Sept. 15 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:

The bass fishing reports for Roosevelt Lake are being called very good by local anglers. Anglers are reporting good numbers of fish being caught -- but not many more than the 2-pound level. The recent stable weather and lower flow rates into the lake have anglers again reporting the dropshot, Texas rig or jig techniques as the most productive. Anglers are reporting catching bass in 15-25 foot depths.

The lake level set yet another new low record for the year and currently stands at 38 percent full. The Salt River is flowing at 50 percent of its normal rate for this time of year while the Tonto Creek has slowed to about 5 percent. The water temperatures are in the high 70s during the day, while the water clarity remains very clear. I had a chance to drive over the diversion dam bridge recently and the low flow rate of the Salt River is obvious.

The crappie anglers are reporting good fishing conditions during the morning and evening hours. Crappie anglers are fishing vertically, using grub tails in 20 to 25 foot deep water. Crappie swim in schools during the summer months and will always relate to structure and cover. I received reports from a few crappie anglers that crappie fishing this fall has greatly improved from the past two to three years. It appears the crappie population may be improving slightly.

Trout fishing on the Rim streams and rivers continues to be called excellent. The summer stocking program has only a couple more stockings remaining. The good news for Rim Country anglers is that the schedule is now set for the Community Fishing Program. Green Valley Lake's first stocking will occur the week of Oct. 17-22.

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

(2,088 feet, 38-percent full).