Game and Fish launching multi-tiered plan to improve fishing at Salt River lakes

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission gave its blessing to a multi-thrust, multi-year plan by department biologists to improve fishing quality at those Salt River lakes impacted by golden alga the last several years.

The adaptive-management plan, which could total approximately $1.8 million the next two years, includes fish stocking, biological research, additional habitat enhancement, and increased monitoring. The plan emphasizes utilizing partnerships and outside funding whenever possible.

“This is an adaptive-management plan. We will try things. If they work, we will duplicate our successes. If they don’t work, we’ll try something else. As we learn more about golden alga, we will fine-tune our efforts accordingly,” said Bob Broscheid, the assistant director for the Wildlife Management Division.

Saguaro, Canyon and Apache lakes have all been impacted by golden alga blooms. For instance, Saguaro Lake has again had recent shad die-offs due to golden alga, and Canyon Lake to a much lesser degree. Fishing quality has suffered significantly, especially at Saguaro and Apache lakes.

Although Canyon Lake has suffered some shad die-offs, for reasons still unknown to scientists, it has had less impact than Saguaro and Apache. It has continued to provide fishermen decent angling opportunities, especially for larger bass.

Apache was the first lake to experience what biologists believe was a golden alga fish die-off. However, its outlook is now more promising than it has been. Recent fish surveys show that Apache is showing signs of recovery for certain species, especially largemouth bass and walleye, although the devastated smallmouth bass fishery is still in jeopardy. The survey also shows a robust population of yellow bass at Apache.

This last winter, biologists and volunteers also installed artificial fish habitat on the exposed lakebed of Apache Lake when water levels decreased for dam work. The department, with the help of the Southwest Walleye Anglers, recently stocked the lake with 3.5 million walleye sac-fry.

At the top of the Salt River chain, Roosevelt Lake has not been affected by golden alga, but the plan calls for monitoring this tremendous warm water fishery as well, just in case.

Broscheid explained that department biologists will be adjusting their sights once more is known about the dynamics of golden alga, such as what triggers the alga blooms that result in fish die-offs. “We will be stocking largemouth bass into Saguaro Lake to help improve fishing quality at the classic bass fishery and will also be stocking smallmouth bass into Apache Lake,” Broscheid said.