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

Recent fishing on Roosevelt is reported to be good to very good. During this time of year, fish become scattered and can be caught at several locations throughout the lake. Anglers reported using crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits in 5 to 15 foot depths. A deep drop-shot technique is successful at 10 to 20 foot depths on main lake points and spoons were reported successful in 30 foot and deeper depths.

The water temperature is now struggling to reach 60 degrees even on sunny days. As the water temperature cools, fish will retreat to deeper depths where the temperature is actually warmer than on the surface. The lake water level has remained constant over the past month at 35% full with the Salt River and Tonto Creek flowing at normal rates for this time of year.

Crappie fishing is being called excellent on Roosevelt Lake. Anglers are reporting larger crappie in the 2-pound rage being caught and many anglers report catching 10 to 15 crappie in a few hours of fishing. Most crappie anglers are using the trolling technique; however, the trolling speed needed is less than 1 mph. Crappie anglers are fishing near Windy Hill and the Hay Stack areas of the lake. They are reporting the most active time of the day is around noon when schooling crappie begin feeding heavily.

(2,084 feet, 35-percent full)