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Feasibility of Developing and Maintaining a Sport Fishery in the Salt River Project Canals, Phoenix, Arizona Brian R. Wright and Jeff A. Sorensen Abstract: In the last decade, the increasing popularity of urban fishing has stimulated interest in using the Salt River Project (SRP) canals as a sport fishery. Currently, fishing occurs in these canals but is not encouraged by SRP due primarily to liability concerns. This project was initiated to study the biological and environmental potential of SRP canals to support increased angling opportunities. We investigated the aquatic resources of the 61.4 km Arizona Canal, a part of the SRP canal system, in the Phoenix metropolitan area from February 1992 through July 1994. Monthly electrofishing surveys showed a diverse assemblage of native and introduced fish species (species richness = 3 and 17, respectively). Relative abundance of fish among collection sites was highly variable and increased moving downstream (35% of all fish sampled were found at Site 3, while only 9.5% were at Site 7). Native suckers and forage fish sample numbers were high (n > 1,500 each), while game fish were less abundant (n <200 each). Observed water quality values were adequate for sustaining warm-water fish species year-round. Primary production levels were moderate (x chlorophyll a:pheophytin a ratios ranged between 1.4 and 1.1). Benthic macroinvertebrate and zooplankton taxa were numerous (n = 18 and n 38, respectively), but their standing stocks were low (x <20/m2 and x <5/20 L, respectively). Recapture frequencies of experimentally stocked channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were highest within the first 6 weeks after stocking. After 5 to 12 months in the Arizona Canal, these fish showed no substantial growth or improvement in physiological condition. Most of the stocked fish (99.4% of the channel catfish and 95.5% of the rainbow trout) did not migrate from the area they were stocked. Based on limited samples, potential fish tissue contamination was low (priority compounds were below FDA Action Levels for safe human consumption). Our study revealed that a put-and- take fishery could be established in the Arizona Canal to provide increased angling opportunities. Channel catfish could be stocked in the summer and'. rainbow trout in the winter. A public opinion telephone survey showed a high level of interest and support for creating additional fishing opportunities in the SRP canals (68% of the respondents were in favor). A canal fishery program is estimated to add 750,000 angler-use days annually, and generate a potential $1.55 million in revenues from the sale of 129,500 new fishing licenses. Various management options are presented concerning program administration and licensing, physical and biological enhancements, stocking strategies, monitoring activities, public safety and liability, and future research. Key Words: Arizona, canals, Catostomus clarki, Catostomus insignis, channel catfish, Ctenopharyngodon idella, desert sucker, Ictalurus punctatus, Oncorhynchus mykiss, rainbow trout, recreational fishing, Sonora sucker, urban fishing, white amur. INTRODUCTION Since 1900, large-scale surface water developments have been constructed in the western United States to store water for irrigation and to provide flood control (Calif. Dep. of Water Resour. 1957). Marsh and Fisher (1987) estimated that there are > 11,000 km of canals in the desert southwest. These canals represent a considerable recreational resource for anglers. Interest in developing recreational fishing in canals of the western United States has grown in the last 30 years. By 1990, several western canal systems had public fisheries (U.S. Bur. of Reclam. 1990), such as California's Central Valley Project (CVP) and California State Water Project (CSWP). The CVP had 328 km of canals with existing fisheries, with most angling occurring along rural sections of the Delta-Mendota and San Luis canals (IJ.S. Bur. of Reclan. 1990). An additional 256 km of the CVP offered fishing opportunities; specifically, portions of the Folsom South, Corning, and Tehama-Colusa canals (U.S. Bur. of Reclam. 1990). Both the Folsom South and Corning canals were limited to a put-and-take fishery due to the lack of year-round flows (U.S. B. R. WRIGHT AND J. A. SORENSEN 1995 ARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT, TECH REP. 18 1