Roosevelt Lake and Reports
Thursday, February 2nd, 2023
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Report: At Roosevelt Lake (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse), water temperatures are around 50 degrees. Try crankbaits early, Buzz Baits, Drop Shots, 4-inch Texas Rigged Worms, and Texas Rigged Brush Hogs for bass. Crappie fishing can be good around brush in 5-10 feet of water. Use minnows or 1/16 oz. jigs with 2" Kalins BBC or John Deer Green around trees.
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022
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Report: At Roosevelt Lake (report courtesy of Sportsman’s Warehouse), fishing is rated as good. Anglers are having luck with crankbaits early, buzz baits, Whopper Stoppers, drop shots, 4-Inch Texas-rigged Worms, and Texas-rigged brushhogs for bass. Crappie fishing can be good around brush in 5-10 feet of water. Use minnows or 1/16-ounce jigs with 2" Kalins BBC or John Deer Green around trees to load up with crappie.
Also at Roosevelt Lake, angler Swik M. reported, "Fished Rosie one day last week and ended up with eight fish, including a nice crappie that came on a flicker shad. The bass were caught mostly on zombie & sangria sunset 5150' fished super slow on drop shot at a depth of 15 feet.
Wednesday, November 7th, 2018
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Report: From AZGFD
Roosevelt and Apache lakes
Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods reported, “Crappie anglers are reporting the best fishing in the past several years on Roosevelt and Apache lakes. Limits of crappie are being caught in just a few hours of fishing in the morning. Large crappie schools can be found in 25-30 foot depths and always in brush, trees or the artificial habitat structures deployed by the AZGFD. A vertical fishing technique is the most popular technique. November is traditionally considered one of the best months for crappie fishing due to the stable weather pattern.”
Friday, January 15th, 2016
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Report: From AZGFD
Jan. 15 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:
AZGFD announced the results of the most recent fish survey done on Roosevelt Lake. The survey data clearly shows a significant increase in the 4- to 10-inch bass in the lake. The size of these fish are proportional to the Florida-strain Bass that were placed into the Bubbling Ponds Hatchery last spring at the same time Roosevelt Lake was stocked. This is the first survey since the bass were released, but if these findings continue, Roosevelt Lake may be on the road to recovery and would be excellent news for bass anglers.
More good news is that large amounts of water continue to flow into Roosevelt Lake. Both the Tonto Creek and Salt River are flowing at above normal rates and the lake level increased another percent and currently stands at 45-percent full. The water temperate is right at the 50 degree mark which slows fish metabolism and can make for some slow days of fishing. During the winter a slow technique for jigs and worms is the best approach. If you find schools of suspended bass, a new bait has been brought to my attention. It's made by Rapala and it's called a Jigging Rap. It's an alternative to a typical Kastmaster or similar spoon for wintertime fishing.
Saturday, January 9th, 2016
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Report: From AZGFD
Well here we go again. Another in a series of winter storms passed through Rim Country and dumped large amounts of rainfall and snow on the higher elevations. Subsequently, the water flows into Roosevelt Lake have increased dramatically. The average January flow of the Salt River is around 400 CFPS, recently that flow increased to over 2,000 CFPS. The Tonto Creek normal flow rate is around 50 CFPS and is flowing at over 1,600 CFPS. These increases have pushed the lake level to 44% full and it is continuing to rise.
This is great news for Roosevelt Lake, but it also brings some cautions. The water coming into the lake is pushing full-sized trees into the lake as well as many smaller sized boating hazards. Exacerbating the problem, the water color is a chocolate brown making it difficult to see this floating debris until it's too late to maneuver around it. If you are planning on fishing Roosevelt Lake during the next few weeks, use extreme caution when boating. If you're a passenger in a boat, don't hesitate to point out any debris you see to the driver.
This large inflow of colder water has slowed fishing considerably however, as things start to calm down and the water becomes more clear, the fishing conditions will improve rapidly. Remember that bass will typically swim to where large amounts of water are coming into the lake. Fish understand this water is bringing bait fish and nutrients so they will move to the ends of the lake in search of that food source. How close they get to the actual ends of the lake, will depend on the water temperature and clarity.
Recent crappie fishing reports are poor, again mostly due to the recent stormy weather. As we have been reporting for the past month, crappie prefer stable weather and clear water so it’s going to be a couple of weeks for the lake to get back to those conditions. Crappie are moving to deeper water so a trolling technique, fishing in 20-30 feet depths is the place to fish for crappie.
