Upper Salt River is hot

[AZ RIVERMAN]

I'VE BEEN FISHING THE UPPER SALT RIVER FOR ABOUT TWELVE YEARS NOW AND THE SWITCH HAS JUST TURNED ON!! THE WATER TEMP IS PERFECT FOR EASY LIMITS. IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR MY BUDDY AND I TO LEAVE WITH FIFTY CATS IN A SIX HOUR PERIOD. AVAREGE TWO POUNDS....SEVERAL FIVE AND UP.....ALWAYS A FEW TEN AND UP, AND AT LEAST A COUPLE 40+ # FLATHEADS A SUMMER. YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING.......NOT JUST ANY RIGGING AND LOCATION WILL GET YOU NUMBERS.

[AZflats]

That's impressive...

Why do you need 50 catfish??? Own a restaurant?

[Apache Flats]

You don't really leave with 50 catfish do you? Maybe its just a misprint nobody eats that much fish.

[AZ RIVERMAN]

THAT'S A SILLY QUESTION. WHEN YOU HAVE A LARGE FAMILY THE FISH DOESN'T LAST LONG. DON'T YOU ALWAYS TRY TO CATCH YOUR LIMIT? YOU SHOULD IT'S FUN A DELICIOUS.

[badben345]

thats good on you azRiverman! no one will beleive this but, i stopped trout fishing from the guilt. yeah, thats right. i admit it. i am a CNR guy. dont eat fish. but love catchin'em! up in alpine i used to fish the streams up there. but i would only have like 50% live/kill rate. now, i fish for catfish and bass. i dont recall kulling any yet. but yeah, my mum loves to eat her some fried catfish!


ben

[Apache Flats]

The point I was trying to make was, did you really take that many catfish "50" home from one trip? I do keep a few of mine also, last year I took home 3 total from the whole year. I mostly CPR mine, my hope is my fishing holes to be productive year in year out.

[AZflats]

I'VE BEEN FISHING THE UPPER SALT RIVER FOR ABOUT TWELVE YEARS NOW AND THE SWITCH HAS JUST TURNED ON!! THE WATER TEMP IS PERFECT FOR EASY LIMITS. IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR MY BUDDY AND I TO LEAVE WITH FIFTY CATS IN A SIX HOUR PERIOD. AVAREGE TWO POUNDS....SEVERAL FIVE AND UP.....ALWAYS A FEW TEN AND UP, AND AT LEAST A COUPLE 40+ # FLATHEADS A SUMMER. YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING.......NOT JUST ANY RIGGING AND LOCATION WILL GET YOU NUMBERS.

How you do'in it River man?

That is about 1 catfish every 7.2 minutes... Do you shore fish? boat? Fish at night, are you using live bait? Trot lines?

* How about a picture or two...

[MichaelP]

How you do'in it River man?

That is about 1 catfish every 7.2 minutes... Do you shore fish? boat? Fish at night, are you using live bait? Trot lines?

* How about a picture or two...
Shotgun...poison....trained falcon....magic fish flute...

[Da Chummer]

magic fish flute...

That is funny stuff. :smile2: I guess it's good we are all fisherman and know how to use waders, cuz it's gettin deep in here. Dude we need some pics of this amazing harvest or i don't see anyone believeing you.

[GETHOOKED]

Got to call BS on this one. Fish the upper on a regular and do good, but not 50 or even 25. Nice try but veteran fisherman here--friend:0a37:

[MichaelP]

I can count on one hand how many times Ive caught(and released)close to that many fish. If everyone took that many, there wouldnt be any left in no time at all.

[micah]

My BROTHERS are harsh today. RUDY can't even go out and have a good night fishing without getiing razzed.
I'm not sure if your on here much Rudy but just in case I'll explain... Most of us (BOC members) practice "catch and release." I think most realize that some harvest. Especially those with a lot of mouths to feed. If your stranded at the lake and you have to eat 60lb flatheads to survive there's still going to be some that are upset you didnt trap a deer or eat ants to survive. Most of us believe that catch and release preserves our sport for future generations. One of the most frustrating things about fishing for me is pracicing catch and release and then watching people Gut 15 to 20 year old catfish.

