Arizona Anglers Can Enjoy Unlimited Rainbow Trout at C.C. Cragin Until April 1, 2014

Anglers are invited to take advantage of unlimited bag and possession limits for trout at C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge Reservoir) until April 1, 2014.

Because the Salt River Project is pumping water from C.C. Cragin until Nov. 1, there is a potential fish kill due to the lower water levels. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently approved a new regulation to give the public an opportunity to fish for these trout as the water is drawn during the summer and trout become more vulnerable to being caught.

Anglers are advised that the lake has not been stocked this year, and that fishing conditions may be poor until water levels are quite low.

SRP’s goal is to pump the reservoir down to 6,640 feet in elevation to conduct maintenance on the dam and intake structure, which also will allow the Arizona Game and Fish Department to begin repairing and improving boat access.

Maintenance work to be conducted in the fall could include removal of debris and logs from the intake and spillway, as well as inspection of facilities. The department is planning heavy construction on the boat ramp and the adjacent portion of the main road to the upper parking lot, which will result in closures of both roadways for significant periods.

Dates of boat ramp closures cannot be predicted.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is a state agency of Arizona, headquartered in Phoenix. The agency is tasked with conserving, enhancing, and restoring Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs. It also provides wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment of, appreciation by, and use by present and future generations.