Tempe to celebrate return of trout to Town Lake

Tempe is having a party in honor of hundreds of visitors - fish.

The city's "Welcome Back the Trout" celebration at Tempe Town Lake is Tuesday afternoon, and the highlight is the popular recreation area's stocking with 1,500 trout. Mayor Hugh Hallman will be on hand to stock the first full net of wriggling rainbows.

This event, which begins at 3 p.m., is just the first stocking of the trout fishing season.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, almost 24,000 rainbows will be placed into the lake between November and March. In December, the 224-acre reservoir will be stocked with trout weekly.

For those wanting an up-close look at the fish's new home, the city will have kayaks on hand.

Game and Fish authorities also will be conducting a fishing clinic at the Town Lake Marina, with 100 rods and reels and a limited supply of bait available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone signed up for the fishing clinic does not need a fishing license. But anglers who hope to land a Tempe trout after Tuesday will need a Class U license for urban fishing. Good for the calendar year, these licenses usually cost $18.50, but they're for sale half-price through December.

Trout are also stocked throughout the winter in such places as the Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Oak Creek and the Verde River between Cottonwood and Camp Verde.

"This is the time to get out for winter trout," Game and Fish fisheries chief Kirk Young said. "Plus, the bass fishing is still going strong at our Phoenix-area lakes."

For a complete winter stocking schedule, visit www.azgfd.gov.

Providing entertainment during the party will be Chuck E. Baby and the Allstars .

Trout party

What: "Welcome Back the Trout" celebration

Where: Tempe Town Lake Marina, located on the lake's north side, just south of Curry Road on College Avenue

When: 3 p.m. Tuesday