Home Forums Fishing Freshwater Favorite lake is going to fill to 100%!

Western impoundments are known to have highs and lows due to rainfall. Roosevelt Lake in Central Arizona has some good years and bad years. For the third time since they raised the dam height, back in 1989,it looks like the lake is going to fill! It is currently 95% full. Wondering how full they might let it get? One time they let it get to 101%, as there is some flood storage space, before they let it out. Perhaps it can set a new record!

Poppies are in full bloom. A great time to be at Roosevelt Lake.



The marina launch ramp got caught off guard. Both courtesy docks were way out there last week. This week they moved one in but not sure I would want to try launching on clay type dirt.



The road to Badger launch ramp and the ramp are now under water


Badger ramp two weeks ago. The lamp post light will be a few feet underwater when lake is full. The last time the lake filled in 2009, that light was left on!


Nothing like throwing lures in brittle brush and other plants that grew up since 2009. Thinking weedless rattling jig and short bill crankbaits will do well with all the stuff now in the water.

With care boats can go far up the Salt River past the bald eagle nest and also go way up Tonto Creek. Lake will be 22 miles long once again.

Exciting times for Roosevelt!

KRP was there recently and did well.

Will begin fishing it next week.

That's good news! I need to fish that lake one of these days. Are your parks open in AZ?

All national forest campgrounds, picnic areas etc were closed on Monday the 23rd. This includes Roosevelt Lake which is part of the Tonto National Forest. BUT Launch ramps ARE open.(I called Tonto headquarters and was told ramps are open) There are various dirt roads in the area around Roosevelt with pullouts here and there. No issues I am aware of primitive camping there.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/tra...nino-tonto-apache-sitgreaves/2904703001/

On the other hand Arizona's state parks remain open:

https://azstateparks.com/press/COVID19

Just found this picture of Roosevelt from 2009 just before it filled at 101%. The right side concrete bases will be under water when water reaches 100%

What different species of fish inhabit it?

Largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, crappie, flathead and channel catfish, carp, buffalo carp and a few types of sunfish.

Lake is still coming up. Can now cross isthmus of Windy hill. It is 5 ft deep with road to Badger underneath.





The light will soon be under water



While it is just 2 feet under trolling motor it is now possible to cross from Fool's pass to Erwin cove!




Water clarity is still poor and fishing is improving. Will be a fun spring.