Fishing

Parker Canyon Lake, west of Sierra Vista, offers both cold- and warm-water fish, including stocked rainbow trout and resident bass, sunfish and catfish. The lake was stocked with trout in the early winter and fishermen were reporting good results with Power Bait, Mepp's spinners and corn or cheese. For information call (520) 455-5847.

Roper Lake State Park
At the foot of Mount Graham, on a tributary of the Gila river, this 400-acre state recreation park offers fishing, camping and swimming. A level fishing pad has been provided for wheel-chair fishing access. Crappie is a favorite catch at nearby Dankworth Ponds. Both Roper Lake and Dankworth Ponds were also stocked with trout.

The park has seventy-one camping sites, restrooms, showers, and waste disposal facilities. Camping stays are limited to fifteen days. Non-fishermen can enjoy hiking, swimming and picnicking. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake and the ponds. Exit the interstate (I-10) at exit 355 or 352, between Bowie and Willcox. Go north about 30 miles on highway 191. The park is four miles south of Safford. (928) 428-6760

Although this park was scheduled to close March 29, 2010, attempts are being made to save it. Pending Commission approval, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will provide financial assistance to keep Roper Lake State Park open until June 3.

The Arizona Department of Game and Fish regulates sport fishing in the state and provides a wealth of information at their website.

Recommended reading. Order it today from amazon.com

Fishing Arizona: The Guide to Arizona's Best Fishing

Guy Sagi's new Arizona fishing book includes urban lakes and Mexican destinations. Fishing Arizona: The Guide to Arizona's Best Fishing is a 272-page softcover that promises to become a tackle box favorite. It includes more than a hundred of the state's most popular waterways, including all sixteen enrolled in the Arizona Game and Fish Department's family-friendly Urban Fishing Program. This newly revised edition contains detailed information on each lake and river including: size, history, driving directions, notable catches, maps, facilities, species of fish available, depths and much more. Fishing Arizona also takes a look at some of the huge largemouth being caught regularly in Mexico, and includes six destinations south of the border.

Arizona Waterways, a pocket guide to boating and fishing in Arizona by Mary E. Young. This convenient guide will fit in the glove compartment of your car.

Identifying fish:
Johnson, Dan. Fish of Arizona Field Guide (The Fish of). Cambridge, MN: Adventure Publications, Inc., 2008. Useful information in a handy little book with waterproof pages.