Lake elevation is 1,908 feet (94-percent full). Gary Senft, Bass Pro at the Mesa Bass Pro Shops, said that fish are beginning to move up in the water column and the top-water bite on largemouth bass is picking up the first 2-3 hours of daylight. Although the best technique overall was the dropshot, he said. Various jigs also were effective - try crawdad imitations as bass were fat on the crawdads. Points, islands and rocky structures were holding the majority of largemouth bass - keep moving.


Surface water temperature this week was about 75 degrees. Robert, outside manager at Apache Lake Marina, said the best options are bass and catfish.


Worms (soft plastics and real) are working well for both species. Anglers also are doing well throwing spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jigs. He said last week an angler caught a 2.5-pound rainbow trout. "That is rare," he said. "They're hiding."


He said the top-water bite has been slow because of heavy rains, but the water should clear up soon.


You still might find bass chasing shad at the surface, especially at first light. Try working the major points using soft plastic crayfish like lures worked along the bottom. Crankbaits can also work well at times. A few good-sized smallies can be caught -- please practice catch-and-release on these fish, which are in the comeback mode. Walleye fishing should be decent at first and last light using night crawler rigs, or jigs tipped with worms. Apache is also full of some really nice yellow bass. Try gold KastMasters or yellow/gold Rooster Tails. Catfishing should be good. Carp fishing can be very good.