Urban Fishing

Stocking Schedule

Arizona's Urban Fishing Program is recognized nationally as one of the best in the country. The Program is a partnership with the Game and Fish Department and local Parks and Recreation Departments to intensively stock and manage park lakes for fishing recreation. Simply put, the Program operates on the premise that "if people can't get out of town to fish, we will bring fish into town for the people." The Program provides convenient, affordable, accessible and fun fishing for anglers of all ages and abilities.

There are currently 21 designated Urban Fishing Program lakes in 11 cities. These lakes are intensively stocked from 20-24 times per year with trout, catfish and sunfish. The cost of bringing these keeper-sized fish into city park lakes means that anglers age 14 and over must purchase a $18.50 Class U Urban Fishing license to fish Urban Program lakes. Another license option is the $53.00 resident or $63.00 nonresident Class L Super Conservation Fishing license that is valid for both statewide and Urban waters. Participating lakes are identified by signs posted at each park. Check for lake locations, park hours and regulations, fish species lists, and all kinds of fishing information in the 2012 Urban Fishing Guidebook [PDF, 11mb] available at your nearest license dealer, Game and Fish office, or as a download (PDF) from this site.

These specially designated Program lakes are stocked with healthy, catchable fish on an every-other week basis throughout most of the year. Farm-raised channel catfish (15-18 inch average) are stocked from mid March through late June and from late September through mid November. Rainbow trout (9-12 inch average) are stocked from mid November to March. Sunfish are stocked two times during the year; once in the spring and once in the fall. There are no fish stockings scheduled between July 1 and September 15 due to high lake temperature conditions and the high risk of transporting fish this time of year.

Many fishing clinics and educational programs are held each year at park lakes. Youth participation is a high priority and they represent 25% of the Program participants. In addition to catching healthy and delicious 11-inch trout and 1.8 pound catfish, anglers benefit socially and psychologically by spending time with friends and family and relaxing along the shores of a sparkling lake in a comfortable and safe park setting-making a positive quality-of-life impact for our communities.

          Why fish Urban Program lakes?

All lakes are intensively stocked

Lakes and parks are well maintained

Fishing is a fun and rewarding sport

Anyone can fish

Fishing is relaxing and peaceful

Parks are pleasant and safe environments

Fish are safe to eat and good for you