ROOSEVELT LAKE – (2,092 feet, 41-percent full). Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods with a Dec. 6 report:

Good morning, Rim Country anglers,

Bass fishing on Roosevelt Lake was called “fair” this past week. The cold front that moved through the area a few days ago had a significant impact on fishing. The water coming into the lake is again stained. Yesterday, we saw muddy water just in front of the Grapevine ramp on the Salt end of the lake. The Tonto end was more clear due to lower water inflow.

The water temperatures are in the high 50s and low 60s, and the bass are becoming more dispersed throughout the water column. Anglers are fishing deeper water using deep diving crankbaits and casting spoons for these deeper bass. In the afternoon, anglers are using a flipping and pitching technique in warmer, more shallow water.

Crappie fishing reports suggested a poor bite last week most likely again due to the cold front. Crappie schools are being reported but not this past week. Remember that crappie like more stable weather and some kind of structure or cover in 25-35 feet depth. A small jig using a 2-inch grub tail, lowered into the middle of the school was successful this past week.

The lake level remained at 40 percent full again this week but the water flows into Roosevelt Lake increased dramatically.

The Salt River is currently flowing at 125 percent and the Tonto Creek at 75 percent. It will take a few days for the water clarity to improve, but by the end of the week, it should be back to normal. The full moon we'll have this evening (Dec. 6) will also help fishing next week.

I encourage all Rim Country listeners to go to the USFWS website and read the final environmental impact statement related to the release of Mexican Gray Wolves into Arizona and New Mexico. The bottom line is that the USFWS service is announcing that having a wolf population of 300-325 wolves will cause no impact on anything in Rim Country. In early January, the USFWS will approve this new 10j rule and shortly after, they will begin releasing wolves that are currently being raise in pens.

For you trout anglers, there are still a couple of weeks to enjoy some fishing on the Rim lakes and streams. It’s cold and nobody else will be fishing, but you can experience some great trout fishing on any of these lakes. Green Valley Lake in Payson, continues to produce excellent results of stocked rainbow trout. Power-baits and salmon eggs were the choice of baits this past week.

Rim Country Custom Rods has gift certificates available as well as some inventory if you're wanting a custom fishing rod for your favorite anglers. Call for a free quote on any custom rod at 928-468-0263 or visit our website at http://www.rimcountrycustomrods.com

Have a great week of fishing and I hope see you on the water.   back...