As the summer wears on here in Central Arizona, the search for more fishing in the State continues. In addition to discovering what many fly fisher folks already know, chasing carp in the canals that criss cross the Valley of the Sun (that’s the Phoenix area for non-locals), I have happened upon a relatively new trophy Bluegill fishery right here in Arizona - in fact two of them!

According to wideopenspaces.com the 5 spots from which the the next record Bluegill is likely to be caught are:

Richmond Hill Lake in North Carolina

Lake Havasu on the Arizona/California border

Ketona Lake in Alabama

C. J. Strike Reservoir in Idaho

Goldwater Lake in Arizona

That’s right! 2 of the top 5 spots are right here in Arizona! So, don’t let a little virus keep you from fishing for those huge hawgs. They’re right here. If you can’t social distance on a reservoir the size of Lake Havasu, maybe it’s best you stay home. More news of carp and bluegill fishing to come.

I’ll be figuring out what the best rod is for fishing for both species. So far, I’d say a long (9’ or 10’) 5 weight is about right for the carp. It should have enough speed to pump out 50’+ casts quickly.

Stay tuned.