(2,090 feet, 38-percent full). Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods with a Sept. 27 report:

Good morning Rim Country Anglers - We have two current news items to address today. First the Arizona Game & Fish Department has announced some compromise solutions to the planned release of Mexican Gray Wolves by the USFWS. The proposed solutions would put a limit on the number of wolves, define a smaller area wolves could exist and put a limit on the impact to elk and deer herds. The Commissioners' voted unanimously to approve these proposed solutions. You can read more details at the azgfd.gov website.

The other news is the announcement of the Bassmaster Elite anglers who earned enough points during the season to qualify for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. Clifford Pirch of Payson, Dean Rojas of Lake Havasu and Brett Hite of Phoenix will be fishing for the most prestigious bass fishing award early next year. Congratulations to these Elite anglers.

The water level in Roosevelt Lake increased by 1% this week and currently stands at 38% full. The increase is due to lower downstream demand and increased flow into the lake from the recent storms. Lets hope this trend continues for the next several months.

Bass fishing was called good this past week by experienced anglers. Bass are swimming in schools or "wolf packs" which is normal at this time of year. Any shad imitation baits were reported successful. Examples include Zoom Super Flukes, pearl with purple flake paddle tail swimbaits, silver and black SR5 & SR7 crank baits, spinner baits and a pearl colored Roboworm. One angler reported that after the bass feeding frenzy, which can be seen on the surface of the water, he would cast a drop shot Roboworm into the area and let it fall imitating a dead shad just falling to the bottom. Bigger bass seem to understand that they can get these easy meals without expending much energy.

Crappie reports were better this past week. If you plan to crappie fish this week, you'll want to us a vertical technique and fish in 25-35 feet of water and always in brush, rock piles or trees. Several small 1-2" grub tail baits were reported successful.

Don't forget that the Ultimate Sportsman Giveaway raffle is underway and all of the proceeds go to the Payson High School Basketball team and Bass Club. This raffle is unique in that a prize will be given away each day during the month of November, so 30 prizes in 30 days. There will only be 400 tickets sold and you can purchase them at Chasin a Dream Outfitters, Bob's Western Wear, Payson Parks & Rec office, and Scoops Ice cream store.

This week will complete the AZGFD Rim trout stocking program. However, with the ending of the seasonal trout stocking, comes the beginning of the Community Fishing Program. Green Valley Lake here in Payson will be the first lake stocked again this year. That stocking will occur the week of October 13-18. If Green Valley is your favorite lake to fish, its time for you to inspect your gear and tackle. If your fishing rods need some attention, contact Rim Country Custom Rods at 468-0263


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