Arizona Lake Fishing

It’s a good idea to always tie on a split ring, swivel or clip in front of your lure. This will help improve the action of the lure and lessen the time it takes to change out lures. It also works best for any lure that needs to move at the end of your line such as crank baits, spinner baits and top waters.

If you’re like me, I’m sure you’re wondering which one is better for certain situations. I’ve had experiences where I almost lost a catch or a lure because the clip came open. But we continue to use that clip or split ring because we like the convenience of the quick switch of the lure that a clip or split ring allows.

Which one is best for what?

Use Swivels:

• On flukes or other soft jerk baits
• On rigs like the Carolina rig
• Use on a light line - 10 pounds or less
• Do not use on baits. Try a loop knot instead

Use Snaps:

• On a light line - 10 pounds or less - with crankbaits
• On spoons with a light line
• When you need more movement
• When you need to change out lures fast
• Use on baits

Use a Split Ring:

• On all topwater plugs
• On all crankbaits
• On all spoons
• Use on baits

Whatever your choice, use a method that works for you and that won’t lose a fish! Also keep a little bag of each in your tackle box just in case you need them.

Lake Mead water levels have held strong through the summer and the water elevation is around 1100 feet.

Night fishing for stripers seems to be the best option right now. Anglers are using artificial lights and are catching as many stripers as they want to clean, most ranging in the 12-18 inches.

The lights are also helping anglers catch catfish, use anchovies.

For best results: Get out on the lake in the evening with some artificial lights.

Fresh water has been flowing into the Papago Ponds recently which is keeping the fish lively. But catfish are really the only species biting right now.

For best results: Try a worm on a hook with a clear bobber about 3 feet above the bait.

Woods Canyon Lake offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking and more. The lake is 7,600 feet above sea level and is open May 1 to September 30. It may open earlier or later depending on the weather.

Facilities available:

• group campsites that can accommodate up to 70 people
• tents, trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet are permitted
• group campfire grills and 9 picnic tables
• vault toilets and garbage facilities
• drinking water
• boat ramp and launch
• RV sanitary sation
• gravel roads
• campground hosts located at Aspen and Spillway campgrounds

Woods Canyon Lake is a scenic 52 acre lake surrounded by Pondersona Pines, Oak, Aspen and Douglas Fir.There is an interpretative nature trail at the north end of the lake as well as a hiking trail that will take you all the way around the lake. (red dashed paths on map bellow)

Other Information:

• gas, phone and groceries are available 10 miles east at Forest Lake
• groceries and boat rentals are available at Woods Canyon store
• nearest full service community is Payson, AZ, 35 miles west via highway 260
• reservations are required for camping, RVs, and group areas

Call 1-877-444-6777 for reservations.

zooplankton – Animals (mostly microscopic) that drift freely in the water column.

young-of-the-year – refers to fish in their first year of life, often referring to immature fish.

year class – Fish of a given species that were all spawned in the same year or at the same time.

jig-fishing, jig-fish (v.) – The practice of using a jig to catch fish.

Florida rig – Very similar to the Texas rig, the only difference is the weight is secured by “screwing” it into the bait.

flipping stick – Heavy action fishing rod (usually a baitcasting rod and reel), 7 to 8 feet long, designed for bass fishing using the flipping and or pitching techniques.