Good morning Rim Country anglers,
A very experienced bass angler told me that he fished in the evening this past week until after dusk. He reported lots of bass caught during that period on a Texas rig using a very slow presentation.

In addition to the Texas rig, several successful techniques were reported including a dropshot and Carolina rig techniques. A top water bite is still being reported successful; however, it's happening at first light and the duration seems to get shorter each week.

Anglers reported success using 10-inch ribbon tail worms and a 6-inch curly tail worm or lizard imitations.

Most anglers are targeting main lake points in 15-25 feet of water and always very close to some type of cover. A bush, large rock or submerged log will always produce a good ambush point for bass.

This pattern is definitely a summertime approach to bass fishing on Roosevelt Lake.

Another comment I got this week is that the bite was very subtle and at times the line would just start moving indicating a bass had taken the bait and was swimming with it. So, if you're fishing this week, pay lots of attention to even the smallest movements.

Roosevelt Lake water level dropped another 1 percent this past week and currently stands at 47-percent full.

As we reported last week, the Tonto Creek has stopped flowing and the Salt River is flowing at 30-percent of its normal rate for this time of year. The water temperature in the mornings is in the high 70s increasing to the low 80s during the afternoon in shallow water in coves. The water clarity is good for most of the lake with some isolated spots of algae growth.

Crappie fishing was reported to be fair this past week. This coming week will be a good time to use the crappie lights for nighttime crappie fishing.

However as we move towards a full moon, crappie lights will become less effective. Live minnows fished about 2 feet below a bobber is the best bait for nighttime crappie fishing.

I didn't get a single report of a crappie angler who fished during the day last week. Most are telling me that they will fish crappie at night during the summer.

The Rim lakes and streams continue to produce some great fishing trips. Stocked trout are plentiful.

PowerBait, salmon eggs, Super-doopers, Z-Rays, crankbaits and dry flies were all reported successful this past week.

I had the great pleasure of fishing with Dennis Pirch on Sunrise Lake this past week. We had a great trip and we each caught our limit in just a couple of hours using small crankbaits. Big fish of the day was Dennis' 3-pound plus rainbow, which took at least five runs and several minutes to land.

He was using a light-power, moderate-action rod with 6-pound test line, so Dennis' angling skills were put to the test to get that big fish safely in the boat. If you see Dennis this week, be sure to congratulate him.

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