Yuma's Best 2012: Colorado River

It would seem the Yuma area's dedicated anglers go back and forth when it comes to picking a favorite fishing hole.

Anglers who voted in the 2009 edition of Yuma's Best reader poll held annually by the Yuma Sun picked the Colorado River as the area's Best Place to Fish. For 2010, they picked Mittry Lake, and for 2011 it was Martinez Lake.

For 2012, they've gone back to picking the river.

The river contains channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, crappie, largemouthed bass and some striped bass, said Russ Engel, fisheries program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Yuma office.

Owing to dredging work going on in the river between Imperial and Laguna dams, Engel recommends fisherman pursue their sport either to the north of that stretch or to the south.

Above Imperial Dam, anglers will need boats, given the lack of access to shorelines. South of Laguna Dam, they will be able to find more places along the banks where they can cast lures or baited hooks.

Engel reminds fishermen about Arizona's fishing regulations, among them:

• A fishing license is required for resident and non-resident anglers 14 and over.

• South of Parker Dam, bag limits for fish caught on the river are six bass, 10 of any combination of catfish, and 25 crappie.

• A Colorado River stamp is required of anglers who fish in the river from a boat or from the California side.

For more information, call the Yuma office of the Game and Fish Department at (928) 342-0091 or visit www.azgfd.gov.