What special fishing regulations apply at AZGFD Community Fishing Program?

AZGFD Community Fishing Program carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override Arizona's statewide 2026 rules, covering Channel catfish and Rainbow trout. One of them reads: "Rainbow trout (winter stocked) + channel catfish (summer stocked) + tilapia + bluegill + redear sunfish + crappie multi-species urban-park fishery — AZGFD catchable stocking program throughout the year for family + youth-focused fishing access (Community waters carry their own posted per-water bag limits)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish AZGFD Community Fishing Program?

Yes. AZGFD Community Fishing Program is in Arizona, so a valid Arizona fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for AZGFD Community Fishing Program; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Arizona rules.

Do AZGFD Community Fishing Program's special rules replace Arizona's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Arizona's statewide 2026 regulations apply on AZGFD Community Fishing Program by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on AZGFD Community Fishing Program?

Channel catfish and Rainbow trout have a water-body-specific rule on AZGFD Community Fishing Program, each linking to its full Arizona regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Arizona limits.

2026 regulation year

AZGFD Community Fishing Program 2026 — Arizona Fishing Regulations

Arizona statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

AZGFD Community Fishing Program carries 3 special-regulation overlays on top of Arizona's 2026 fishing rules — covering Channel catfish, Rainbow trout. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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Watch AZGFD Community Fishing Program (AZ) and we'll email you when a season, bag limit, slot, or closure changes. Free while in beta.

State-level special regulation

Rainbow trout (winter stocked) + channel catfish (summer stocked) + tilapia + bluegill + redear sunfish + crappie multi-species urban-park fishery — AZGFD catchable stocking program throughout the year for family + youth-focused fishing access (Community waters carry their own posted per-water bag limits)
Source: Arizona special-water list

Per-species rules on AZGFD Community Fishing Program

Channel catfish regulations →
Channel catfish per posted Community-water bag limit (commonly 4 / day); AZGFD catchable summer-stocked program (~250,000 catfish stocked annually)
Rainbow trout regulations →
Rainbow trout per posted Community-water bag limit (commonly 4 / day); AZGFD winter-only catchable stocking November – March (~250,000 rainbow trout stocked annually)

Official source

Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) publishes the authoritative 2026 Arizona fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Arizona fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Arizona Game and Fish Department's emergency-order feed — check it before any Arizona trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Arizona

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at AZGFD Community Fishing Program?: AZGFD Community Fishing Program carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override Arizona's statewide 2026 rules, covering Channel catfish and Rainbow trout. One of them reads: "Rainbow trout (winter stocked) + channel catfish (summer stocked) + tilapia + bluegill + redear sunfish + crappie multi-species urban-park fishery — AZGFD catchable stocking program throughout the year for family + youth-focused fishing access (Community waters carry their own posted per-water bag limits)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish AZGFD Community Fishing Program?: Yes. AZGFD Community Fishing Program is in Arizona, so a valid Arizona fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for AZGFD Community Fishing Program; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Arizona rules.
Do AZGFD Community Fishing Program's special rules replace Arizona's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Arizona's statewide 2026 regulations apply on AZGFD Community Fishing Program by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on AZGFD Community Fishing Program?: Channel catfish and Rainbow trout have a water-body-specific rule on AZGFD Community Fishing Program, each linking to its full Arizona regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Arizona limits.

← Back to Arizona regulations overview