Reel News
Denise Jones
Gila Outdoor
348-0710

CLUFF RANCH

The lake will receive its first trout stocking of the season this week. For lake information call (928) 485-9430.

ROPER LAKE

The lake will receive its first trout stocking of the season this week. For lake information call (928) 428-6760. This is also a good lake for viewing waterfowl. There is an osprey that routinely works this lake. This state park has plenty of camping opportunities and even an open-air hot tub.

DANKWORTH POND

Sunfish are biting in the early morning before the day begins to heat up. Aquatic vegetation continues to be a problem for anglers.  For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

FRYE MESA RESERVOIR

Trout were rising last week.  Try a small fly when the light is still low.

ROOSEVELT LAKE

Lake elevation is 2,132 feet (77-percent full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 2 cfs, while inflow from the Salt River is at 140 cfs.

A fishing duo caught 20 bass using Robo Worms.

Another couple of anglers caught bass using the drop-shot method, and one bass was caught on a spinner.

After picking up some pointers from a televised fishing show, an angler put into practice spooning techniques and fish-finder imagery, resulting in a catch of more than 70 bass.  Most were in the slot with a couple overs. 

Trolling is working well using blue black chartruce and John Deer tipped with minnows.  Both the Salt and Tonto ends are productive, although these anglers caught more crappie and bluegill on the Tonto end. 

APACHE

 Lake elevation is 1,906 feet (92-percent full).  A great Apache report straight from the angler:

Went to Apache for the first time in over six years. Launched at 3-mile, great place to launch. Started covering water with a smaller crank (like I learned from Art Price and Floyd Preas years ago). Caught over 20 largemouth and smallmouth from 1 lb. to more than 4 lbs. Jerkbait and jig also produced. Decided to hit some old spoon holes and caught another 10 or so (up to 4 lbs.) by noon and headed home. Just want to say thanks to all those that have helped restock Apache (and the others). I caught two smallies, both about 13 inches long and very fat. November and December have always been the best months on Apache, so now is the time to go.

Smallmouth and largemouth bass were stocked two weeks ago with the help of UAAF members, concerned anglers and Game and Fish.  About 7,000 4- to 6-inch smallmouth bass were just stocked at Apache Lake and about 3,000 smallmouth bass were stocked at Canyon Lake.   Apache also received about 2,600 4- to 6-inch Florida strain largemouth bass; Canyon Lake received about 2,100, and Saguaro received just more than 500. 

More bass are due to come in next week.  

San Carlos is at 2 percent, and launching can be very tricky. I’d stay away until the lake comes back up, and I sure hope it does soon before there is a die off.