date of purchase when a person

purchases the combination hunting and

shing license from a license dealer, as

dened under R12-4-101;

ii. On the last day of the application dead-

line for that draw, as established by the

hunt permit-tag application schedule

published by the Department;

iii. On the last day of an extended deadline

date, as authorized under subsection

R12-4-104(C). If an applicant does not

possess a combination hunting and sh-

ing license that meets the requirements

of this subsection, the applicant shall

purchase the license at the time of appli-

cation; or

iv. The selected start date when a person

purchases the combination hunting

and shing license from a Department

ofce or online. A person may select

the start date for the combination hunt-

ing and shing license provided the date

selected is no more than 60 calendar

days from and after the date of purchase.

b. A valid hunt permit-tag, nonpermit-tag, or stamp

is required to validate the combination hunt-

ing and shing license for the take of big game

animals, migratory game birds, or other wildlife

authorized by an applicable tag or stamp.

D. A resident or nonresident may apply for a combi-

nation hunting and shing license by submitting an

application to the Department, a License Dealer as

dened under R12-4-101, or online at www.azgfd.gov.

The application is furnished by the Department and is

available at any Department ofce, license dealer, and

online at www.azgfd.gov. A combination hunting and

shing license applicant shall provide the following

information on the application:

1. The applicant’s:

a. Name;

b. Date of birth,

c. Physical description, to include the appli-

cant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;

d. Department identication number, when appli-

cable;

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV54

Arizona Revised Statutes and Commission Rules

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing

e. Residency status and number of years of

residency immediately preceding application,

when applicable;

f. Mailing address, when applicable;

g. Physical address;

h. Telephone number, when available; and

i. E-mail address, when available; and

2. Afrmation that the information provided on the

application is true and accurate; and

3. Applicant’s signature and date.

E. In addition to the requirements listed under subsection

(C), an applicant who is applying for a combination

hunting and shing license:

1. In person shall pay the applicable fee required

under R12-4-102.

2. Online shall electronically pay the fee required

under R12-4-102 and print the new license. A

person applying online shall afrm, or provide

permission for another person to afrm, the

information electronically provided is true and

accurate.

F. Exemptions authorized under R12-4-206(E), R12-4-

207(E), and R12-4-209(E) also apply to this Section, as

applicable.

R12-4-215

Youth Group Two-day Fishing License

A. A youth group two-day shing license authorizes

a nonprot organization or governmental entity as

dened under subsection (C), which sponsors adult

supervised activities for youth, to take up to 25 youths

shing. The youth group two-day shing license is

only available from a Department ofce. The youth

group two-day shing license is valid for:

1. Two consecutive days,

2. The take of all aquatic wildlife, and

3. All privileges established under R12-4-207(A).

B. A nonprot organization or governmental entity may

apply for a youth group two-day shing license at any

Department ofce. An applicant for a youth group two-

day shing license shall be a resident. The applicant

shall pay the fee required under R12-4-102 and provide

the following information at the time of application:

1. The nonprot organization’s or governmental enti-

ty’s:

a. Name;

b. Mailing address; and

c. Telephone number, when available;

2. The applicant’s:

a. Name;

b. Date of birth,

c. Physical description, to include the appli-

cant’s eye color, hair color, height, and weight;

d. Department identication number, when appli-

cable;

e. Mailing address, when applicable;

f. Physical address;

g. Telephone number, when available; and

h. E-mail address, when available;

3. The dates on which the nonprot organization

intends to conduct the youth group shing activity.

4. The approximate number of youth participating in

the group shing activity.

C. For the purpose of this Section, “governmental

entity” means any town, city, county, municipality, or

other political subdivision of this state or any depart-

ment, agency, board, commission, authority, division,

ofce, public school, public charter school, public

corporation, or other public entity of this state or any

department agency bureau, or ofce of the federal

government that is physically located within this state.

R12-4-301

Denitions

In addition to the denitions provided under A.R.S. § 17-

101, the following denitions apply to this Article unless

otherwise specied:

“Administer” means to apply a drug directly to wildlife by

injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means.

“Articial ies and lures” means man-made devices

intended as visual attractants to catch sh. Arti-

cial ies and lures does not include living or dead

organisms or edible parts of those organisms, nat-

ural or prepared food stuffs, or chemicals or organic

materials intended to create a scent, avor, or chem-

ical stimulant to the device regardless of whether it

is added or applied during or after the manufacturing

process.

“Barbless hook” means any shhook manufactured with-

out barbs or on which the barbs have been completely

closed or removed.

“Craysh net” means a net that does not exceed 36 inches

on a side or in diameter and is retrieved by means of a

hand-held line.

“Dip net” means any net, excluding the handle, that is no

greater than 3 feet in the greatest dimension, that is

hand-held, non-motorized, and the motion of the net is

caused by the physical effort of the individual.

‘Drug” means any chemical substance, other than food or

mineral supplements, which affects the structure or

biological function of wildlife.

“Evidence of legality” means the wildlife is accompa-

nied by the applicable license, tag, stamp, or permit

required by law and is identiable as the “legal wild-

life” prescribed by Commission Order, which may

include evidence of species, gender, antler or horn

growth, maturity and size.

“Minnow trap” means a trap with dimensions that do not

exceed 12 inches in depth, 12 inches in width and 24

inches in length.