Micah

[Lenny The Lamb]

I have heard tales of the upper salt before, so I was gettin reay to load the truck, until a few of you brought me back to my senses!! Unfortunately I don't catch enough to dent the cat population, so I do keep a few here and there that are in that good eating slot, and I have never really heard of anyone having a problem with that.
Hitting Bartlett this weekend. Anyone have any thoughts on what this drastic weather change is going to do to the fishing??

[AZflats]

I have heard tales of the upper salt before, so I was gettin reay to load the truck, until a few of you brought me back to my senses!! Unfortunately I don't catch enough to dent the cat population, so I do keep a few here and there that are in that good eating slot, and I have never really heard of anyone having a problem with that.
Hitting Bartlett this weekend. Anyone have any thoughts on what this drastic weather change is going to do to the fishing??

Hey Lenny,
Your guess is as good as mine...
* I'm certainly not saying don't go, cause anytime you can get out is a good time to go..

* I have had luck at Bartlet before fronts, during fronts, but seldomly after fronts...

* If you can't find any flats shallow, just keep going deeper.. Try one bait in as deep as 40 feet...

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

[azfisher]

Keep killing 50 fish a trip and you wont be catching them for long. After hearing that load I wont be ever fishing up there. You know since we have an over population problem on catfish RIGHT! When are they going to change the regs on this so bozo the clown here doesn't catch every fish in Arizona in a year. Hope I never witness nothing like that.

[Lenny The Lamb]

Right on Andy!! It was just confirmed my motor is fixed, so couldn't keep me off the lake this weekend for anything. Don't know where this weather came from all of a sudden, but not gonna let it get me down. I will be clock watchin bad tomorrow at work!!
Hopefully I will have some photos come Tuesday!!

[AZflats]

Right on Andy!! It was just confirmed my motor is fixed, so couldn't keep me off the lake this weekend for anything. Don't know where this weather came from all of a sudden, but not gonna let it get me down. I will be clock watchin bad tomorrow at work!!
Hopefully I will have some photos come Tuesday!!

Good luck Lenny,
Fishing will probably be tough.. This feels like a winter storm.. 56 degress outside.. It is crazy...

~A

[tdpasser]

Dang dude I keep fish till I have enough for the winter and spring then CPR the rest. The larger fish hold the largest skeens which mean more babies. Rudy start catching carp you can get a lot of fillet meat fron the large ones and they are good smokers. Just let the baby carp go so we can catch'em. Flathead cats are a high quality fish and should not be over harvested. Every fillet I get is a special meal for me and my family. Please don't take 50 Flats from the Salt plain and simple that's abusing the fishery no matter what the limit is.

[SilencedMajority]

I agree with most above, sure it might be within your legal limits to catch and keep that many fish, but please try and be concious of how that might affect the ecosystem you are visiting. I'm sure most people would rather catch ten fish a weekend for years instead of fifty fish a weekend for a month. I wouldn't say that harvest is sustainable.

If I needed to keep that many fish, I'd go for stripers up at Powell or even here at Pleasant where the population can take hits like that.

[LONE STAR]

Good Morning from N. Carolina Fellas, I'm in the military and just received orders to report in to Yuma, AZ in August. I'm trying to find out some info on the wheres and hows of AZ rivers and it sounds like you fellas know what your talking about. And yes I do own a pair of wanders so inlighten me.:smile2:

[gilmafam]

Good Morning from N. Carolina Fellas, I'm in the military and just received orders to report in to Yuma, AZ in August. I'm trying to find out some info on the wheres and hows of AZ rivers and it sounds like you fellas know what your talking about. And yes I do own a pair of wanders so inlighten me.:smile2:

Welcome aboard the BOC Joe Lopez..... several guy in the Yuna area and I"m sure that they will post some infor for you.....

LOL.... need more than waders here, as it will get hot in that August heat.... got to talk to Gary "Tofish" and several others regarding the hot spots... I mean fishing spots.....

Lots of canals etc to fish from in the evenings when it cools down a degree or two...LOL

From the beach in California..... Bayrunner Ray

[aburk]

We all know this guy did not bring home 50 catfish! Who in there right mind would sit at home and continue to skin 50 catfish, i will usually just take three or four and thats enough skinnin right there, but 50 my ass!

