Apache Lake and Reports
Wednesday, November 7th, 2018
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Report: From AZGFD
Roosevelt and Apache lakes
Jim Goughnour of Rim Country Custom Rods reported, “Crappie anglers are reporting the best fishing in the past several years on Roosevelt and Apache lakes. Limits of crappie are being caught in just a few hours of fishing in the morning. Large crappie schools can be found in 25-30 foot depths and always in brush, trees or the artificial habitat structures deployed by the AZGFD. A vertical fishing technique is the most popular technique. November is traditionally considered one of the best months for crappie fishing due to the stable weather pattern.”
Monday, November 30th, 2015
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Report: From AZGFD
APACHE LAKE - Lake elevation is 1,905 feet (91-percent full). Senft reported that some smallmouth bass had been hitting surface plugs early in the morning. Smallmouth and largemouth bass have been hitting dropshot-rigged Roboworms in around 12 feet of water.
Various jigs also can be effective – try crawdad imitations. Points, islands and rocky structures tend to hold the majority of largemouth bass – keep moving.
Apache is also full of some really nice yellow bass. Try gold Kastmasters or yellow/gold Rooster Tails.
Catfishing should be good. Carp fishing can be great. You might even catch one of the monster buffalo fish.
Monday, June 21st, 2004
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Water Temp: 80
Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)
Report: .It appears that most of the Bluegill are dead. My kids usually catch and release dozens a day. They caught none and saw none, other than a few dead ones. We also saw hundrededs of dead or dying shad. We caught no fish at all but spoke to a couple that had several bass that were all caught at a depth of 5 to 15 feet and all on purple 4 inch power worms. Game and Fish blames the fish kill on a rare algae that was made worse by the recent White Mountain fires sending ash down the Salt River. In 40 years this is the first time I have not seen a Bluegill at Apache Lake. I hope they return.
Tips: Fish off the bottom in 5 to 15 feet of water. Although the fishing is less than stellar the crawfish are abundant and easily caught day or night. Raw bacon or hot dogs work great tied to a string. My kids had a blast catching them.