There is very limited access to trout lakes on the Rim. These lakes are not stocked during the winter months and many have frozen over or the roads leading to them are closed due to weather. Lower level streams like the Tonto, East Verde and Haigler Creeks are fishable, however the number of holdover trout in these streams is very low. The one bright spot for winter trout fishing is Green Valley Lake in Payson. There are actually three lakes at Green Valley and they are stocked every other week during the winter months with rainbow trout.
The Wild West Bass Trail will conduct its Team Tournament on Roosevelt Lake on February 13, 2016. You can register and read all of the details at www.wildwestbasstrail.com or you can contact the Tournament Director, Paul Alpers directly at 573.280.8020
Have a great week of fishing and I hope see you on the water.
Friday, December 18th, 2015
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Report: ROOSEVELT LAKE -- (2,093 feet, 41-percent full)
Dec. 18 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:
The colder weather in Rim Country clearly has impacted the fishing. Many anglers reported a slow bite on the clear days following the recent rain and snow storms. The water temperature continues to fall in Roosevelt Lake and is now in the high 50s degrees during the warmest time of the day. In addition, the flows into the lake have returned to normal levels for this time of year for both the Salt River and Tonto Creek.
The lake level increased to 42-percent full which is one percent ahead of the same time last year and two percent ahead of two years ago. Although that is not a huge percentage change, it does equate to a lot more water in Roosevelt Lake this year. The best news is that there is a lot of snow on the Rim, which is the real key to replenishing the lake in the spring as that snow melts and runs into the lake.
Recent crappie fishing reports have slowed again due to the weather change. The good news is that as the stable weather pattern continues, the crappie bite will improve. Crappie are still being reported in 25-35 feet deep water and always close to cover or rocky structure. A hot-spot recently reported is Windy Hill ramp area.
The Mesa office of the AZGFD is requesting volunteers to help build reef balls for Roosevelt Lake habitat on January 12 and 15. Once the approvals are given, this habitat will be placed into Roosevelt Lake to improve the fishing conditions. This is a great conservation project for a bass club or youth organization. To get involved, contact Amberle Jones at akjones@azgfd.com or you can call Amberle at 623.236.7593
Rim Country Custom Rods has gift certificates available for a perfect Christmas gift for your favorite angler. Call for a free quote on any custom rod at 928-468-0263 or visit our website at www.rimcountrycustomrods.com. We also want to thank all of our customers and fans for all your support during 2015. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Have a great week of fishing and I hope see you on the water.
Saturday, December 5th, 2015
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Report: From AZGFD
ROOSEVELT LAKE -- (2,093 feet, 41-percent full)
Dec. 5 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:
Water conditions on Roosevelt Lake are undergoing significant changes beginning with the water temperature which is now below 60 degrees during the warmest time of the day. In addition, the increased flows into the lake is causing the water clarity to become stained even towards the mid-lake areas near the dam. The lake currently is just below the 42% full mark and the flows into the lake continue significantly above the normal rates for this time of year.
A local pro fishing team shared a few of their secrets recently for late fall fishing. These two anglers recommended square-bill crank-baits that run down to a 15 ft. depth. They were also using Texas rigged worms and jigs. They reported that spoons are successful for bass staging in deeper water. This technique will continue to be successful since deeper water is warmer than the water temperature at the surface during the winter months.
Crappie fishing reports continue to be the best we've received in the past several years. Larger sized crappie and larger schools are being reported with hot spots being reported throughout the lake. Experienced crappie anglers are fishing vertically, in 25-35 feet deep water. A small jig using a 2-inch grub-tail, lowered into the middle of cover, where the crappie schools are gathered, was the successful technique reported.
Green Valley Lake in Payson is part of the Community Fishing Program and is producing excellent rainbow trout results. The lakes are stocked every other week during the winter months. Power-Baits, salmon eggs, Z-Rays and small spinner baits in a size 0 are all great choices of baits during the winter months.
Rim Country Custom Rods has gift certificates available as well as some inventory to select from for a perfect Christmas gift for your favorite angler. Call for a free quote on any custom rod at 928-468-0263 or visit our website at www.rimcountrycustomrods.com
Have a great week of fishing and I hope see you on the water.
Saturday, November 28th, 2015
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Report: From AZGFD
ROOSEVELT LAKE -- (2,093 feet, 41-percent full)
Nov. 28 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:
Good morning, Rim Country anglers,
For anglers fishing Roosevelt Lake, be sure to adhere to the waterfowl goose closure areas that went into effect Nov. 15. The buoys are up and well-marked at Bermuda Flats and Goose Flats areas of the lake. There is a map of the closure areas on the AZGFD website. These closures will be in place until Feb. 15, 2016.
