Fishing Frequently Asked Questions Arizona Game and Fish Department

Are the fish safe to eat?

Relatively few human health advisories for consumption of wild fish in Arizona are issued. When they are, they come from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and/or the Arizona Department of Health Services. The Arizona Game and Fish Department works closely with these agencies. Any specific advisories will be posted at the affected lake sites. Also, all fish consumption advisories are posted on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/news under “Public Advisories.”

At what age do I need a fishing license?

Any resident or nonresident angler 14 years of age and older must have in possession a valid fishing or combination hunt/fish license. Be aware that an unlicensed youth under the age of 14 is allowed only half the limit for trout. You might want to consider purchasing a Family Fishing License, so your child can catch and keep the same limit as everyone else. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

Can a family member fish with my two pole stamp?

No, each family member must have his or her own valid fishing license. The two pole stamp allows an individual angler to fish with two poles at the same time. However, children under the age of 14 are not required to have a license. If you have older children, consider buying a Family Fishing License, in order to save money. Rules and regulations about fishing in Arizona are published in the Arizona Fishing Regulations. Visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish for additional information.

Can I catch and transport live crayfish to my home to cook them?

No. Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rule R12-4-316 states that except for a portion of Yuma County and a portion of La Paz County, you may not import, transport or possess live crayfish anywhere except at the body of water where caught. In other words, live crayfish can be used as live bait only in the body of water where they are found and may not be imported or transported between water bodies. To consume them at home, one must kill the crayfish before leaving the body of water where they were caught. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

Can I fish in the canals?

Yes, unless posted “no trespassing.” Anglers must have a valid fishing license in possession for state waters (not an urban fishing license) as per ARS 17-331. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

Can I fish with two poles at an urban lake?

If an angler wants to fish with two poles at an urban lake, they must have a two pole stamp in their possession. The two pole stamp can be affixed to either their current urban fishing license or state fishing license. If the two pole stamp is affixed to their state fishing license, then the angler must have both licenses in possession while fishing. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish and searching for Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules R12-4-101.17 and R12-4-313B.

Can I keep fish alive in my live well until I get home to clean them?

No. Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rule R12-4-315-A states that fish cannot be transported live from the waters where taken. Exceptions described in R12-4-316, refer to the lawful transportation of bait fish for personal use. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

Can I transport the fish I catch to my home pond?

No, you cannot transport live game fish. You are also required to have a stocking permit issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to stock ponds. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

Do I need a license to fish on private land?

No state fishing license is required to fish on impoundments located on private land. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

Do I need a trout stamp for my urban license?

No. Trout fishing privileges are included with the urban fishing license. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

Does a blind resident need any documentation in their possession to fish?

A legally blind Arizona resident does not need any documentation in his or her possession to fish, but it would be of benefit to an officer who checks in the field if he or she carried documentation. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

Does a person need a fishing license to fish in city parks that are not involved in the urban fishing program?

An Arizona state fishing license is required in city parks that are not involved in the Urban Fishing Program, provided that fishing is allowed at that particular city park. For more information on fishing requirements, contact the city governing the park in question. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

How many children under the age of 14 can fish with a licensed adult?

There is no restriction that requires children under the age of 14 to be licensed or to be with a licensed angler while fishing. An unlicensed child fishing for trout may take only one-half the daily bag limit. Where the limit is five trout, the unlicensed person may take three trout. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

I want to be a guide. What do I need to do?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department allows you to take the guide test at any department office. Prior to the test, the department will send you a study packet and application. You can then call the nearest Game and Fish office to make an appointment to take the test. The regional offices have set days for giving guide tests but may be able to make appointments on other days

Is chumming (throwing an attractant into the water) illegal?

No, chumming, such as using cracked corn to attract carp or using self-chumming dough baits for catfish, is legal in Arizona. However, throwing excessive amounts of odoriferous attractants, even if biodegradable, into the water could be considered littering. A citation could be issued under ARS 5-348. Some state and national parks could have restrictions against chumming. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

What are the current water levels for lakes and current river and stream flows?

Each week, the Arizona Game and Fish Department updates lake levels and river and stream flows on its Web site. Visit azgfd.gov/fish and select “Lake Levels.”

What do I need to fish at Lake Powell?

You need a valid Arizona fishing license, and if you are in the Utah portion of Lake Powell, you are required to have a Utah Lake Powell Stamp. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

What do I need to fish in Colorado River waters?

The Colorado River is an interstate boundary in several areas, and some special requirements apply, based on where you are fishing. Here’s a quick overview:

If you are an Arizonan and plan to fish from the Arizona shoreline, all you need is your Arizona fishing license (and a trout stamp, if you are fishing for trout). If you plan to fish from a boat or floating device, such as a float tube, from Lake Mead southward, then you will need the appropriate Colorado River Special Use Stamp to validate your license for the neighboring state. Here is some guidance:

BETWEEN ARIZONA AND NEVADA
People can fish from either shore and from the water with a Nevada or Arizona state fishing license and an Arizona-Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can only fish from the Nevada shore with a Nevada license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license. The Arizona-Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp validates your license to fish the interstate waters. The stamp costs $3.

