Rim County Fishing Report 6/15/17
Rim Country Fishing Report June 15, 2017
By: James Goughnour
Rim Country Custom Rods
480.495.1351
Several local hunters and anglers discussed a variety of topics with the AZGFD Commissioners during a meeting held the held in Payson last week. Anglers complimented the work of the Aquatics Branch related to the improving fishing conditions at Roosevelt Lake and the management of Rim Country trout lakes and streams. Hunters discussed several hunting related topics including the number of elk tags allotted in Rim Country hunt units, mountain lion hunting regulations and concerns about the number of back-to-back hunts for elk and deer in local units. Many thanks to those who attended the meetings and provided feedback. The Commissioners remained in Payson an extra day to formally appoint Ty Gray as the next Director of the AZGFD. Mr. Gray, who has been the Deputy Director will be replacing Larry Voyles who announced his intention to retire last month.
A huge thanks to Roger Coffman aka Mr. Fish for his donation of over 8,000 Tiger Bass, which is a cross between a Florida Strain Bass and a Northern Strain Bass. Mr. Fish along with AZGFD Aquatics Program Manager Curt Gill, released the 2 to 3 inch Tiger Bass fingerlings into Roosevelt Lake recently. Mr. Coffman told AZGFD that during this last stocking trip a few months ago, he noticed the passion and excitement of local anglers who assisted the Department with the release of Florida Strain Bass and Black Crappie throughout the lake. It was the passion of the volunteers he observed that convinced him to donate the Tiger Bass. With over a million Florida Strain Bass being released into the lake over the past few years, Tiger Bass will become more common as the Florida Strain Bass spawn with the existing Northern Strain Bass in future years.
The Roosevelt Lake water level remained at 69 percent full while releases downstream continue at a slightly slower rate. The flows into the lake have slowed considerably with the Salt River flowing at just over 200 CFPS and the Tonto Creek flowing at 10 CFPS.
Summer bass fishing conditions on Roosevelt Lake are good according to local experienced anglers. Anglers agreed that the 2017 bass and shad spawns appear to have been very successful based on the huge schools of baitfish seen in the water. The amount of bait is driving a reaction bite as bass chase the large schools. Many reaction bait styles and colors were recently reported successful. With daytime temperatures reaching over 100 degrees and the water temperature in the high 70’s, anglers are beginning to enjoy fishing during the evening and night-time hours. Those anglers fishing at night reported using dark colored worms, lizards and jigs.
Crappie anglers are beginning to reported improved fishing conditions. Crappie prefer the warmer and more stable weather and will congregate into large schools at this time of year. Small curly tail grubs and minnow imitation baits are traditional summertime crappie baits.
Many trout remain in Rim Country streams and fishing for them is easy and fun. Rim Country lakes and streams are being replenished weekly including Hagiler, Canyon and Tonto Creeks, East Verde River, Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes just to name a few. You can see the entire AZGFD Summer Stocking Schedule at azgfd.gov. Powerbait, small spinner-baits, worms and salmon eggs were all reported successful. Fly anglers are reporting dry fly imitations.
Have a great week of fishing and I hope to see you on the water.