[micah]

Tat's kind of what I was thinking..... I'll filet 50 crappie but flat's. That sounds like turning a fishing trip into work

Micah

[Cat-dory]

I cant quite figure out who exactly died and made you guys GOD ? I personally release most of my fish , but I also have caught alot of cats in the upper salt !
Just last month I fished for less than 2 hrs and caught 9. Had I had more Bluegills could have done even better.
The thing that is wrong with this whole picture is that you dont believe the guy , and then you start bitching about him keeping too many ??
Keep practicing your catch and release methods , I love it cause that means more for me...lol
Thanks for releasing your BIG fish......they taste great !

[GETHOOKED]

CAT--- looks like your a real "winner":dribble: and looks like your gonna make a lot of friends here in AZ. By the looks of all your recent posts, you cant even identify the fish you catch. "welp--looks like we got ours selves another-well im not sure ma- just throw her in the live well and thats some good eatin"!

Before you come on here as a rookie, learn how to be a real fisherman, not just some dumb ass. Learn the importance of CPR, expecially here in AZ. There are too many people to here that fish, to always keep all your fish, or even the big ones. Remarks like that, and the picture of you and your "bud" keeping a 60 and 30 lber are just stupid. If you are catching that many, why would you kill a 60lber. So you could go home and show your "cousins" how great of a fisherman you are? SHow em a pic, keep a couple smaller ones. Pretty sure a 60 and a 30 lber would feed a army for a year.

But I would keep your smart ass attitude to yourself if you want to come on this site, no one welcomes that here!!

Just my opinion.

[Cat-dory]

Like I said...Opinions are like ass-holes. Everyones got one that they want to shove down someones throat.....Quite frankly I wouldnt waste my time posting any more on here.

[Cat-dory]

That there are people like you in the world. You disrespect myself , my cousins (that dont live here) and my mother.
I dont have a livewell in my boat , and am aslo a native of this state. Yes...I did post some wrong pictures of fish , not that I cant identify them , but rather because Im very nearsighted looking at the small thumbnails....so why would you want to Crucify me ?
I simply have a different perspective on life than yourself , why would that be so hard to accept ? As a matter of fact...THE ONLY FISH WE KEPT THIS WHOLE YAEAR WAS THE 60 ! And the only reason it was because my friend wanted lots of pictures and such , getting it weighed. I wouldnt release a fish that was not going to recover.
So why once again is someone (myself) defending their actions on here with a forum bullies as yourself ?
Havent you ever heard the expression..."you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar".
Like I said earlier.."Keep releasing the BIG ones , they are much easier to clean than the smaller"...More for me !
Thats my story...and I could give a shit less what your opinion is !

[micah]

I have to aggree with gethooked. You are an idiot. Thanks for not posting anymore. This sight is for fisherman not morons.....

[Cat-dory]

I gues if I keep a large fish everyonce in a while , that makes me a moron ?
I think Im sticking around for a while , Its been a while since I heard the Pot calling the Kettle black...lol

[Cat-dory]

Tell me...Did you CPR that Huge Bison ? Or , how about releasing that trophy elk ? Dont the smaller cows taste better ?
Oh...I suppose this makes you a bigger man than the BIG man you already are ? What a hypocrite...lol

[gtbait]

There's a reason the state employes biologists that work directly with the powers that dictate creel and size limits. If 10 fish won't hurt the future of a species as a "resource" then keep your 10. Regardless of size. There's nothing at all altruistic about releasing fish if you find a need to condemn another angler for keeping their fish. Harvest what

[gtbait]

There's a reason the state employ's biologists that work directly with the powers that dictate creel and size limits. If 10 fish won't hurt the future of a species as a "resource" then keep your legal 10. Regardless of size. There's nothing at all altruistic about releasing fish if you find a need to condemn another angler for keeping their fish. Harvest what you will legally. Release what you will. Catch, cull and cook for someone that doesn't fish, clue them in to what the idea of conservation is. I practice CPR, Catch, Prepare and Reward myself, family and friends with the bounty God's blessed us with. If there's a need for a picture to remind you of the size or amount of fish you caught what did you choose to discount of the rest of the trip? I've fished for pleasure, size, amount, food and for a living. I won't fish for accolades by taking a picture and touting my beliefs as to what is then mine to do with as I please. Enough out of me, this isn't fishin' this is mongering of a different nature.