“Simultaneous shing” means taking sh by using only

two lines at one time and not more than two hooks or

two articial ies or lures per line.

(rule not cited in entirety)

R12-4-305 — Amended

Possessing, Transporting, Importing, Exporting, and

Selling Carcasses or Parts of Wildlife

A. A person shall ensure that evidence of legality remains

with the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wildlife

that the person possesses, transports, or imports until

arrival at the person’s permanent abode, a commercial

processing plant, or the place where the wildlife is to be

consumed.

B. In addition to the requirement under subsection (A), a per

son possessing or transporting the following wildlife shall

ensure each:

Freshwater sh has the head, tail, or skin attached

so the species can be identied and the total number

and required length determined.

C. A person who has lawfully taken wildlife that requires

a valid tag when prescribed by the Commission may

authorize its transportation or shipment by com-

pleting and signing the Transportation and Shipping

Permit portion of the valid tag or as indicated by the

Department through the person’s electronic device,

as applicable, for that animal. A separate Transpor-

tation and Shipping Permit issued by the Department

is necessary to transport or ship to another state or

country any big game taken with a resident license.

Under A.R.S. § 17-372(B), a person may ship other law-

fully taken wildlife by common carrier after obtaining a

valid Transportation and Shipping Permit issued by the

Department. The person shall provide the following

information:

1. Number and description of the wildlife to be trans-

ported or shipped;

Name, address, license number, and license class of

the person who took the wildlife;

3. Tag number;

4. Name and address of the person receiving a portion

of the carcass of the wildlife as authorized under sub-

section (D), if applicable;

Address of destination where the wildlife is to be

transported or shipped; and

6. Name and address of transporter or shipper.

E. A person who receives a portion of the wildlife shall

provide the identity of the person who took and gave the

portion of the wildlife upon request to any peace ofcer,

wildlife manager, or game ranger.

M. Except for cervids, which are subject to requirements

established under subsections (I), (J), and (K), a per-

son may import into this state the carcasses or parts

of wildlife, including aquatic wildlife, lawfully taken in

another state or country if transported and exported

in accordance with the laws of the state or country of

origin.

N. A person shall not transport live craysh from the site

where taken, except as permitted under R12-4-316.

O. A person in possession of a common carp (Cyprinus

carpio), buffalosh (Ictiobus spp.), or craysh (families

Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Parastacidae) carcass

taken under Commission Order may sell the carcass.

(rule not cited in entirety)

R12-4-310

Fishing Permits

A. The Department may issue a shing permit to state,

county, or municipal agencies or departments and to

nonprot organizations whose primary purpose is to

provide treatment and care for persons with physical,

developmental, or mental disabilities.

B. The permit:

1. Is valid for any two days within a 30 day period;

2. Authorizes persons with physical, developmental, or

mental disabilities to sh without a shing license

upon any public waters except that shing in the

waters of the Colorado River is restricted to shing

from the Arizona shoreline only, unless the persons

shing under the authority of the permit also possess

a valid Colorado River stamp from the adjacent state;

and

3. Does not exempt persons shing under the authority

of the permit from compliance with other statutes,

Commission Orders, and rules not contained in this

Section.

C An applicant for a shing permit shall submit a prop-

erly completed application to the Department. The

application is furnished by the Department and is

available from any Department ofce and online at

www.azgfd.gov.

552023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing

1. The applicant shall provide all of the following infor-

mation:

The name, address, and telephone number of the

agency, department, or nonprot organization

requesting the permit;

b. The name, position title, and telephone number of

the persons responsible for supervising the per-

sons shing under the authority of the permit;

The total number of persons who will be shing

under the authority of the permit;

d. The dates for which the permit will be used; and

e. The location for which the permit will be valid.

2. In addition to the information required under subsec-

tion (C)(1), nonprot organizations shall also submit:

A copy of the organization’s articles of incorpo-

ration and evidence that the organization has

tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) of the

Internal Revenue Code, unless a current and cor-

rect copy is already on le with the Department;

and

Document identifying the organization’s mission.

D. The Department shall either grant or deny the shing

permit within the applicable overall time-frame estab-

lished under R12-4-106.

E. The shing permit holder shall provide instruction

on sh identication, shing ethics, safety, and

techniques to the persons who will be shing under

authority of the permit curriculum outline provided by

the Department.

F. Each person shing under the sole authority of the

shing permit may take only one-half the regular bag

limit established by Commission Order for any species,

unless the regular bag limit is one, in which case the

permit authorizes the regular bag limit.

G. The permit holder shall submit a report to the Depart-

ment no later than 30 days after the end of the

authorized shing dates. The report form is furnished

by the Department and is available at any Department

ofce. The permit holder shall report all of the follow-

ing information on the form:

1. The shing permit number and the information con-

tained in the permit;

The total number of persons who shed and total

hours shed;

3. The total number of sh caught, kept, and released,

by species.

H. The Department may deny future shing permits to a

permit holder who failed to submit the report required

under subsection (G) until the permit holder complies

with reporting requirements.

