Bartlett Lake is probably the top spot for bass. It’s typically the most steady for bass fishing because of its high numbers of largies.

At many lakes, such as Bartlett (and Roosevelt Lake), bass are not retreating to the deepest water possible. Instead, they are suspending in their comfort zone of around 70 degrees. Even though a lake might be 60-90 feet deep, fish could be suspended in 20-25 feet – along with all the shad they want to eat.

The best fishing is at first and last light, or at night. During the day, crankbaits or jigs bounced along the rock stringers, or worked around the points, islands and reefs should produce. Drop shots should also be viable.

Crappie should be congregating in larger schools suspended in deeper water, quite often off extended underwater points or along the Yellow Cliffs.

Look for a first-light top-water bass bite. Sometimes it is sporadic to non-existent. But if you hit it right, you might be able to get some good action. This bite should continue getting better and better as the season progresses. There might also be a top-water bite right before monsoon-generated storms hit. But be sure to get off the water of there is lightning.

This is the prime flathead catfish season. Try live bluegill or small carp as bait. Look for the deeper holes, especially up-lake where there is a little current. For bluegills, try the backs of rocky coves using nightcrawlers or meal worms on light tackle.

The Jojoba (main) and Yellow Cliffs boat ramps are open. Lake elevation is 1,776 feet, feet, 70 % full.