Episodios

  • Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Biting Strong for Memorial Day Weekend

    Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Biting Strong for Memorial Day Weekend
    May 25 2025
    Howdy folks, Artificial Lure here with your fresh-off-the-water Sam Rayburn fishing report for Sunday, May 25, 2025.

    We’re sitting just past sunrise, with first light around 6:15 AM and sunset coming in close at 8:20 PM. No tide reports for our inland slice of Texas, but with the weather steady in the high 70s to low 80s and a light southeast breeze, it’s shaping up to be a prime day on the lake. Water temps are holding around 77 degrees, stained but not muddy, and the lake level is running a little over a foot above pool[1][3].

    Bass fishing is transitioning hard into those summer patterns. The main spawn has wrapped up, so you’ll still see a few fish shallow, but the more consistent bite is coming off deeper ledges, creek channel swings, humps, and that classic East Texas timber in 8 to 14 feet. Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, and big worms in watermelon red or junebug are producing steady bites. If you’ve got a crankbait rigged up, don’t be shy about bouncing it through deeper brush or over points—there’s a good chance you’ll pick up a kicker[3].

    Crappie are doing their usual spring-to-summer shuffle. Look for them in 4 to 12 feet around standing timber, especially under shady branches. Minnows under a cork have been the ticket; a few are headed deeper to brush piles, but the most consistent action is still on the beds. Catfish are biting strong up shallow and in the creeks, especially with cut bait or minnows. Folks running noodles near the banks are hauling in solid blues and channels by the stringer[1][3].

    White bass are scattered but showing up in the creeks and around windblown points, hammering rattle traps, road runners, and shallow crankbaits. Early topwater is worth a cast along rocky banks.

    For bait selection, your best bets right now:
    - Bass: Texas or Carolina rigged plastic worms (watermelon red, junebug), crankbaits
    - Crappie: live minnows under a cork
    - Catfish: cut shad, chicken liver, or punch bait

    A couple of hot spots to check out: Big Sandy Creek is holding good numbers of bass and catfish, especially early. The Black Forest and Needmore Point are reliable for deeper bass on structure, and any standing timber or shallow brush near Five Fingers is producing crappie.

    All in all, Big Sam is fishing good and with the Memorial Day weekend crowd out, it pays to beat the sun and fish early. Be safe, keep an eye on that boat traffic, and remember—big fish bite when you least expect it. Tight lines, y’all[1][3].
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    3 m
  • Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Summer Patterns, Transitioning Bass, and Hot Spots for Memorial Day Weekend

    Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Summer Patterns, Transitioning Bass, and Hot Spots for Memorial Day Weekend
    May 24 2025
    Howdy y'all, Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning Sam Rayburn fishing report for May 24th, 2025.

    Let me tell ya, we're full-on into those summer patterns now on Big Sam. Water's sitting at about 77 degrees with that classic stained clarity, and we're running about 1.18 feet above pool level[1]. The sun's coming up around 6:30 this morning and will stay with us till nearly 8 o'clock tonight, giving you plenty of daylight to get after them fish.

    Them bass have completely finished spawning and are settling into their summer hideouts. They're slowly transitioning to deeper water[1], so your best bet is focusing on those ledges, humps, and that old timber that Sam Rayburn is famous for. I'm finding the sweet spot in that 8-14 foot range. Texas rigs and Carolina rigs with big ole worms in watermelon red or junebug colors are still producing consistently[3][4].

    If you're targeting points, Carolina rigs have been the ticket lately[1]. And don't forget to flick those crankbaits and jigs into timber areas - they tend to be warmer and holding good fish[1]. For you early birds, topwater action has been decent in the first hour of daylight around hydrilla edges and submerged timber.

    Crappie fishing remains steady with fish moving between shallow and deep water. They've been in creek channels and in the river[1]. Your magic depth has been in that 4-12 foot range. Minnows under corks near trees and brush piles will get you them slabs[4]. Small jigs in chartreuse and white have been working well too if you prefer artificial baits.

    Catfish are biting strong right now in 15-26 feet of water. Cut bait and minnows have been the go-to for filling your cooler[1][3].

    For hot spots this weekend, I'd recommend hitting Veach Basin early for that topwater bass action, then moving to the standing timber near Twin Creeks as the day warms up. Harvey Creek has been producing some good numbers of crappie, and the Angelina River channel near the 147 bridge has been giving up some nice catfish stringers.

