Lake elevation is 1,770 feet, 63 % full.

The water level has dropped considerably the past couple months, but leveled out the past week.

Gary Senft, a Bass Pro at the Mesa Bass Pro Shops, said largemouth bass fishing remains excellent, perhaps the best in the state, from the dam to the yellow cliffs area.

Senft previously said he recommends beginning fishing the early morning, beginning with crankbaits (a square bill or one that dive 4-5 feet in a shad pattern or crawdad colors). Also in the morning, try spinnerbaits.

Senft and other anglers noticed that as long as the wind was blowing, the reaction bite keot going. Once the wind stops, the bite stops.

Once the sun comes up, anglers should consider switching to dropshot-rigged worms (most colors have been effective) fishing points, reefs and islands.

Also effective has been jigs, shakyhead rigged worms in green pumpkin, and 3-inch Rapala Shad Raps.

Finally, anglers are likely catching some huge flatheads at Bartlett right now using small bluegills (3 to 4 inchers) as bait.

These voracious monsters that can tips the scales well above 50 pounds are actively roaming the lake right now looking for meals, so this is a great time to catch them. Stout poles and heavy line (20 pounds or better) are the order of the day.