Fishing Arizona & The Colorado River

*** UPDATE MAY 18th 2023 ***

I just received a text message (May 18 2023) from Mike Sumner (our local region supervisor) regarding the current proposed rule changes. Comments received through the end of May will still be considered. Please keep it polite, and state your opinion/desire.

This is the comment I just sent to rulemaking@azgfd.gov :

Subject: Proposed Rule Changes Regarding Live Bait
“I believe it is better for all stakeholders if AzGFD makes a concerted and continuing effort to educate anglers on live bait rules rather than change the rules. Education is always an ongoing effort anyway. Yes I know it requires a continuing commitment on the part of the department, but we as stake holders make a continuing commitment every year when we buy our licenses which funds your department.”

Feel free to copy my message or write your own.

Comments received after the end of May will only be considered in the next rulemaking session.

Mike also indicated if you have his contact info you can send your comments directly to him.

Previous information posted below on Monday, May 15, 2023

I first posted about this back on February 17th 2023

https://www.yumabass … yuma-county-2172023/

Please contact the AzGFD commissioners to let your opinion be known.

“The commission, at its March 17 meeting, voted to move forward with the proposed rulemaking. Public comments regarding the proposed rule changes are being accepted by email at rulemaking@azgfd.gov from April 14 through May 14, 2023.”

Public comments regarding the proposed rule changes are being accepted by email at rulemaking@azgfd.gov

IN ADDITION THERE IS A CONTACT LINK FOR EACH MEMEBER OF THE COMMISSION ON THIS PAGE. CONTACT THEM.
https://www.azgfd.co … meet-the-commission/

“R-12-4-314: If this is passed licensed bait dealers in Arizona will only be able to sell Fathead minnows as bait. Golden Shiners and Black Salties, along with several other native minnows, can longer be used. Waterdogs will also be unable to be sold by any licensed dealer in Arizona.”

Additional proposed rules changes can be found here:
https://kdminer.com/ … eks-public-comment-/

It looks like they have already closed the public comment period. HOWEVER!!! I would suggest that if you were not aware of the public comment period you contact the members of the commission and voice your opinion anyway. It appears that final decisions on the proposed rules changes is not until the Sept. 8 commission meeting in Greer.

Please share this with everybody who may wish to comment or may be affected by these rules changes.