With warmer weather finally arriving, many sportsmen are planning their first fishing trip of the spring to get in on the great trout action this time of year.

As ice clears from higher elevation lakes, hungry trout that survived the long winter months will be biting well at most Mogollon Rim-area and White Mountain-area waters. An added plus is that most trout caught right after the winter ice-out will be larger-sized, chunky fish. Arizona Game and Fish Department personnel in the Pinetop regional office advise that regular stockings of rainbow and Apache trout will commence within two weeks where water conditions will allow.

Fisheries Program Manager Jim Novy stated, "We are currently evaluating all of our regional waters in order to begin stocking. Because of high runoffs from snow packs, spillage over reservoir dams, water turbidity, and additional, recent storms, we may have to delay stocking some area lakes and streams a little later this spring. However, we have plenty of trout available from the state hatcheries, and we’ll begin placing them soon." It is also at this time of year that Game and Fish officials wish to remind the public that there is a heavy emphasis placed on checking current-year licensing and boat registration, as well as boating safety equipment.

Bob Birkeland, Region I field supervisor, said, "The more common citations written this time of year are for failure to have a current fishing license or failure to have a trout stamp affixed to their general license when fishing for trout."

He noted that the cost of a trout stamp is included in a combination hunting and fishing license. The revenues generated from the sale of trout stamps go to underwrite the cost of raising trout at state hatcheries and stocking them.

Birkeland advises checking your boat registration and ensuring that the current year’s decal is affixed to your boat. If the registration isn’t current, it’s the individual’s responsibility to get it renewed.

"A wearable, personal floatation device (PFD) is required for each person on board a watercraft, regardless of its length," said Birkeland. "Seat cushions no longer meet the requirements for these vessels. Also, children 12 and under must wear their PFD anytime the boat is underway."

A good idea, Birkeland noted, is to check all PFD’s after winter storage. "Check the fabric for tears, rips, mildew, or rotting. Also look for missing straps or unserviceable buckles. Take no chances; discard all suspect preservers. Someone’s life may hinge on your actions. The Department’s desire is that everyone have safe outing while enjoying a spring trout fishing trip to the high country."