[Cat-dory]

I know that this is a good site. Also I see what isnt right in my eyes as the bullies try to rule. My motto is if a guy keeps ALL his fish and doesnt waste it thats ok. If a guy realeases ALL his fish , thats great too. I just got tired of seeing a new guy come on with happy news ( in his mind )and then get blasted with comments of being a liar and bieng disrespected because he doesnt practice CNR ! Comments like " what , You own a resteraunt" arent right.
I happen to practice CNR about 95 % of the time. My friend was soo excited about catching a huge fish , there was NO way I was going to deny him his moment in the spotlight.
Im going to drop this flame war right now. You are right....Thanks.

[azfisher]

I agree with the others you retarded if you think that 50 fish aren't going to effect the ecosystem. And what makes you retarded it looks to me that those are the waters that you fish (Roosevelt). Look at any watershed throughout history. In the past the pioneers of this country almost killed off all sport fish at one time or another. So use use use and use some more and watch what happens.

[azcatman]

I'm going to have to chime in now. I practice catch and release for the most part but that is my choice. And yes I'll talk to other people about doing the same BUT as long as they are fishing within the law then as far as I'm concerned they can keep what they catch. I think in the long run it is better to try and teach CPR instead of shoving it down peoples throat as long as what they are doing is legal. It is the individuals choice on whether to CPR or not. Sure I don't like big cats being kept but that is my opinion. Who am I to put someone down that keeps them as long as what they are doing is legal AND the fish don't go to waste. The state has laws and set limits for a reason and that reason is so that people can keep fish for personal use. Just my .02 worth on this matter..... Azcatman

[Cat-dory]

Josh...
I wont dignify your name calling with a response. Your pathetic !

[Lenny The Lamb]

I just want one of those monsters in my posession, so I can have the chance to make the decision on what to do with it!!

[MichaelP]

Hmmm, did cat-dory leave or get the ban stick?

[Da Chummer]

That was pretty sad. I can't see keeping 50 flatheads or doubt that was even true. But to give somone a hard time about keeping a single 60lbr and chasing them off or getting them banned is bullshit. Somebody catches a decent fish and everybody has to CPR him to death. Why? It seems that the guys that are having a hard time catching a "big" one are the only ones giving the guy a hard time. It is not his fault if you can't catch a hog and he can. Everytime somone catches a decent fish, they get CPR'd to death. That is why you don't see me post pics of fish here anymore. It is the same thing that happened to me. I even had one person bitch about CPR to me and then ask to fish with me. WTF is that all about? It was done in a lawfull manner and was not over harvesting the flatheads, so whats the point of crying? Is it the cry of CPR or the cry of "it's his fault i can't catch a biggun"? That is what it is seeming like from my point of veiw. But what the hell i'm just another big fish killing asshole too. :smile2:

[Lenny The Lamb]

Chummer,
That's pretty funny stuff about giving you a hard time about your ethics, then asking to fish with you. It's possible that you're on to something about the people that complain the most, are the ones without any fish in the boat. It's always easier to be the arm-chair quarterback.

[Apache Flats]

Good luck to you cat-dory!!!! Everyone has their own beliefs on c&r, cpr, select harvesting, and keeping their fish as long as its within legal limits to each his own. I will try not to push mine on others! I personally look forward to hearing the success stories on this site hoping someday to break the 40lb mark.

[loop]

I always have to shake my head and smile at the die hard CPR people who think they have a cystal ball to tell them just how many fish that 40 or 50 lb fish is going to prodce after they catch them.Just because he/she has lived long enough to reach that size has little to do with how hardy of a fish health wise he/she is, it just shows hes alittle smarter than some and hasn't been caught.What about the fifty smaller fish how many offspring will they produce, it's more likely those fifty will end up producing more fish than the one or two larger ones.I liked the post about people setting the limits as to taking of fish theres a reason for setting those limits, it's to make sure that the population doesn't become depleted.I CPR some but I also keep some I take enough to feed my family during the year no more but sometimes less:smile2: than I really need.But thats fishing sometimes you win sometimes you loose.CPR and Keeping your limit is up to each person trying to force your ways on others isn't the thing to do.As far as the actual amount of fish caugh in the first post , never knew a fisherman that didn't strech the story alittle but I don't really care true or not. As long as it was legal thats the thing.My problem is he never told about the conditions and the style of fishing and the bait, so I might learn how to cath a mess of fish.
Loop