R12-4-311

Exemptions from Requirement to Possess an Arizona

Fishing License or Hunting License While Taking

Wildlife

In addition to the exemptions prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-

335, R12-4-206(E), R12-4-207(E), and R12-4-209(E) and pro-

vided the person’s shing and hunting license privileges

are not currently revoked by the Commission:

1. A shing license is not required when a person is:

a. Fishing from articial ponds, tanks, and lakes

contained entirely on private lands that are

not:

i. Open to the public, and

ii. Managed by the Department.

b. Taking terrestrial mollusks or crustaceans

from private property.

c. Fishing in Arizona on any designated Saturday

occurring during National Fishing and Boating

Week, except in waters of the Colorado River

forming the common boundaries between Ari-

zona and California, Nevada, or Utah where

shing without a license is limited to the

shoreline, unless the state with concurrent

jurisdiction removes licensing requirements

on the same day.

d. Participating in an introductory shing educa-

tion program sanctioned by the Department,

during scheduled program hours, only. A

sanctioned program shall have a Department

employee, or authorized volunteer instructor

present during scheduled program hours. For

the purposes of this subsection, “authorized

volunteer instructor” means a person who

has successfully passed the Department’s

required background check, or provided doc-

umentation of the person’s application for a

ngerprint clearance card, and sport shing

education workshop.

(rule not cited in entirety)

R12-4-313

Lawful Methods of Take and Season for Aquatic Wildlife

A. Subject to the restrictions of this Section, a person may

take aquatic wildlife during the day or night using arti-

cial light as prescribed under A.R.S. § 17-301. When a sh

die-off

is imminent or when otherwise deemed appropri-

ate, the Commission may designate a special season by

Commission Order to allow sh to be taken by hand or by

any hand-held, non-motorized implement that does not

discharge a projectile.

A person who possesses a valid Arizona shing license

may take aquatic wildlife by angling or simultaneous sh

ing as dened under R12-4-301 with any bait, articial y,

or lure subject to the following restrictions:

1. Except for sunsh of the genus Lepomis, the esh

of game sh may not be used as bait.

2. Live baitsh, as dened under R12-4-101, may

only be used in designated areas prescribed by

Commission Order and designated areas may sub-

sequently be closed or restricted by Commission

Order.

3. Waterdogs may not be used as live bait in that

portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south

of State Highway 82 or that portion of Cochise

County lying west of the San Pedro River and

south of State Highway 82.

4. Shall not use more than two lines at any one time.

5. The Commission may further restrict the lawful

methods of take on particular waters by designat-

ing one or more of the following special seasons

by Commission Order:

a. An “articial ies and lures” season in which

only articial ies and lures may be used in des-

ignated areas,

A “barbless hooks” season in which only the use

of barbless or single-point barbless hooks may

be used in designated areas,

c. An “immediate kill or release” season in which

a person must kill and retain the designated

species as part of the person’s bag limit or imme

diately release the wildlife,

A “catch and immediate release” in which a

person must immediately release the designated

species, or

e. An “immediate kill” season in which a person

must immediately kill and retain the designated

species as part of the person’s bag limit.

C. In addition to angling, a person who possesses a valid Ari-

zona shing license may also take the following aquatic

wildlife using the following methods:

A hybrid device is lawful for the take of aquatic

wildlife provided all components of the device are

authorized for the take of that species under this sub-

section.

Carp (Cyprinus carpio), buffalosh, mullet, tilapia,

goldsh, and shad may be taken by:

a. Bow and arrow,

b. Crossbow,

c. Snare,

d. Gig,

e. Spear or spear gun, or

f. Snagging,

3. A person shall not use any of the methods of take

listed under subsection (C)(2) within 200 yards of a

designated swimming area as indicated by way of

posted signs or notices.

4. Except for snagging, a person shall not use any of the

methods of take listed under subsection (C)(2) within

200 yards of any boat dock or shing pier.

5. Striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun in

waters designated by Commission Order.

6. Catsh may be taken by bow and arrow or crossbow

in waters designated by Commission Order.

7. Amphibians, soft-shelled turtles, mollusks, and crus

taceans may be taken by minnow trap, craysh net,

hand, or with any hand-held, non-motorized imple-

ment that does not discharge a projectile, unless

otherwise permitted under this Section.

In addition to the methods described under subsec-

tion (C)(7), bullfrogs may be taken by:

Bow and arrow,

b. Crossbow,

c. Pneumatic weapon, or

d. Slingshot.

9. Live baitsh may be taken for personal use as bait by:

a. A cast net not to exceed a radius of 4 feet mea-

sured from the horn to the leadline;

A minnow trap, as dened under R12-4-301;

c. A seine net not to exceed 10 feet in length and 4

feet in width; or

d. A dip net.

10. In addition to the methods described under subsec-

tion (C)(7), craysh may be taken with the following

devices:

A trap not more than 3 feet in the greatest dimen-

sion,

A dip net as dened under R12-4-301, or

c. A seine net not larger than 10 feet in length and 4

feet in width.

11. The Commission may further restrict the lawful meth-

ods of take on particular waters by designating one or

more of the following special seasons by Commission

Order:

A “snagging” season in which a person may use

this method only at times and locations desig-

nated by Commission Order, or

A “spear or spear gun” season in which a person

may use this method only at times and locations

designated by Commission Order.

D. Aquatic wildlife taken in violation of this Section is unlaw-

fully taken.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV56

Arizona Revised Statutes and Commission Rules

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing

R12-4-314

Possession, Transportation, or Importation of Aquatic

Wildlife

A. The Commission may prescribe legal sizes for possession

of aquatic wildlife through Commission Order.

