November promises to provide excellent fishing at Urban Fishing Program lakes. The Phoenix and Tucson urban lakes have been loaded with catfish all fall with one last stocking this week (week of Oct. 29 – Nov. 3). Additionally, 15,000 bluegill will be stocked this week. Coming soon is the first trout delivery for the winter season that begins on Nov. 15 (see below for more information on the trout and bluegill stockings).

Top baits for catfish are hot dogs, shrimp, and stink baits with fish biting throughout the day. Anglers are enjoying a good catfish bite up to 10 days after stockings, with plenty of cats in the 2-pound range. Bluegill are biting well on a variety of baits (mealworms, worms, corn) and are ready to take small nymphs and poppers in the late mornings and afternoon. Using light tackle with small hooks and bobbers will keep you and the kids busy catching bluegill.

On Oct. 15, Green Valley Lakes (Payson) were stocked with rainbow trout, with the next stocking scheduled from Oct. 29 – Nov. 3. Trout up to 15 inches are biting well on Powerbait, worms and small spinners and jigs.

Last stocking:
Phoenix and Tucson Urban Fishing Program waters – Oct. 19 (catfish)
Green Valley Lakes (Payson) – Oct. 15 (trout – first delivery of the season)

Next stocking:
Phoenix and Tucson Urban Fishing Program waters – Oct. 29-Nov. 3 (catfish – last catfish delivery of fall season)
Green Valley Lakes (Payson) – Oct. 29-Nov. 3 (trout)