(2,094 feet, 42-percent full). Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods with a Jan. 24 report:

Good morning Rim Country Anglers. Bass fishing on Roosevelt Lake was called "good" this past week by experienced anglers. The calm winds combined with the sun warmed water improved the fishing conditions. The water flow into the lake decreased this past week and currently both the Tonto Creek and the Salt River are flowing at 100 percent of their normal rates.

The water level of the lake remained at 42-percent full and the water surface temperatures continued in the low to mid 50s. A dropshot and Texas rig techniques or a spider jig on the bottom were reported successful this past week in depths from 5 feet down to 25 feet.

Another successful technique reported was locating bass in deeper water following shad. During the winter months, shad schools will move to deeper water and the bass will follow them. A long cast of a 1-ounce or larger casting spoon that then flutters down past the shad will catch a lot of bass waiting beneath the shad school. It's sometimes difficult to locate the shad schools in deep water, but once found, bass can be caught on most every cast by a skilled angler using this technique.

Crappie reports improved this past week. Successful crappie anglers reported to be trolling a small curly tail grub on a 1/4-ounce jighead in 20-30 feet depths. The hot spot this past week was around Windy Hill. Anglers reported slowly trolling from Badger Ramp all the way around Windy Hill to the Bobcat Ramp.

If you're a bass angler, now is the time to start preparing for the upcoming season. Typically, during February on Roosevelt Lake, some bass being spawning. Now is the time to inspect your tackle including rods, reels, boat and motor to make sure you're ready to go. If you can't say for sure the last time you started the motor on your boat, it's time to begin preparing. If you need rods repaired, contact Rim Country Custom Rods at 928-468-0263.

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