Arizona, Valley Of The Sun, October, 2011, a wonderfully enjoyable month of fishing thanks to comfortable temperatures and the start of fall stocking by AZ Fishing and Game. The frequency of days spent on the water was less than preferred due to promotion, personal appearances and seminars related to my Sanchin Kata For Everyone DVD project (additional information is at the end of this article).
Jacket Art for my Sanchin Kata For Everyone DVD
As I enter November which marks the start of the stocking of rainbow trout, I have made a promise to myself to spend more time on the water notwithstanding my Sanchin commitments. PLEASE NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all fish were safely released after being photographed.
LOWER SALT RIVER, Tonto National Forest, AZ
Once again, the Lower Salt River returned to a natural state after being trod upon all summer by rafters, kayakers, swimmer, and beer swilled inhabitants. Pending trout stocking, fishing for bass was plentiful with bountiful bluegill and occasional carp.
With a few parking areas closed for the winter, it is often necessary to hike to your favorite fishing location. I find that the hike adds to the anticipation of the fishing experience and the desire to have a tug at the end of your line.
A welcome rain on the Lower Salt River
Below is the water flow chart for the Lower Salt River for the month from WWW.Watershedmonitor.Com.
CANYON LAKE, Tonto National Forest, AZ
Bass and panfishing was exceptional during October. Topwater action was extremely exciting. I was often thrilled with the results experienced by casting a dry deer hair frog amongst the reeds and rocks.
One planning note involves the Boulder Recreation Area. On two occasions, this area was closed for improvements; so, if you plan to fish at this location, there is a possibility you may be disappointed. On the two days the area was closed, I used the closing as an opportunity to scout locations that I had not fished and was pleasantly surprised.
Exploring Canyon Lake
SAGUARO LAKE, Tonto National Forest, AZ
Bass and panfish were also plentiful at Saguaro Lake. I did notice; however, that topwater, dry fly action was not as fruitful as at Canyon Lake. Having said that, my usual fly rig of a streamer (sparkle shad or muddler minnow) as a head fly and wet fly or nymph (bloody mary, red serendipity, rainbow warrior0 as a tail fly did not disappoint.
URBAN LAKE FISHING
October fishing at the urban lakes meant one species – catfish. While most of the our fishing took place at Veteran’s Oasis Park (Chandler, AZ), we also fished at Water Ranch Lake (Gilbert, AZ) and Red Mountain Lake (Mesa, AZ).
FEATURED VIDEOS:
For a very unique look at a historical aspect of fishing, you may wish to view “Fisherman As Warriors” by clicking this convenient link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cMRW503DbY
Until the next submission, I remain,
Sensei John
For additional information on my Sanchin DVD, here is a link to a free promotional video on You-Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-pC-tPUrYE
Sensei John is available for lectures on the interrelationship of fly fishing and martial arts protocol, ideology and philosophy. Please see the “LECTURES & LESSONS” Page tab above for more information.
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FISHING DOJO 
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