Fishing Report: Roosevelt Lake rising, Mogollon Rim frozen
Due to the recent storms and run-off, the amount water flowing into Roosevelt Lake has increased dramatically. Both the Salt River and the Tonto Creek are flowing above their normal rates for this time of year. The lake is currently 40% full and rising slightly each day. The water is very clear with the temperature reaching 50 degrees on some morning and rising to 54 degrees on a sunny afternoon.
At the current water temperature, fish metabolism will slow meaning that cold-blooded fish are less active and will eat less. Combine the colder water temperature with the recent storms and large swings in the barometric pressure, all of these factors are contributing to fishing being called poor. Anglers reports some success using a deep Carolina-rig technique. A few other anglers reporting using jigging spoons such as a Trendsetter jig in deeper depths.
Crappie fishing has been reported as extremely slow; however, if the weather stabilizes for a couple of consecutive days, crappie fishing should improve greatly. Large schools of crappie are being located in 15-25 foot depths. The bite during colder months can be very slight if vertically fishing. An ultra light rod and a light braided line are always recommended for crappie fishing.
A frozen Rim; Green Valley Lakes trout fishing good
Most all of the lakes and/or roads on the Mogollon Rim are frozen over and there are snow covered roads. For those who like to ice fish, now is your time to enjoy winter fishing. Be sure to call for road conditions prior to heading to your favorite lake on the Rim.
Green Valley Lake in Payson is reporting good trout fishing conditions on days when it is not raining. Trout will be stocked this week and the AZGFD stockings will continue for the next few months. Small spinner baits, PowerBait, and salmon eggs have all been reported successful.
Have a great week of fishing and I hope to see you on the water.