B. A person who possesses a valid Arizona shing license

may possess live aquatic wildlife lawfully taken on the

waters where taken, but the person shall not transport the

aquatic wildlife alive from the waters where taken except

that:

1. A person may transport live baitsh listed in subsec

tion (C)(1);

A person may transport live waterdogs except in the

portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south of

State Highway 82 or the portion of Cochise County

lying west of the San Pedro River and south of State

Highway 82; and

3. Any craysh taken on waters within Yuma or La Paz

Counties may be transported alive for use as live bait

in that portion of La Paz County west of Highway 95

and south of Interstate 10, Yuma County, and on the

Colorado River from the Palo Verde Diversion Dam

downstream to the Southern international boundary

with Mexico.

C. A person who possesses a valid Arizona shing license

may import, transport, or possess live baitsh, craysh, or

waterdogs for personal use as live bait only as follows:

1. A person may possess or transport only the following

live baitsh for personal use as live bait:

a. Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas),

b. Golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas),

b. Goldsh (Carassius auratus),

c. Longn Dace (Agosia chrysogaster)

d. Sonora Sucker (Catostomus insignis),

e. Speckled Dace (Rhynicthys osculus), and

f. Desert Sucker (Catostomus clarki).

2. A person may import for personal use live baitsh

listed in subsection (C)(1) from:

a. California or Nevada, or

b. From any other state with accompanying doc

umentation certifying that the sh are free of

Furunculosis.

A person may import, transport, or possess live

waterdogs for personal use as bait, except in the

portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south of

State Highway 82 or the portion of Cochise County

lying west of the San Pedro River and south of State

Highway 82.

4. A person shall not import, transport, or move live

craysh between waters for personal use as live bait

except as allowed in 12 A.A.C. 4, Article 4, or except

as allowed in subsection (B)(3).

D. A person shall attach water-resistant identication to any

unattended live boxes or stringers holding sh and ensure

the identication bears the person’s:

1. Name,

2. Address, and

3. Fishing license number.

E. A person who uses a craysh net or a minnow trap shall

raise and empty the trap daily and shall attach water-re

sistant identication to any unattended traps and ensure

the identication bears the person’

1. Name,

2. Address, and

3. Fishing license number.

F. A person shall not knowingly disturb the craysh net, live

box, minnow trap, or stringer of another unless authorized

to do so by the owner.

R12-4-402

Live Wildlife: Unlawful Acts

A. A person shall not perform any of the following activ-

ities with live wildlife unless authorized by a federal

license or permit, this Chapter, or A.R.S. Title 3, Chap-

ter 16:

1. Import any live wildlife into the state;

2. Export any live wildlife from the state;

3. Conduct any of the following activities with live

wildlife within the state:

a. Display,

b. Exhibit,

c. Give away,

d. Lease,

e. Offer for sale,

f. Possess,

g. Propagate,

h. Purchase,

i. Release,

j. Rent,

k. Sell,

l. Sell as live bait,

m. Stock,

n. Trade,

o. Transport; or

4. Kill any captive live wildlife.

B. The Department may seize, quarantine, hold, or euth-

anize any lawfully possessed wildlife held in a manner

that poses an actual or potential threat to the wildlife,

other wildlife, or the safety, health, or welfare of the

public. The Department shall make reasonable efforts

to nd suitable placement for any animal prior to euth-

anizing it.

C. A person who does not lawfully possess wildlife in

accordance with this Article shall be responsible for

all costs associated with the care and keeping of the

wildlife.

D. Performing activities authorized under a federal

license or permit does not exempt a federal agency

or its employees from complying with state permit

requirements.

R12-4-404

Possession of Live Wildlife Taken Under an Arizona

Hunting or Fishing License

A. A person may take live wildlife from the wild under a

valid Arizona hunting or shing license provided the

current Commission Order authorizes a live bag and

possession limit for that wildlife and the individual

possesses the appropriate hunting or shing license

and special license, when applicable.

B. Except for live baitsh which may only be possessed

and transported as established under R12-4-314, a

person may conduct any of the following activities

with wildlife taken under an Arizona hunting or shing

license provided the activity is for a noncommercial

purpose:

1. Export,

2. Kill,

3. Place on educational display,

4. Possess,

5. Propagate, and

6. Transport.

C. A person possessing wildlife or offspring of wildlife

taken under this Section shall dispose of the wildlife or

offspring of wildlife using any one or more of the fol-

lowing methods:

1. Giving the wildlife as a gift,

2. Exporting the wildlife to another state or jurisdic-

tion, or

3. Disposing of the wildlife as directed by the

Department.

D. A person shall not use wildlife or offspring of wildlife

taken under this Section for commercial purposes.

E. A person exporting live wildlife for a noncommercial

purpose shall verify exported live wildlife and off-

spring of wildlife shall not be:

1. Bartered,

2. Leased,

3. Offered for sale,

4. Purchased,

5. Rented,

6. Sold, or

7. Used for any commercial purpose.

F. A person may temporarily hold and release live

wildlife possessed under this Section into the wild,

provided the person did not remove the wildlife from

the immediate area where it was taken.

G. A person shall not exceed the possession limit of live

wildlife established by Commission Order for that spe-

cies.

1. Offspring of wildlife possessed under this Section

shall count towards the established possession

limit.

2. A person may possess offspring of amphibians

or reptiles in excess of the possession limit for

no more than 12 months from the date of birth or

hatching.

