March 20th, 2015
ROOSEVELT LAKE - Good morning Rim Country Anglers,
Perfect fishing conditions were in place for Roosevelt Lake this past week. The water level rose to 48 percent full and the temperatures were in the low to mid 60s in the backs of coves. Bass are spawning in big numbers while others remain in a pre-spawn stage.
Added this week is the post-spawn fishing pattern. Spawning bass guard beds rather than feed, so as soon as the spawn ends, those bass begin to feed heavily to recover from the spawning activity. All bass reported caught this past week were in 20 feet or less of water depth and the main points that lead to spawning areas were hot spots this past week.
The reaction bite we've been discussing the past couple of weeks is still catching good numbers. These baits include spinner-baits, chatter-baits, crank-baits, Zoom Super Flukes, and 4- to 6-inch paddletail swimbaits by Reaction Innovation.
A dropshot technique in 15-20 feet depths using a 6-inch Roboworm in a morning dawn color produced good results this past week on major points.
More good news for crappie anglers. The male crappie have moved shallow and are just starting to build beds in preparation for the spawn. Anglers reported catching male crappie right next to brush in 5 feet of water. The male crappie change color during the spawn which can be seen now and eventually they become a beautiful black color with emerald green and blue spots. A 2-inch grub tail on a ¼-ounce jighead hook was reported successful. Look for crappie fishing to improve for the next 3 to 4 weeks as the spawning activity increases.
The AZGFD winter trout stockings have ended for most of the lower level lakes in the State. Green Valley Lake in Payson will be stocked again this week and those stockings will continue through April. Also starting in April trout stockings of the Rim lakes and stream are planned to begin as part of the AZGFD summer trout stocking program. Weather could be a factor for Rim trout stockings so check the latest data on http://AZGFD.gov.
The Mogollon Sporting Association banquet will be held this year at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino on May 2nd. If you haven't purchased tickets to this banquet and auction event, give me a call. The MSA funds many local events related to our youth and also contributes to wildlife conservation within Rim Country. For tickets or to make a tax deductible donation, call 929-468-0263
Have a great week of fishing and I hope see you on the water. back...
Perfect fishing conditions were in place for Roosevelt Lake this past week. The water level rose to 48 percent full and the temperatures were in the low to mid 60s in the backs of coves. Bass are spawning in big numbers while others remain in a pre-spawn stage.
Added this week is the post-spawn fishing pattern. Spawning bass guard beds rather than feed, so as soon as the spawn ends, those bass begin to feed heavily to recover from the spawning activity. All bass reported caught this past week were in 20 feet or less of water depth and the main points that lead to spawning areas were hot spots this past week.
The reaction bite we've been discussing the past couple of weeks is still catching good numbers. These baits include spinner-baits, chatter-baits, crank-baits, Zoom Super Flukes, and 4- to 6-inch paddletail swimbaits by Reaction Innovation.
A dropshot technique in 15-20 feet depths using a 6-inch Roboworm in a morning dawn color produced good results this past week on major points.
More good news for crappie anglers. The male crappie have moved shallow and are just starting to build beds in preparation for the spawn. Anglers reported catching male crappie right next to brush in 5 feet of water. The male crappie change color during the spawn which can be seen now and eventually they become a beautiful black color with emerald green and blue spots. A 2-inch grub tail on a ¼-ounce jighead hook was reported successful. Look for crappie fishing to improve for the next 3 to 4 weeks as the spawning activity increases.
The AZGFD winter trout stockings have ended for most of the lower level lakes in the State. Green Valley Lake in Payson will be stocked again this week and those stockings will continue through April. Also starting in April trout stockings of the Rim lakes and stream are planned to begin as part of the AZGFD summer trout stocking program. Weather could be a factor for Rim trout stockings so check the latest data on http://AZGFD.gov.
The Mogollon Sporting Association banquet will be held this year at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino on May 2nd. If you haven't purchased tickets to this banquet and auction event, give me a call. The MSA funds many local events related to our youth and also contributes to wildlife conservation within Rim Country. For tickets or to make a tax deductible donation, call 929-468-0263
Have a great week of fishing and I hope see you on the water. back...