[azcatman]

Well it seems I'm not alone on my way of thinking. Da Chummer I would fish with you anytime. We think a lot alike I believe. As for posting pictures I will continue to do so because so many people get enjoyment from it and if I catch hell over it for one reason or another so be it. And if for whatever reason I decide to keep some of the fish I caught well that is my choice. I for one like to eat flatheads but I don't keep many. Again my choice. What really gets me are people that catch big fish then show them off and end up throwing them away. I've heard of it more than once and that is sad. Good luck to all this summer. Now let's get back to fishing!!!!!!!

[Capt catfish]

This whole thread is pathetic,and no one is getting anywhere.Pretty damn easy to see that from where I sit......some of you need to crack a cold one,or go fishing and relax.Its a forum about fishing for gods sake... lol

[Capt catfish]

That was pretty sad. I can't see keeping 50 flatheads or doubt that was even true. But to give somone a hard time about keeping a single 60lbr and chasing them off or getting them banned is bullshit. Somebody catches a decent fish and everybody has to CPR him to death. Why? It seems that the guys that are having a hard time catching a "big" one are the only ones giving the guy a hard time. It is not his fault if you can't catch a hog and he can. Everytime somone catches a decent fish, they get CPR'd to death. That is why you don't see me post pics of fish here anymore. It is the same thing that happened to me. I even had one person bitch about CPR to me and then ask to fish with me. WTF is that all about? It was done in a lawfull manner and was not over harvesting the flatheads, so whats the point of crying? Is it the cry of CPR or the cry of "it's his fault i can't catch a biggun"? That is what it is seeming like from my point of veiw. But what the hell i'm just another big fish killing asshole too. :smile2:
well said! i must say you have many valid points. And you hit the nail on the head about posting pics.....if i did the whiners would be out in full effect.....

[AZflats]

.....if i did the whiners would be out in full effect.....

If you did... (Captain, Are you holding out on us?) lol

This site is for sharing of information, tricks, techniques, and what is working right now.. And of course a little bragging.. As a fisherman myself, I know that bragging a little about a catch is in our blood...

When I joined this site, I had spent years trying to catch a flathead over 20#... I accomplished this by asking questions and posting my results to be critiqued. The BOC and the people associated with it to me is a valuable tool...

* The gentleman that made the original post did not provide any good information, and on top of that, I thought it was a little derogatory towards the group... Maybe my statement about owning a restaurant was a little bit off, but... But I felt he owed us a little bit of follow up info about what he is up to.. Because, if he doesn’t, then that post does nobody any good and people are more likely to think he was lying...

** I love posting pictures and sharing what I know, and I will continue to do so. Because of that I feel very strongly about Catch, photo, and release of big fish. And I also feel strongly about teaching the importance of CPR... I hope everyone that visits this site picks up information that makes their next trip successful.. And I also hope that by visiting this site people learn of the importance of selective harvest... There are a lot of catfish, but also a lot of cat fishermen.. I want the AZ cat fishing to be just as good, if not better for my kids when they get older..

[Capt catfish]

Yes I guess I am holding out.I retired from the urbans ( and state waters)to golf course ponds in my neighborhood,due the the lack of fishing pressure.I take a few here and there to eat or give away to friends,but I fully realize that i am the only pressuse on my spot,and if it gets f***** up,its soley my fault.Some people might not feel comfortable sharing to much info here,seeing how there DO seem to be a few nazis running around here.....NOT to you or anyone in general,but a lot of the ravings in this thread could turn some people off......I am sorry,i was up late fishing,so excuse my random ramblings.......Oh,and your D backs need some work brother ;)

[MichaelP]