Bass fishing conditions on Roosevelt Lake continue to get better. The conditions at the lake are definitely late-fall, early-winter and fish sense the changing water conditions and are adjusting to them. With the water temperatures in the high 50s and low 60s experienced anglers know to look for warmer water where bass will be more active. The afternoon bite is clearly better than the early morning bite this time of year. Also bass are moving to deeper water where the water temperature is warmer than the surface temperature. Anglers are fishing deeper water using deep diving crankbaits such as a DD-22 or large casting spoons for these deeper bass.
This time of year, the coves on the southern side of the lake which is the highway side, receive sunlight for longer periods than the coves on the north side. So in the afternoon, the shallow water on the south side will typically be slightly warmer and bass are actively feeding in these areas. Reaction baits such as a Super Fluke, paddletail, swimbait, and crankbaits in a SR5 or SR7 size were reported successful. Also Texas and dropshot techniques rigged worms, as well as 1-ounce jigs are excellent choices.
Crappie fishing reports were mixed last week. Larger crappie schools are being reported, but the trick is to find them. 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 the successful technique reported.
The lake level has increased to 41-percent full from the recent snow run off and flows into the lake are higher than normal flows for this time of year. The Salt River is flowing at 300 percent and the Tonto Creek is at 150 percent. The water clarity remained very clear except for the very ends of the lake where the water flows in.
The AZGFD has one of the best trout stocking programs in the country. Trout stockings in our state occur almost year round. During the summer, the rim lakes are stocked and during the winter the lower elevation lakes get trout. Green Valley Lake in Payson is part of the Community Fishing Program is producing excellent results. Power baits and salmon eggs were the choice of baits this past week. You can follow the weekly stocking activities of your favorite lake or stream at www.azgfd.gov.
Rim Country Custom Rods has gift certificates available as well as some inventory to select from for a perfect Christmas gift for your favorite angler. Call for a free quote on any custom rod at 928-468-0263 or visit our website at www.rimcountrycustomrods.com
Have a great week of fishing and I hope see you on the water.
Friday, August 21st, 2015
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Report: From AZGFD
Bassin’ is also "average to good" at Roosevelt Lake. Feeding patterns have included top-water or subsurface reaction bites, as well as bass swimming in schools called “wolf-packs.”
Saturday, June 6th, 2015
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Report: June 6 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:
Good morning, Rim Country anglers,
Excellent fishing reports continue to come in from Roosevelt Lake. Recently, during a Tuesday night tournament, Frank Powell and Mike Elliot of Tonto Basin reported very aggressive top-water and jerk-bait action. Last week Don McDowell, a pro angler from Phoenix, and his clients reported an exceptional top-water bite on a buzz-bait. The most action was reported just after sunrise and just before sunset. These reports are typical of a post-spawn phase and the timing of the full moons during the February through June timeframe, have likely contributed to the great spring and early summer fishing we are experiencing.
Keep in mind that when the top-water bite slows in shallow water, those fish will only move several yards into deeper water during the brightest times of the day. It is not necessary to leave an area to find new fish. Just move out into 15-25 foot depths and most likely you'll see more fish on your graph. During the midday hours, jigs, Senko worms, crawfish imitations and Roboworms were all reported successful.
Crappie fishing reports are steady but sporadic at times. Curt Rambo, of Tonto Basin, reported days when 20 crappie are caught and other days when five are caught. Crappie are collecting into schools following the spawn and most anglers are fishing in 15-30 feet of water. Crappie schools prefer to be near cover such as a bush or structure such as a rock pile. If there is a ledge with deeper water nearby, that's a plus when fishing for crappie. A vertical fishing technique in clear calm water is the typical summer technique for crappie fishing. A small shad imitation bait in a pearl white color fished around the islands across from the dam, could produce some good results.
Water continues to be drawn out of Roosevelt Lake for downstream use. The lake level is currently at 47 percent full. The recent rains throughout Rim Country, although not a huge amount, will mostly end up in Roosevelt Lake, so like they say: "every little bit helps." The water temperature in the lake continues to be in the mid-high 70s and the water clarity is clear for most of the lake.
