Dec. 22 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:

Rim Country anglers are talking about the winter storms passing through the area. Accumulations of rainfall of more than 2 inches in the past week will result in increased water flows into Rim streams and creeks. Ultimately much of that water will make its way down to Roosevelt Lake.

The water level in Roosevelt Lake rose one percent and now stands at 36% full. The amount of water flowing into the lake from the Tonto Creek and Salt River is more than double the average flow rates for this time of year.

Fishing on Roosevelt reported to be good. Fish are scattered and can be caught at several locations throughout the lake. Anglers reported using crank-baits, jerk-baits and spinner-baits in 5 to 15 foot depths. A deep drop-shot technique is successful at 10 to 20 foot depths on main lake points and spoons were reported successful in 30 foot and deeper depths. The hot spot for bass is at the ends of the lake where the water is entering the lake. Bait fish will instinctually move to flowing water and the bass will be in pursuit.

The water temperature is 58 degrees and will drop further due to the recent storms. The water flowing into the lake is colder than in the water in the main portion of the lake. As the water temperature cools, fish metabolism will slow and they will retreat to deeper depths.

Crappie fishing is excellent on Roosevelt Lake. Large schools of crappie are being located in 10-15 foot depths. An extremely slow trolling speed of less than 1 mph and a 1/8 oz. jig head with a curly tail grub is being reported successful. Shades of green, blue and silver, black and chartreuse are catching good numbers of crappie. If you're a novice crappie angler, just look for the boats fishing in one area. It's pretty easy to observe and replicate what experienced crappie anglers are doing.

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

(2,085 feet, 36-percent full)