'A popular winter trout stocking location is Tempe Town Lake. Come join the "Welcome Back the Trout" celebration on the Tuesday afternoon (after the kids get out of school) before Thanksgiving. If you sign up for the Game and Fish Department's fishing clinic, you don't even need a fishing license that afternoon. It's a great fishing party. Donýt miss it.

'By the way, the 2007 fishing licenses are on sale for half price during November and December.

'Something new this year are the trout stockings at Apache Lake along the famous Apache Trail. Apache Lake also has plentiful yellow bass, largemouth bass and channel catfish. This picturesque lake along the Sal River Canyon is tucked between the Superstition Wilderness and the 3-Bar Wildlife Area, which means it is located in one of the most wild and scenic areas of the state. It's an adventure.

'If you are looking for an interesting place to take the kids, try Goldwater Lake along the Senator Highway in the Bradshaw Mountains just above Prescott. This quaint little lake in the pines is stocked with trout and also holds the hybrid sunfish record for the state. You almost expect to see Opie and Andy walking down the lane carrying their fishing poles and whistling "At the Fishing Hole."

"Two classic streams" Wet Beaver Creek and West Clear Creek ýin the Verde Valley are stocked with feisty rainbows. Both also offer some hike-in fish opportunities. The hikes are easy. Fishing the deep canyon pools is a ball.

"Oak Creek in picturesque Oak Creek Canyon is also stocked with trout in winter, and also has a catch-and-release stretch of stream that is renowned for its brown trout. Come experience a rainbow trout convergence.

"In southern Arizona, Patagonia, Parker Canyon and Pena Blanca lakes are all stocked with trout in winter. This area of Arizona is also boasting the best quail hunting in the state this year. They are also smack in the middle of Arizona's wine-making country.

News Source: Arizona F&G - Nov. 14, 2007