3. On or before the day the offspring reach 12

months of age, the person possessing them shall

dispose of them as prescribed under subsection

(C).

4. A person is prohibited from releasing offspring of

propagated wildlife into the wild.

H. A person may use reptiles and amphibians taken

under a valid Arizona hunting license for the purpose

of providing aversion or avoidance training when the

current Commission Order authorizes a live bag and

possession limit for that reptile or amphibian.

I. A person may sell photographs of wildlife taken under

a valid hunting or shing license.

J. A person who possesses live wildlife or offspring of

wildlife taken under this Section shall comply with

the requirements prescribed under R12-4-425 if the

wildlife becomes listed as restricted wildlife under

R12-4-406.

R12-4-901

Aquatic Invasive Species: Denitions

In addition to the denitions provided under A.R.S. §§ 5-301

and 17-255, the following denitions apply to this Article,

unless otherwise specied:

572023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing

“Aquatic invasive species” means those species listed in

Director’s Order 1.

“Certied agent” means a person who meets Department

standards to conduct inspections authorized under

A.R.S. § 17-255.01(C)(1).

“Conveyance” means a device designed to carry or trans-

port water. Conveyance includes, but is not limited to,

dip buckets, water hauling tanks, and water bladders.

“Equipment” means an item used either in or on water;

or to carry water. Equipment includes, but is not lim-

ited to, trailers used to launch or retrieve watercraft,

rafts, inner tubes, kick boards, anchors and anchor

lines, docks, dock cables and oats, buoys, beacons,

wading boots, shing tackle, bait buckets, skin diving

and scuba diving equipment, submersibles, pumps,

sea planes, and heavy construction equipment used in

aquatic environments.

“Operator” means a person who operates or is in actual

physical control of a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance

or equipment.

“Owner” means a person who claims lawful possession of

a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment.

“Person” has the same meaning as dened under A.R.S. §

1-215.

“Release” means to place, plant, or cause to be placed or

planted in waters.

“Transporter” means a person responsible for the over-

land movement of a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance,

or equipment.

“Waters” means surface water of all sources, whether

perennial or intermittent, in streams, canyons, ravines,

drainage systems, canals, springs, lakes, marshes,

reservoirs, ponds, and other bodies or accumulations

of natural, articial, public or private waters situated

wholly or partly in or bordering this State.

R12-4-902

Aquatic Invasive Species; Prohibitions; Inspection,

Decontamination Protocols

A. A person shall not, unless authorized under Article 4:

1. Possess, import, ship, or transport into or within

this State an aquatic invasive species, unless

authorized by the Director.

2. Sell, purchase, barter, or exchange in this State an

aquatic invasive species.

3. Release an aquatic invasive species into waters

or into any water treatment facility, water supply

or water transportation facility, device or mecha-

nism in this State.

B. Upon removing a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or

equipment from any waters listed in Director’s Order 2

and before leaving that location, a person shall:

1. Remove all clinging materials such as plants, ani-

mals, and mud.

2. Remove any plug or other barrier that prevents

water drainage or, where none exists, take

reasonable measures to drain or dry all compart-

ments or spaces that hold water. Reasonable

measures include, but are not limited to, emptying

bilges, application of absorbents, or ventilation.

C. Before transporting a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance,

or equipment to any waters located within or border-

ing this State from waters or locations where aquatic

invasive species are suspected or known to be pres-

ent, as listed in Director’s Order 2, a person shall

comply with the mandatory conditions and protocols

identied in Director’s Order 3 for decontamination of

watercraft, vehicles, conveyances, and equipment.

D. Department employees, certied agents, and Arizona

peace ofcers authorized under A.R.S. § 17-104 may

inspect a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equip-

ment for the purposes of determining compliance with

A.R.S. § Title 17, Chapter 2, Article 3.1 and this Section.

E. If the presence of an aquatic invasive species is doc-

umented or suspected on or in a watercraft, vehicle,

conveyance, or equipment, a Department employee

or any Arizona peace ofcer may order the person to

decontaminate or cause to be decontaminated such

watercraft, vehicles, conveyances, and equipment

using the mandatory protocols described in Director’s

Order 3.

F. The following Director’s orders are available at any

Department ofce and online at www.azgfd.gov:

1. Director’s Order 1 - Listing of Aquatic Invasive

Species for Arizona,

2. Director’s Order 2 - Designation of Waters or

Locations Where Listed Aquatic Invasive Species

are Present, and

3. Director’s Order 3 - Mandatory Conditions on the

Movement of Watercraft, Vehicles, Conveyances,

or Other Equipment from Listed Waters Where

Aquatic Invasive Species are Present.

G. This Section does not apply to owners and operators

exempt under A.R.S. § 17-255.04.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV58

Arizona Revised Statutes and Commission Rules

592023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

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starts with

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Fish & Boat Arizona: Plan Your Hook-and-Line Adventure

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Proper Catch-and-Release Methods

DO’S

Appropriate hooks and quick hook sets:

Avoid letting sh swallow hooks by pay-

ing attention to your line and using an

appropriate hook size and type. Sin-

gle hooks are more easily removed than

multi-point hooks.

Hook type: Barbless hooks are easier to

remove and result in less injury to sh

and shorter handling times during hook

removal.

Appropriate tackle: The use of articial

ies and lures generally hook sh more

supercially than those using live bait.