Flatheads are a rarity here in arizona as Game and Fish view them as an invasive pest species more than anything. Any fish that is in the 50-60 lb weight range has to be old enough to be one of the first fish stocked here and that in my opinion gives it reason enough to be released. Not only that, but bigger fish accumulate far more DDT and mercury than other smaller fish that were not around during arizonas cotton agriculture days so if you want some cancer, have at it. Lets face it. Catfish arent hard to catch if you know what youre doing, and are extremely susceptable to fishing pressure. Look at the urban lakes, hell, theyre fished out a week after theyre stocked with hundreds of cats.
I guess the bottom line is this. A few idiots who take more than they can use arent going to make that much of an impact. Its up to us to put pressure on Game and Fish to adequately manage the resources we do have. It pisses me off when I hear they are stocking "fingerling" bass in the lakes as I see more bass than any other fish in the water. Might as well be stocking carp as far as Im concerned. Do they ever stock any types of catfish? Not since Ive been here in 36 years. Only by voicing our concerns and making our voices heard as sport fishermen can we change this blatent bias.

[AZflats]

Oh,and your D backs need some work brother ;)

They are looking pretty good to me...

[Da Chummer]

Flatheads are a rarity here in arizona as Game and Fish view them as an invasive pest species more than anything. If the Flathead numbers were low then they wouldn't be considered a pest. There are so many of them they are eating up the so called "important fish". That is why they are dubbed a "pest".

Any fish that is in the 50-60 lb weight range has to be old enough to be one of the first fish stocked here and that in my opinion gives it reason enough to be released. Catfish only live 25 to 30 years. I'm sure there are ones that live slightly longer or shorter just like us. Flatheads were stocked in the 40's i doubt there are any 68 year old Flatheads out there.


Not only that, but bigger fish accumulate far more DDT and mercury than other smaller fish that were not around during arizonas cotton agriculture days so if you want some cancer, have at it. I agree. (not that is matters :big_smile: )

Lets face it. Catfish arent hard to catch if you know what youre doing, and are extremely susceptable to fishing pressure. Look at the urban lakes, hell, theyre fished out a week after theyre stocked with hundreds of cats. There is a big difference between farm raised stocked channel cats and wild grown large Flatheads. If large flatheads were as dumb as the stockers then we'd all be rippin them out. I don't see as many large flatheads being pulled out compared to the number of us that fish for them.

I guess the bottom line is this. A few idiots who take more than they can use arent going to make that much of an impact. Its up to us to put pressure on Game and Fish to adequately manage the resources we do have. Actually Carp and Catfish were Jim wernekes favorites fish. He did alot for the two. I used to spend hours bugging him on the phone. To bad he is retired. It seems none at the AZGF has the time to talk to me anynmore like he did.

It pisses me off when I hear they are stocking "fingerling" bass in the lakes as I see more bass than any other fish in the water. More food for the Flatheads is how i look at it. Might as well be stocking carp as far as Im concerned. Even more food. Do they ever stock any types of catfish? Not since Ive been here in 36 years. I have never heard, read or seen any cats stocked other than urban lakes.

Only by voicing our concerns and making our voices heard as sport fishermen can we change this blatent bias. That i agree on. Without Jim around we are definitely going to have to get on em.

is this at least 15 letters.......?

[SilencedMajority]

I have to agree that flatheads are somewhat poorly managed as a game fish in this state. Maybe I can help to change that when I get out of school though.

It would be nice to have lake-specific flathead regulations for some places (like they do with trout), so that there could be some trophy C&R fisheries and some other lakes with higher bag limits and such. That way people can choose where they'd rather fish based on what they want to accomplish.

I had the pleasure of catching a 19" rainbow out of Becker lake (a trophy-regulations trout lake) early this summer, something I could never do at another lake that didn't have the strict limits (besides incentive stockers).

[SilencedMajority]

Yes I guess I am holding out.I retired from the urbans ( and state waters)to golf course ponds in my neighborhood,due the the lack of fishing pressure.

lol wear dark clothes and be ready to run! I've got a few harsh warnings from some pretty pissed off night guards at some courses in mesa. But ZERO fishing pressure and monster bass and cats is just too much to pass on!

p.s. a guard told me the reason I can't fish in the ponds is because the fish in there are expensive and stocked to control algae. I've never seen a bass or cat with a belly full of algae!

