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"We caught a few rainbows and one brookie." "This brown trout
went crazy for worms." There is life (and fishing) before trout stocking
begins!
Game and Fish spokesperson Sue Trachy advises the enthusiastic
angler to begin thinking "trout" earlier than usual this year, due to the mild
winter.
"The lakes and roads are open, the fish are hungry, and the
popular fishing holes are uncrowded," said Trachy. "You won't be catching newly
stocked 10" fish -- our stocking program begins in May -- you'll be catching
holdovers from last year, the big ones."
On a sunny Tuesday at Big
Lake, a family nearly limits out in an afternoon. They were the only ones
there. At the Greer lakes, five to ten cars are parked at each lake, with
fishermen hoping to catch a big lunker.
"These fishermen and women are
of the type who prefer fishing prior to stocking. They want the big fish from
last year, and don't like to fight the smaller fish stocked by the thousands
later in the spring," added Trachy.
Trachy recommends using bait such
as nightcrawlers (one large brown trout was caught in a Greer lake on a clump
of two worms), and a new Powerbait called Power Chow. Power Chow looks like
soft dog kibble, and simulates fish hatchery food. Trachy also suggests using
flies such as Arizona peacock ladies and other small nymphs in peacock, black,
or brown. Adding flash to the nymphs helps.
What if you have the
desire to fish, but not the know-how?
The Bob Hirsch Spring Fling
kick-off in Greer, offers an opportunity for new fishermen looking for
instruction in fly, spinning, and spin-casting techniques.
Greer's
Spring Fling also includes a month-long trout derby, with weekly trophies in
categories for men, women, teens, and youths. A small entrance fee can be paid
at the Circle B market.
 Information courtesy Arizona Game & Fish Department, Region
1-Pinetop,AZ
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