Fishing Stage - Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Location-Specific Discussions and Fishing Report Requests
Fishing First time at The Woods Canyon Lake near Payson AZ this weekend
Arizona Fishing
May 25, 2023 14:35:54   #
CubsFan1 Loc: Eloy, AZ
 
Hi All. My name is Michael and first time poster. My Wife and I are going to the Payson AZ area this Holiday weekend. We are all set with accomodations. Was just wondering what we should know ahead of time for fishing at The Woods Canyon Lake? We both have not fished in over 20 years and that was back in the Midwest. We have our AZ fishing licenses and plan on just doing catch and release fishing. We do plan on renting a boat at the Marina and understand it is first come first serve. Do we need a parking permit as well? Any other fishing tips are greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance! Michael

Reply
May 26, 2023 14:09:19   #
Stevemac Loc: San Tan Valley AZ
 
You won't need a parking permit if you are just there to fish. It is going to be crowded for the holiday weekend so I would plan on getting there early. I have done well trolling spinners and spoons from a boat and power bait and nightcrawlers work good there if you want to fish with bait. The guys at the boat dock can probably give you a fishing report too. Good luck!!!

Reply
May 26, 2023 17:24:11   #
CubsFan1 Loc: Eloy, AZ
 
Thank you so much for the tips and for responding!
Have a great Holiday weekend.

Michael

Reply
 
 
May 27, 2023 16:17:33   #
UserNameAlreadyTaken Loc: Central Arizona
 
CubsFan1 wrote:
Thank you so much for the tips and for responding!
Have a great Holiday weekend.

Michael


Maybe I'll see you there!
We might have to find some good spots for fishing from shore.
Boat rental starts hours after sunrise and end hours before sunset.
While waiting for a boat on Sunday, ask around for UserNameAlreadyTaken, and maybe we can share some fish stories!

Reply
May 27, 2023 18:25:38   #
CubsFan1 Loc: Eloy, AZ
 
Ok. Will do!

Reply
May 28, 2023 16:18:47   #
UserNameAlreadyTaken Loc: Central Arizona
 
Hey, Cubs fan.
We decided to fish from shore.
The early session brought in 4 Rainbows. One pan size, and 3 around 18 - 20 inches.
Hoping for more of the same in the evening session.

Reply
May 28, 2023 16:46:19   #
CubsFan1 Loc: Eloy, AZ
 
What time did you fish this morning? We got there at 8am and rented a boat and motor for 4 hours. We had no luck and it was getting crowded. We actually turned the boat in 1 hour early.

Reply
 
 
May 28, 2023 16:46:52   #
CubsFan1 Loc: Eloy, AZ
 
Good luck with your evening fishing!

Reply
May 28, 2023 16:50:29   #
UserNameAlreadyTaken Loc: Central Arizona
 
Started around 7. I normally try to start around sunrise when the fish are jumping.
I'm on vacation. Alarms aren't invited.

Reply
May 30, 2023 08:20:59   #
MarkTWright Loc: AZ
 
UNAT...You caught 3 around 18-20"? What area? I've fished there for years and never seen anything larger than 13-14". Share your preferred method?

Mark

Reply
May 30, 2023 21:20:04   #
RatherB.Fishn Loc: Arizona
 
I’m very surprised a 20 incher came out of there.

Reply
 
 
May 30, 2023 22:10:41   #
Stevemac Loc: San Tan Valley AZ
 
I hooked one on a nightcrawler from the shore last week that took off for the center of the lake and almost spooled me. I broke the leader on it trying to pull it up on the rocks, yep I forgot my net that day. That fish was at least 24" or bigger. I have caught few that were in the 16" to 18" range already too! Maybe the stocked a few jumbos in there or they got big over the long winter.

Reply
May 31, 2023 10:41:58   #
MarkTWright Loc: AZ
 
Well, hooking up the boat!

Reply
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Location-Specific Discussions and Fishing Report Requests
FishingStage.com - Forum
Copyright 2018-2024 IDF International Technologies, Inc.