Charles S.: Water temps in the current have been around 80 to 81 degrees and lake temps have been around 85. Water levels have been a little higher than normal for this time of year, yet levels appear to be steady, vegetation near the water surfaces is noticeably less abundant than this time last year. Big bass are out in force, current fisherman can catch them pitching/flipping jigs, creatures or plastic worms. Experiment with colors and presentations, but expect to cover a lot of water as these fish are under constant pressure from anglers.

Lake fish are biting as well, although I strongly feel that the sheer numbers of resident bass in many lakes has dwindled, largely due to the catch and relocation that occurs during bass tournaments. But that's just my personal opinion, and not the opinion of AZ Game and Fish. I fished Martinez over the weekend and shallow diving crank baits seemed to produce the better quality fish, though they were scarce. Most lakes are experiencing heavy boat traffic on the weekends and 4th of July weekend is sure to put a damper on lake fishing, as well as in the current, especially if you are planning on fishing past 9 am or the lower side of Picacho State Park.

I also caught the weigh-in for the Saturday night catfish tournament held out of Fisher's Landing, the weigh-in was Sunday from 4:30 am to 7:00 am. I believe all fisherman weighed cats, it looked like maybe 8 or so of them being in the 15 lb. range, one angler proudly brought a near 30 pound yellow cat the scales. He walked down the ramp and released his catch into the marina after weighing in. It was also reported that the cats had a fondness for live bluegills this weekend.