Quick retrieve: Exhaustion stress can be

fatal, the longer you play a sh, the more

stress it endures.

Soft mesh nets: The use of soft mesh

nets, if nets are necessary, will help keep

their protective slime on and will avoid

entanglement.

Wet hands and a gentle touch: Handling

sh with wet hands will help keep their

protective slime from coming off.

Keeptheshinthewaterasmuchas

possible: It is best to unhook the sh

while it is still in the water and avoid

holding the sh out of the water for pic-

tures for more than a few seconds.

DON’TS

Avoid forcefully removing swallowed

hooks: If the hook is embedded down the

throat, clip the line as close to the eye of

the hook as possible and avoid attempt-

ing to remove the hook which may result

n bleeding and injury. Hooks will dissolve

over time. A sh hooked deeply has a bet-

ter chance of survival if the line is cut

than i

f its organs are torn in the unhook-

ing process.

void touching the gills or eyes: Holding

a sh by the gills can be lethal; these are

extremely sensitive and easily damaged

organs.

Avoidarmgrip:Fish are slippery and

wiggly. Make sure to support the sh prop

erly while holding it. Instinct will lead an

gler to tighten their grip on the sh, and

potentially crush its internal organs with

force.

Fish are a valuable resource, and shing for them is a fun and exciting recreational experience. By limiting your harvest, and prac-

ticing good catch-and-release techniques, you can help preserve a shery and ensure that angling opportunity remains for another

day. Currently, native trout shing opportunities can only exist from anglers using these techniques.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV60

Aker Lake.............................................................................12

Alamar Park Pond ..............................................................22

Alamo Lake..........................................................................20

Alvord Lake .........................................................................22

Apache Lake .......................................................................22

Bartlett Lake........................................................................22

Bear Canyon Lake ..............................................................16

Beaver Creek, Wet and Dry ..............................................14

Becker Lake ........................................................................12

Black Canyon Lake ............................................................16

Bonsall Pond .......................................................................22

Bright Angel Creek.............................................................18

Burro Creek .........................................................................12

Canals in the Yuma Area ...................................................20

Canyon Creek......................................................................16

Canyon Lake........................................................................22

Carnero Lake.......................................................................12

Cataract Lake......................................................................14

CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge Reservoir) .................16

Chaparral Park Lake ..........................................................22

Chevelon Creek ..................................................................16

Chevelon Canyon Lake ......................................................16

City Reservoir......................................................................14

Cluff Ranch Ponds 1 and 3 ................................................24

Colorado River .............................................................18, 20

Colorado River, Lees Ferry ................................................18

Colorado River, Parker Strip ............................................. 20

Colorado River, Willow Beach .........................................18

Colorado River, Yuma area ...............................................20

Copper Sky Lake.................................................................22

Cortez Park Lake ................................................................22

Council Avenue Pond, Somerton .....................................20

Coyote Creek.......................................................................12

Crystal Gardens Water Treatment Facility ..................... 22

Dankworth Pond.................................................................24

Dave White Regional Park Pond .....................................22

Dead Horse Ranch State Park Lagoons .........................14

Desert Breeze Park Lake ..................................................22

Desert West Park Lake .....................................................22

Discovery Park Ponds .......................................................22

Dogtown Lake .....................................................................14

East Clear Creek .................................................................16

Eastmark Park Pond ..........................................................22

East Verde River ...........................................................14, 16

Eldorado Park Pond ...........................................................22

Elk Tank .............................................................................14

Encanto Park Lake .............................................................22

Evelyn Hallman Park Pond................................................22

Fain Lake .............................................................................14

Fortuna Lake .......................................................................20

Fossil Creek, Middle Reach .............................................14

Francis Short Pond ............................................................14

Festival Fields Pond ...........................................................22

Freestone Pond ..................................................................22

Friendship Park Pond ........................................................22

Frye Mesa Reservoir/Frye Creek .....................................24

Gilbert Regional Park Pond ..............................................22

Goldwater Lake ..................................................................14

Granite Basin Lake.............................................................14

Grant Creek .........................................................................24

Graham County Fairgrounds Pond ..................................24

Greeneld Park Pond ........................................................22

Green Valley Park Lakes ...................................................16

Heroes Regional Park Pond .............................................22

Horseshoe Lake..................................................................22

Horton Creek .......................................................................16

J.D. Dam Lake .....................................................................14

Kaibab Lake.........................................................................14

Kennedy Park Lake ............................................................24

Kiwanis Park Lake..............................................................22

Knoll Lake ............................................................................16

Lake Havasu........................................................................20

Lake Mary, Lower ..............................................................14

Lake Mead...........................................................................18

Lake Mohave ......................................................................18

Lake Pleasant .....................................................................22

Lake Powell .........................................................................18

Lakeside Lake .....................................................................24

Lee Valley Lake ...................................................................12

Long Tom Lake ....................................................................16

Mamie Creek.......................................................................12

Mansel Carter Oasis Lake ................................................22

Martinez Lake .....................................................................20

McQueen Pond...................................................................22

Middle Tank ......................................................................... 14

Mittry Lake ..........................................................................20

Nelson Reservoir................................................................12

Nutrioso Creek....................................................................12

Oak Creek ............................................................................14

Oak Creek, West Fork ........................................................14

Pacana Park Pond .............................................................22

Pacic Avenue Athletic Complex Ponds ........................20

Paloma Park Lake ..............................................................22