BETWEEN ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA
People can fish from either shore and from the water with a California or Arizona state fishing license and a Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can only fish from the California shore with a California license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license. The Arizona-California Colorado River Special Use Stamp validates your license to fish the interstate waters. The stamp costs $3.

The following bodies of water are also affected by the Colorado River Stamp:

Mittry Lake - Arizona state license or California state license with the river stamp
Senator Wash - California state license or Arizona state license with the river stamp
West Pond - California state license only
Fortuna Pond - Arizona state license only
Squaw Lake - People can fish from either shore and from the water with a California or Arizona state fishing license and a Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can only fish from the California shore with a California license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license.
Martinez Lake - People can fish from either shore and from the water with a California or Arizona state fishing license and a Colorado River Special Use Stamp. Without the river stamp, people can fish only from the California shore with a California license and can only fish from the Arizona shore with an Arizona license.
All American Canal- California license only
Gila Gravity Canal - Arizona state license only

LAKE POWELL
Your Arizona fishing license is valid for the Arizona portion of Lake Powell. You can purchase a Utah Lake Powell Stamp for $8, which will validate your Arizona license and make all of Lake Powell in Utah available to you for fishing.
Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

What do I need to fish Lees Ferry?

A valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp are required to fish at Lees Ferry. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

What is a Colorado River Special-Use Stamp?

Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required when fishing from a boat on waters that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California or Nevada. Utah Lake Powell Stamps affixed to a valid Arizona state fishing license allow an Arizona resident to fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

What is the definition of "resident"?

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a resident is a person who has resided in Arizona for six months immediately preceding the date of application for a license or a member of the armed forces who has been stationed in Arizona for a period of 30 days immediately preceding the date of application for a license. A resident is a person who pays taxes, votes, licenses their vehicles and has a residence in Arizona and does not obtain resident benefits in another state or country at the same time.

What is the difference between a guide and an outfitter?

In Arizona, statutory laws and rules do not define or recognize “outfitter.” One can only obtain a guide’s license and must submit an annual report as such. The definition of a guide is a person who, for pay, aids or assists any person in taking wildlife.

What kind of fish did I catch?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site lists sport fish species found in Arizona. Visit azgfd.gov/fish. Then select “sport fish species.”

What lakes are included in the Urban Fishing Program?

The current list of designated urban lakes includes:
Town of Sahuarita – Sahuarita Lake
City of Tucson – Kennedy Lake, Lakeside Lake and Silverbell Lake
City of Chandler – Desert Breeze Lake
Town of Gilbert – Water Ranch Lake
City of Mesa – Red Mountain Lake and Riverview Lake
City of Peoria – Rio Vista Lake
City of Phoenix – Alvord Lake, Cortez Lake, Desert West Lake, Encanto Lake, Papago Ponds and Steele Indian School Park Lake
City of Scottsdale – Chaparral Lake
City of Tempe – Canal Lake and Kiwanis Lake
Town of Payson – Green Valley Lakes
City of Surprise – Surprise Lake

For additional information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Urban Fishing Program, visit the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

What types of fish are in _____ lake/river?

A list of the types of fish that can be found in specific bodies of water can be located by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov. Click on “Where to Fish,” and then click on the selected waterway name.

What types of fish are in the urban lakes?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks catchable rainbow trout during the winter (November to March) and channel catfish in the summer (March to November). Hybrid sunfish are stocked three times per year. Bluegill and other sunfish species are common, and occasional catches of largemouth bass are reported. Additional fish species, such as amur, redear sunfish, crappie and carp, are also found in some urban lakes. For additional information about the Urban Fishing Program, visit the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

When are you stocking next?

A fish-stocking schedule is available on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish. Click on “Stocking Schedule.” The stocking schedule usually shows the week of stocking. The Arizona Game and Fish Department doesn’t disclose the planned day of stocking except for special events.

When do I need a trout stamp?

When is the next (hunter, boating, fishing) education class?

Public education classes are posted on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/education.

Where can fishermen use live bait fish?

The use of live bait fish is regulated by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and is usually county- or river-specific, depending on the species of bait fish authorized. The Arizona Fishing Regulations should be consulted annually for the locations where live bait can be used. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/fish. Commission Rules that regulate the capture and transportation of live bait fish can be found in R12-4-313 and R12-4-316.

Where can I purchase a license?

You can purchase a hunting or fishing license at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office, at the department's Web site at azgfd.gov, and at most stores that have a sporting goods department, including Wal-mart and Kmart stores.