[Capt catfish]

lol wear dark clothes and be ready to run! I've got a few harsh warnings from some pretty pissed off night guards at some courses in mesa. But ZERO fishing pressure and monster bass and cats is just too much to pass on!

p.s. a guard told me the reason I can't fish in the ponds is because the fish in there are expensive and stocked to control algae. I've never seen a bass or cat with a belly full of algae!
Ive been lucky,I have never been hassled,and my course does not have guards. Ive even taken people there to fish with me,as long as they are quiet and respectfull of the houses withing shouting distance.Hell,my GF just hooked into her first fish here a couple weeks ago( a 4 lb channel) and now she is hooked(no pun intended)... i figure the first fish were stocked in this pond in the early 90s,and there are HuNDREDS of finger sized cats in there now,along with some 12+ lbs'ers......And it had the biggest green sunfish i have EVER seen...They eat ANYTHING that goes in the water.Its good to know that the cats are spawning in there thopugh,its maybe an acre in size....edit**** i am in Mesa as well,far east side....

[SilencedMajority]

I know what you mean about monster sunfish, they are so huge in those course ponds.

If the course you fish at is cool with people fishing thats great. I haven't found one yet buy maybe will. Its not a big deal getting caught for the first time, its when the guards see you as a repeat offender that they will try to do something.

[catfishhunter007]

hey az catman, how much did that one flathead you have a picture of weigh? That thing is huge. I dont think i have ever seen one that big.

[Lenny The Lamb]

I asked the same question, and he said he didn't have a scale big enough, but he estimated about 65lbs. Not to answer for him, but I have to look twice every time I see that picture!! The head on that beast is enormous. What a fish!! It was released also, so swimming at Roosevelt is now at your own risk!!

[tdpasser]

check azflats photo link for another monster.

[catfishhunter007]

HE LET IT GO? holy crap!!!! I hope i am the next one to hook up with fish for a date.......lol

[azcatman]

Yep she was released but that was in 05 so she is either dead or ALOT bigger. It would be nice to catch one that size again someday.

[woodchucker]

Theres nothing like releaseing a trophy fish.

[Lenny The Lamb]

Wow Woodchucker, that's another ginormous fish!!! What were the stats on that killer?

[woodchucker]

Lenny,
She went 48"x34" Relesed.Using differnt wieght equations I have came up with 66-70+lbs.My scale only went to 50lbs but does wiegh over,but dont know how accuate.Berkly 50lb scale.And I couldent hold the fish away from my body to get a good read on the scale.My back was sore for a week after that fight and photo session.
Watching her swim away was awsome!
Billy

[SilencedMajority]

Yeah thats an awesome fish!

I gotta agree that releasing the big ones is fun. Especially because of the 1,000 eggs they lay per pound of weight.

[catfishhunter007]

hey woodchucker, where did you catch that flathead at? in AZ?

[Lenny The Lamb]

Come on woodchucker...Don't leave us hangin. Where'd you get that thing so I can warn my son of another lake he might want to stay near shore at!! That thing is ridiculous!!

[woodchucker]

I got her on the river,around blythe.

[Kubush]

Nice cat, I havent fished that river yet but im tempted to make a trip.

[azcataholic]

Hello Rudy, I had met you one day at the dam about a month ago, I am planning on being there Monday , possibly I'll see you , when you told me you read everything online you could find about catfish I thought I might see you on this site. see you sometime mjg

[MichaelP]

Did AZ RIVERMAN go back under the bridge?

[Da Chummer]

No. He went to the diversion damn. :tounge_out:

[Apache Flats]

He is undercover now, he like disappeared. lol :smile2:

[MichaelP]

Rough crowd here today, ladies and gentlemen.....Hahhaha:smile2:

[team454ss]

I've been in the area about 6 months. Where are we talking exactly?

[topjimmy]

The reason the cat limits are so high is because they aren't truely sport fish in the way that bass are.

Many many many anglers regard cats as "trash" fish. If they disappeared, there would not be a huge uproar like there would be if the same thing happened with bass.

Sure, taking 50 fish probably won't eliminate cats, but it will put a serious dent in the number of large fish out there. How many 60 pound fish do you think there are in a lake the size of, say, Bartlett?

Do what you like as long as it is within the law. But one thing is for sure, I would be hesitant to give tips about where to fish to someone I knew was going to kill everything they caught.