Papago Park Ponds 1-3 .....................................................22

Parker Canyon Lake...........................................................24

Patterson Ponds .................................................................12

Pena Blanca Lake ..............................................................24

Perkins Tank ........................................................................ 14

Pioneer Park Lake ..............................................................22

Red Mountain Park Lake...................................................22

Redondo Lake .....................................................................20

Rio Vista Park Pond ...........................................................22

Riverview Park Lake ..........................................................22

Roadrunner Park Pond ......................................................22

Roosevelt Lake ...................................................................22

Roper Lake ..........................................................................24

Saguaro Lake ......................................................................22

Sahuarita Park Lake ..........................................................24

Salt River (upper) ...............................................................22

Salt River Project Canal System ......................................22

Santa Fe Reservoir.............................................................14

Show Low Creek Meadow ...............................................12

Silver Creek .........................................................................12

Silverbell Lake ....................................................................24

South Fork of the Little Colorado River ...........................12

Steele Indian School Park Pond ......................................22

Stone Dam ...........................................................................14

Sundance Park Lake..........................................................22

Surprise Park Lake.............................................................22

Tempe Town Lake...............................................................22

The Pond at Town Hall ......................................................22

Thompson Creek ................................................................12

Topock Marsh .....................................................................18

Upper East fork of the Little Colorado

River above Colter Dam ....................................................12

Verde River, and tributaries ..............................................14

Veterans Oasis Park Lake .................................................22

Virgin River ..........................................................................18

Water Ranch Park Lake ....................................................22

West Clear Creek ...............................................................14

West Fork of the Black River ............................................12

West Wetlands Pond .........................................................20

Whitehorse Lake ................................................................14

Willow Springs Lake ..........................................................16

Woodland Lake ...................................................................12

Woods Canyon Lake ..........................................................16

Yavapai Lakes .....................................................................14

Special Regulation Waters Index

612023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

Index

Amphibian Regulations .....................................................48

Angler Access Restrictions..............................................46

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest ...............................63

Aquatic Invasive Species .....................................37, 38, 58

Aquatic Reptile Regulations .............................................49

Arizona Fish Records...................................................40, 41

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules....................53

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17 Laws..........................50

Arizona State Parks State Ofce .....................................63

Ashurst Lake .......................................................................15

Baitsh Regulations...........................................7, 10, 11, 56

Bald Eagle Closures...........................................................46

Big Lake .............................................................................13

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge .................63

Black River ..........................................................................13

Boating and Watercraft Information ..............................47

Bobber Setup ......................................................................34

Bow and Arrow Fishing...........................................4, 22, 56

Capturing Live Baitsh ......................................7, 10, 11, 56

Catch and Release Methods ............................................60

Catch and Release Record Program ..............................42

Central Arizona Fishing Waters .................................22, 23

Christopher Creek ..............................................................17

Civil Liability ..........................................................................8

Closures to Fishing...............8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 46

Coconino National Forest .................................................63

Colorado River Northwest Fishing Waters ..............18, 19

Colorado River Southwest Fishing Waters ..............20, 21

Commission Order 40: Fish .................................... 8, 12–24

Commission Order 41: Amphibians .................................48

Commission Order 42: Crustaceans and Mollusks .......48

Commission Order 43: Reptiles (aquatic only) ..............49

Common Violations ..........................................................8, 9

Complimentary Licenses.....................................................3

Coronado National Forest.................................................63

Craysh..... .............................................................7, 9, 39, 56

Crescent Lake .....................................................................13

Crustaceans and Mollusks Regulations.........................48

Daily Bag and Possession Limits...............................6, 7, 9

Denitions .....................................................................50, 53

Department Ofces..............................................................2

Egg Sinker Setup ................................................................34

Fish Consumption Advisory ........................................44, 45

Fire Restrictions/and or Closures ....................................63

Fish and Boat Arizona Map ..............................................60

Fish Identication......................................................... 26-33

Fish Weighing Scale Locations .......................................43

Fishing Clinics .................................................................3, 36

Fishing Setups ....................................................................34

Fishing Tips ..........................................................................35

Fishing Waters

Central Arizona .................................................. 22–23

Colorado River Northwest ............................... 18–19

Colorado River Southwest............................... 20–21

Mogollon Rim ..................................................... 16–17

North Central ..................................................... 14–15

Southeast Arizona ............................................ 24–25

White Mountains .............................................. 12–13

Fool Hollow Lake ................................................................13

Free Fishing Days .................................................................3

General Limits and Seasons...............................................6

General Statewide Regulations .................................. 6–11

Glen Canyon NRA...............................................................63

Greer Lakes .........................................................................13

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge ....................................63

Hook and Line Methods ......................................................7

Illegal Fish Stocking.......................................................9, 37

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge ...................................63

Kaibab National Forest......................................................63

Kinnikinick Lake..................................................................15

Lake Mead National Recreation Area ............................63

Lake Pleasant, Maricopa County Parks .........................63

Lead and Fishing ................................................................44

Length Limits .........................................................................8

Licenses ...............................................................................3

Complimentary ...........................................................3

Disabled Veteran .................................................3, 52

Fees .............................................................................3

Lifetime Fishing License ...........................................3

Lost and Duplicate .....................................................7

Pioneer ..................................................................3, 52

Requirements .....................................................2, 3, 7

Revocation ..................................................................8

Where to Buy ..............................................................3

Limits .......................................................................6, 7, 8

