Oct. 13 report from Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods:

The bass fishing conditions on Roosevelt Lake have been upgraded to excellent. Anglers are reporting that the fishing has not been this good since the spring, and in a way, they are correct. All species of fish sense the change in water temperature.

In the spring, bass are actively feeding after a long period of slow metabolism. In the fall, fish are again feeding heavily in preparation to the colder months ahead. Another factor anglers are reporting is the full moon phase that is having a positive impact on the fishing conditions. Both bass and crappie fishing may be the best that it has been all year.

The water temperature continues to fall and now is in the low 70s in the morning, increasing to mid 70s in the afternoon. Fish are being caught in all depths of water and on a variety of baits. Anglers are reporting success fishing shallow using crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits. Others who are fishing depths down to 20 feet are using a dropshot, Texas rig or jig. Still other anglers are reporting large numbers of bass being caught using Carolina rig or spoons fishing in 30 feet and deeper water depths.

Crappie anglers are reporting success locating crappie schools in about 20 feet depths using a small curly tail bait. Several colors were reported successful including green-yellow, black-blue-chartreuse, blue-silver color combinations.

The lake level continues to fall due to downstream demand. Currently it stands at 35 percent full. The Salt River is flowing at 100 percent of its normal rate for this time of year while the Tonto Creek has slowed to about 50 percent. The water clarity in the main lake remains very clear, with the slightly stained water on the Salt River end of the lake.

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

(2,103 feet, 35-percent full).