(2,092 feet, 40-percent full). Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods with a Nov. 29 report:

Good morning, Rim Country anglers,

Bass fishing on Roosevelt Lake was called "fair" this past week by local experienced anglers. The conditions at the lake are definitely late-fall conditions. Fish sense the changing water conditions and are adjusting to them. With the water temperatures in the high 50s and low 60s, experienced anglers know to look for warmer water where bass will be more active. The afternoon bite is clearly better than the early morning bite this time of year.

Also, bass are moving to deeper water where the water temperature is warmer than the surface temperature. Anglers are fishing deeper water using deep-diving crankbaits such as a DD-22 or casting spoons for these deeper bass.

The coves on the south side of the lake which is the highway side, receive sunlight longer than the coves on the north side. So in the afternoon, the shallow water on the south side will typically be warmer and bass are actively feeding in these areas. If you're fishing this week, those coves would be hot spots, especially in the afternoon.

Reaction baits such as a Super Fluke, paddle tail swimbait and crankbaits in a SR5 or SR7 size were reported successful. Also Texas and dropshot-rigged worms, as well as one-ounce jigs are excellent choices.

Crappie fishing reports were mixed last week. A couple of anglers reported 15 crappie caught in a couple of hours, while other reported catching only five. Larger crappie schools are being reported, but the trick is to find them. Remember that crappie like more stable weather and some kind of structure or cover in 25-35 feet depth. A small jig using a 2-inch grub-tail, lowered into the middle of the school, was the successful technique reported.

The lake level remained at 40-percent full again this week and it's been at that level for more than a month. Water flows into Roosevelt Lake are at normal rates for this time of year with the Salt River flowing at 100 percent and the Tonto Creek at 50 percent. The water clarity remained very clear except for the very ends of the lake where the water flows in.

The Arizona Game and Fish Dept. does an excellent job of trout stocking in our state. Most trout lakes and streams are stocked with trout every other week during the fall and winter months. This creates excellent learning opportunities for novice anglers. Visit www.AZGFD.gov to see the entire list of stocked lakes and streams. If you can't make it to the Rim, Green Valley Lake in Payson is producing excellent results. PowerBaits and salmon eggs were the choice of baits this past week.

Friday, Dec. 5, will be the last day to place your custom fishing rod order if your goal is to have it in time for Christmas.

After that, we do have gift certificates available as well as some inventory to select from. Call for a free quote on any custom rod at 928-468-0263 or visit our website at www.rimcountrycustomrods.com.

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