High country monsoon rains are keeping water temperatures good for an active trout bite  (68 degrees on Tuesday at Show Low Lake, for example). A cooler-than-average spring and early summer now means the desert largemouth bass bite has not quite yet come to a “dog days” summer lull. Arizona has endless opportunities for bending rods, loading stringers and making memories.

A rundown of the largemouth bass scene: night fishing is a good option (not excellent yet, according to some experienced anglers). Otherwise, consider fishing during early mornings or head to the mid- to high-elevation lakes. See a report of some good high country bass bets. For pure numbers, a dropshot rig is the best summertime largemouth bass technique. Many bass anglers will likely be night fishing.

Don’t count out going for walleye (along with a mixed bag of species) at Show Low Lake or Fool Hollow Lake.

Also, the surface action at dusk and dawn has started picking up during calm days at Lake Powell (famous for triple-digit days), Lake Pleasant, Bartlett, Alamo, Lake Havasu, Saguaro, Canyon, Roosevelt – pretty much name it. At first and last light, try poppers, chuggers, buzzbaits and stick baits such as a Zara Spook, where you “walk the dog,” making the lure dart back and forth, dancing on the surface as though it’s a wounded shad. Never know when a bass will surprise you by blasting the lure and breaking the surface.

For trout, Lower Lake Mary in Flagstaff should still be a good option. Our Flagstaff-region Aquatic Wildlife Specialist Chuck Benedict said anglers are still catching some nice sized trout early in the morning or late in the evening on the lake using flies and lures.

Weekly trout stockings: Rim and White Mountains

Some Mogollon Rim lakes and creeks are still being stocked weekly — Canyon Creek, East Verde, Haigler Creek, Tonto Creek, and Willow Springs Lake.

In the White Mountains region, the Black River (east and west forks), the Little Colorado River in Greer (and at Sheeps Crossing), and Silver Creek are all getting replenished weekly.

PowerBait, small spinner baits, worms and salmon eggs can all be good options. Fly anglers can try dry fly imitations.