Can't find good place to fish

Having moved here recently, we thought it would be nice to go fishing. After all, there are lakes and a river. We went to Fish and Game and spent over $90 licenses and stamps.

First place we went was Martinez Lake. The shore of the lake is completely full of vegetation with no place to get to the water. We talked to some locals and a store clerk and they said you need a boat.

So the next day we go to Mittry Lake. The same thing, no place to get close to the water. The few spots that were open were full of RVs. The only fishing pier was next to a boat ramp. How are you supposed to fish next to a boat ramp with all that traffic? Keep in mind that we had a map from Fish and Game.

Next, we tried to find a place on the map that takes you to the river. You're supposed to take County 5E north. Didn't get very far before a farmer told us we shouldn't be there and that he has told Fish and Game to quit putting that area on the map.

So, then we tried two more areas just east of the old historic prison. These areas were also on the map. First area we went to, the road was closed. The second area had only a small primitive boat ramp with a couple already fishing there. And again, shoreline completely full of bushes.

Then we went to the Wetlands Park. You have to carry your fishing gear about a block to the water. Are you kidding me? There were quite a few people fishing the small pond inside the park. That wasn't much bigger than a rich man's swimming pool. That told us a lot right there. Then there was Redondo Pond (the sign said Yuma Pond). Same story — shoreline full of bushes and one pier to fish from. We went to Fortuna Pond — finally there was room to fish if you like all the RVs and all the other people there. The only port-a-potty was so bad you didn't want to use it.

Why can't Game and Fish, the state of Arizona, do something for the people here to fish? Clear some shorelines. We all can't afford a BOAT!

Joe Hoffstadt

Yuma