Saturday, May 30th, 2015
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Report: May 30 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:
Good morning, Rim Country anglers,
Now that the weather has stabilized, the fishing on Roosevelt Lake is back to a postspawn pattern. Recent reports reflect an excellent top water and shallow running crankbait bite. Rio Ricos, Sammys, Spooks and buzzbaits are successful top-water baits in the early morning and late afternoon. Crankbaits such as a Rapala SR5, Berkley minnows and Lucky Craft Pointers, which runs between 5 and 10 feet, will catch bass in a frenzy of feeding on shad. During the midday hours fishing was reported successful in 15-25 feet of water depth using Clifford Pirch Outdoors jigs, Senkos or Roboworms.
Crappie fishing has also improved. Crappie are collecting into larger schools following the spawn. Most crappie anglers are fishing in 15 to 30 feet of water and always very close to cover or a rock structure. Vertical fishing using an ultralight power fishing rod and 4-pound test line are essential when fishing for crappie in clear, calm water. Any type of small shad imitation bait suspended in front of a school of crappie will attract some fast action.
More water continues to be drawn out of Roosevelt Lake for downstream use. The lake level is currently at 48 percent full. We may now have to wait for summer monsoon rains or perhaps a late spring storm to bring more water into the lake. The water temperature is in the mid to high 70s, but rising as the ambient temperatures increase. The water clarity is clear for most of the lake.
Monday, January 4th, 2010
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Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)
Report: dont let what happened at shasta ,happen to you locals .sign up early with a local. these are the opinions and views of carl.
City: anderson
Thursday, April 16th, 2009
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Water Temp: 55-58
Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)
Report: I spoke to several of the guys who fished the Stren, one of which is my team partner and since I am not planning on fishing this lake any time soon I am going to share some information.
Limits are being caught on Senkos pitched against the stick ups and any visible wood; GP/Blkflk, watermelon red wacky as well as flipping brush hogs on the wood.
Reaction bite is hit and miss but the bigger fish seem to be eating blade and crank baits in 8-15 feet at the mouths of creek channels.
My partner said that he caught betwen forty and fifty fish on day one but all but three were in the slot and they could only keep one slot fish each day.
City: DHSTips: reaction early, flip and pitch the wood with senkos and brush hogs then move out and parellel bank at 10-15 with DD22 or heavy blade in shad or blue gill colors.
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
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Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)
Report: Never fished here before...bringing the family..Need help
Tuesday, September 26th, 2006
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Water Temp: 77 degrees
Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)
Report: Fishing at Roosevelt Lake has been improving every week as the weather has been cooling down.. Surface Temp running around 77 degrees. Lake is 63% full. 5 ramps still accessable. Marina is opern 7 days a week. Lodging and restaurants near by. Camp sites around lake. Good limits of large mouth bass and some small mouth being caught. Carolina rig, jigs, spinner baits, jerk baits, topwater and drop shot all working off points, flats and coves. Bass schooling up in open water. Some crappie being caught on jigs in 20 to 30 feet deep and should get better by mid October.
City: Tonto Basin
Tuesday, August 8th, 2006
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Water Temp: 85 degrees
Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)
Report: Fishing at Roosevelt Lake has been good for this time of year. Lake is 58% full, 5 ramps still accessable. Marina is open 7 days a week. Lodging and restaraunt near by. Also camp sites around lake. Good limits of Large Mouth bass being caught on Carolina Rig lizzards and worms. Good jig bite also. A lot of bass being caught on dropshot. Fish 5ft. to 30ft. off points, flats, and humps. Top water and spinner baits starting to work along brushy areas. A lot of bass weighing 2-7 lbs. being caught. Also some catfish and crappie being caught.
City: Tonto Basin
Wednesday, February 1st, 2006
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Water Temp: 53
Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)
Report: I fished solo from 08:00 - 3:30 boating 67 LM's and 3 smallies - all on jerk baits
City: Gilbert, AZTips: flats away from bank near deeper water - use deep running jerks and allow long pause time
Monday, August 29th, 2005
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Water Temp: Kevin Gray
Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)
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Thursday, April 28th, 2005
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Water Temp: 62
Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)
Report: Arizona Police and Fire games (angling)were held at this lake recently. this lake looks amazing and i hear its only going to get better with the new water level. I want to personally thank the guys from Phoenix Police Department and other competers for being courtious and overall great guys to be around. Had a great time and look forward to next year.. Thanks again guys..
City: visalia, caTips: Spinner baits and drop shot are working pretty good...
Monday, April 25th, 2005
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Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)
Report: 4/25/05 Fished the Windy Hill area from 8am ubtil noon when the wind came up. Caught 3LMs 2SMs and 1 crappie all on spinner baits. Frank
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