Is Arizona really going to experience its best fishing in 25 years? What should you do if you meet up with a rattlesnake while hiking? How do Arizona's hawks and other birds of prey survive in our desert environment?

Come out to the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on March 29-30 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility and find out.

The Expo offers a series of entertaining and educational workshops on a variety of topics. For example, Fisheries Chief Kirk Young and Fishing Report Editor Rory Aikens will talk about how anglers can take advantage of what is shaping up to be a terrific year for fishing.

"Thanks to the historic filling of Roosevelt Lake this year and the fantastic runoff and nutrient loading into most Arizona fisheries, we are looking at some of the best fishing opportunities in a couple of decades or so," said Young.

Aikens pointed out that the fishing this year will vie with the tremendous fishing opportunities of the 1970s after Lake Powell filled and Lees Ferry was astounding anglers with stringers of giant rainbow trout that drew fishermen from around the world.

"While those fishing opportunities in the '70s were spectacular, they were fairly localized. This year, and perhaps in subsequent years as well, we are looking at tremendous fishing opportunities across most of Arizona for all types of sport fish," Aikens said.

The schedule of free outdoor workshops at the Expo is:

Saturday, March 29
10 a.m. - Majestic hunting partners: Falconry in Arizona.
11 a.m. - Quail hunting and bird dog tips.
Noon - Sky masters: Arizona's birds of prey.
12:45 p.m. - Arizona's best fishing in 25 years?
1:30 p.m. - Mother Earth and magic.
2:15 p.m. - Arizona's venomous reptiles.
3 p.m. - Traditional bowhunting in a modern world.

Sunday, March 30
10 a.m. - Basic dog training.
11 a.m. - Watchable wildlife: Tools, tips, techniques.
Noon - Sky masters: Arizona's birds of prey.
12:45 p.m. - Arizona's best fishing in 25 years?
1:15 p.m. - Arizona's venomous reptiles.
2 p.m. - Ever skin a grizz, pilgrim?
2:45 p.m. - River running.

The workshops will be held at the Family Fun Area near the archery range.

The department's Outdoor Expo has become the largest hands-on outdoor show in the state. Visitors can try out the latest firearms, learn specialty shooting, try their hand at archery, view live wildlife, learn about off-highway vehicle and boating recreation, and visit with more than 150 exhibitors.

Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. Admission and parking are free.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located at the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway in Phoenix. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo.