Aug. 18 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:

The water flows into Roosevelt Lake are back to average rates for this time of year however the new water in the lake contributes to a healthy overall fishery. Roosevelt Lake is 40% full and hopefully the monsoon rains will keep coming.

The water in the lake is stained, especially where water is entering. The water temperature is in the low 80s during the afternoons.

Bass fishing has been called “good” to “very good” recently with two distinct patterns being reported. The first is a reaction bite either on top water or just under the surface. Spro Frogs, small paddle-tail swim baits, jerkbaits and crankbaits are successful for bass chasing schools of bait fish.

Huge schools of bait fish are being seen throughout the lake. Bass swimming in schools called “wolf packs,” have also been reported. Typically this is something that happens in late summer and early fall but it could be just beginning to happen on Roosevelt.

If you see a group of bass attacking bait fish in deep water, a great technique is to cast a spoon into the school and let it flutter down until a bass attacks what looks like an injured shad. The second successful pattern being reported is a deep water jig or dropshot technique. Anglers are reporting bass in the 15 to 25 feet range using a Roboworm or a jig in a green or brown color.

The crappie bite is reported to be good with most anglers believing the full moon phase we just passed is a major contributor. Crappie anglers are catching good numbers of crappie during the morning and evening using a 2-inch curly tail grub-tail bait. Look for crappie schools near submerged bush or a rocky shoreline in 20-25 feet of water.

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