Littering ...............................................................................9

Little Colorado River ..........................................................13

Live Bait, Capturing............................................7, 10, 11, 56

Live Baitsh...................................................................10, 11

Long Lake ............................................................................15

Luna Lake ............................................................................13

Lynx Lake .............................................................................15

Measuring Fish .....................................................................8

Mercury.. .......................................................................44, 45

Mogollon Rim Fishing Waters ....................................16, 17

Motor Restrictions .............................................................39

Nonresident ................................................................3, 9, 50

North Central Fishing Waters ....................................14, 15

Operation Game Thief ...................................................9, 39

Patagonia Lake ..................................................................25

Pioneer Fishing License ................................................3, 52

Prescott National Forest ...................................................63

Protected Native Fish ....................................................6, 33

Quagga Mussels ................................................................38

Rainbow Lake .....................................................................13

Record Fish Entry Form .....................................................40

Regulation Changes.............................................................4

Reptile Regulations (aquatic only) ..................................49

Residency ........................................................................9, 50

Resource Agency Directory .............................................63

Riggs Flat Lake....................................................................25

Rose Canyon Lake..............................................................25

Salt River (lower)................................................................23

Show Low Lake ..................................................................13

Southeast Arizona Fishing Waters ............................24, 25

Special Regulations .................................................... 12–25

Split Shot Sinker Setup .....................................................34

Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs ..............59

Stamps

Colorado River Special Use .........................7, 18, 20

Fees ..............................................................................3

Utah Lake Powell Stamp.....................................7, 18

Where to Buy ..............................................................5

Table of Contents .................................................................2

Tonto Creek .........................................................................17

Tonto National Forest ........................................................63

Transportation and Storage of Fish ............................... 8, 9

Trilene Knot .........................................................................35

Upper Lake Mary................................................................15

U.S. Bureau of Land Management State Ofce ...........63

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ..........................................63

Verde River ..........................................................................23

Violations ...........................................................................8, 9

Watercraft and Motor Restrictions .................................39

Waterdogs .....................................................................10, 56

Watson and Willow lakes .................................................15

Where to Fish by Species in Arizona ..............................31

Whirling Disease ................................................................37

White Mountains Fishing Waters ..............................12, 13

Whitehorse Lake ................................................................15

Wildlife Area Restrictions.................................................46

Youth Fishing ................................................................... 3, 36

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT — AZGFD.GOV62

Resource Agency Directory

For the Fishing Report

on the Web ..........................................................................www.azgfd.gov

To Report a Game or Fish Violation ............................................... (800) 352-0700

To Report Vandalism or Livestock Depredation ....(800) VANDALS (826-3257)

For Fire Restrictions and/or Closures on State

and Federal Lands in Arizona

on the Web .................................................................gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/

or call toll-free ...................................................................... (877) 864-6985

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests ........................................... (928) 333-4301

Coconino National Forest ............................................................... (928) 527-3600

Coronado National Forest ............................................................... (520) 388-8300

Kaibab National Forest .................................................................... (928) 635-8200

Prescott National Forest

................................................................. (928) 443-8000

onto National Forest ....................................................................... (602) 225-5200

U.S. Bureau of Land Management State Ofce

on the W

eb .....................................................................www.az.blm.gov

or call

...................................................................................... (602) 417-9200

Arizona State Parks State Ofce

on the W

eb ........................................................... www.azstateparks.com

or call ...................................................................................... (602) 542-4174

• Alamo Lake State Park .............................................................. (928) 669-2088

• Buckskin Mountain State Park................................................. (928) 667-3231

• Cattail Cove State Park .............................................................. (928) 855-1223

• Dead Horse Ranch State Park.................................................. (928) 634-5283

• Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area .......................................... (928) 537-3680

• Lake Havasu State Park ............................................................ (928) 855-2784

• Lyman Lake State Park .............................................................. (928) 337-4441

• Patagonia Lake State Park........................................................ (520) 287-6965

• Red Rock State Park .................................................................. (928) 282-6907

• Roper Lake State Park ............................................................... (928) 428-6760

• Slide Rock State Park ................................................................ (928) 282-3034

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

on the W

eb ....................................................................southwest.fws.gov

or call

...................................................................................... (505) 248-6911

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona

Fisheries Resources Ofce ............................................................ (928) 338-4288

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge ............................ (928) 667-4144

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge ................................................. (760) 326-3853

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge ................................................ (928) 783-3371

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

on the Web ...................................................................www.nps.gov/lake/

or call ...................................................................................... (702) 293-8990

Glen Canyon (Lake Powell, Lees Ferry)

on the W

eb ...................................................................www.nps.gov/glca/

or call

...................................................................................... (928) 608-6200

Lake Pleasant — Maricopa County Parks .................................. (928) 501-1710

632023 & 2024 ARIZONA FISHING REGULATIONS

• Buy shing, hunting and combo

licenses 24/7

• Renew your watercraft 24/7

• Apply for the draw 24/7

• Receive the latest and greatest

wildlife news 24/7

• Take an online boater education

class 24/7

• Create a free portal membership

for easy access to all your Game

and Fish needs 24/7

• Watch real time wildlife 24/7

AZGFD.GOV • ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT • AZGFD.GOV

ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!

24/7

online services

are available

Did you

now

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