    Remember, with this heat settling in, them fish are gonna be most active early and late in the day. Get on the water at first light for your best shot at a banner day, or wait until them last couple hours before sunset.

    Y'all stay hydrated out there and keep your lines tight. This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Good luck and happy fishing!
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    3 m
  • Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Summer Patterns Emerge, Crappie & Catfish On The Bite

    Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Summer Patterns Emerge, Crappie & Catfish On The Bite
    May 23 2025
    Howdy y'all, Artificial Lure here with your Friday morning Sam Rayburn fishing report for May 23rd, 2025. Let me tell ya, we've got ourselves a fine day shaping up on Big Sam today!

    The water's sitting pretty at about 77 degrees now, with that classic stained clarity we've been seeing all month. We're running about 1.18 feet above pool level, which has those fish moving around in predictable patterns.

    The big news this week is we're seeing that full transition to summer patterns taking hold. Those bass have wrapped up their spawn and are moving out to deeper water. Your best bet right now is working those 8-14 foot zones - focus on ledges, humps, and that old timber that Big Sam is famous for. Texas rigs and Carolina rigs with big ole worms in watermelon red or junebug colors have been producing consistently.

    Fish are slowly settling into their summer patterns, and they're using that old timber for structure since we're seeing very little grass or lily pads so far this season. If you've been struggling to locate fish, concentrate your efforts around that submerged timber - it's like bass condos out there!

    Crappie fishing has been mighty fine too! They're in that spawning dance, moving between shallow and deep water. The magic depth's been in that 4-12 foot range. Minnows under corks near trees and brush piles are your ticket for those slabs. Some folks have been doing real well with small jigs too if you prefer artificial baits.

    Catfish action has been picking up nicely as well, with fish bedding in similar depths as the crappie. They're biting good in that 4-12 foot range.

    For you early birds, sunrise today was right around 6:30 AM, and we're looking at sunset about 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get after those fish.

    If you're looking for some hot spots this week, I'd point you toward the humps and ledges near Cassells-Boykin Park and the timber-filled coves around San Augustine Park. The Harvey Creek area has been producing some nice stringers for folks working those deeper zones with patience.

    Remember, with these warming temperatures, the early morning and evening bites have been most productive, so plan accordingly. Get out there before the sun gets too high, or wait until those shadows start stretching across the water.

    Y'all stay safe on the water, keep those stringers wet, and I'll see you out there on Big Sam!
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    3 m
  • Late Spring Fishing on Sam Rayburn: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Action Heats Up

    Late Spring Fishing on Sam Rayburn: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Action Heats Up
    May 21 2025
    Artificial Lure here, checking in with your May 21st Sam Rayburn fishing report. It’s classic late-spring on Big Sam and the bite’s getting stronger by the day. Water temps are hovering right at 74 degrees, water’s stained, and the lake’s still sitting about a foot above pool level. Sunrise came at 6:30 am and sunset’s right about 8:15 pm, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to wet a line. Winds are light early, but expect a warm, breezy afternoon pushing highs into the low 80s.

    Bass fishing is the hot ticket right now. The spawn’s about wrapped and those largemouth are moving deeper. Your best bet is targeting the 8 to 14 foot zone on main lake ledges, humps, and classic Sam Rayburn timber. Big Texas rigged or Carolina rigged worms in watermelon red or junebug will get you bit. Some anglers are hooking solid 5 to 7 pounders, with the mid-lake region and Five Fingers producing best. Main lake points are also holding fish, especially with schooling shad nearby. Don’t be afraid to throw a rattle trap if you see surface activity[3][4][5].

    Crappie have started to scatter, but fish are still coming out of 4 to 12 feet of water, especially near standing timber and brush piles. Minnows under corks are the ticket, but a small jig will put a few in the box for you, too. The bite’s not quite all day, but it’s strong in the morning and tapers off once that sun gets high[3][4][5].

    Catfish are making a good showing as well. They’re being caught shallow and deep, with cut shad and stinkbait getting plenty of attention. Try drifting in 10 to 20 feet or work the shallows early along creek mouths.

    If you’re looking for hot spots, the Five Fingers area is a classic hit for bass right now, and the old river channel timber just north of the Hwy 147 Bridge is holding both crappie and some catfish.

    To sum it up: Bass action is best 8-14 feet on plastics, crappie are in 4-12 feet near timber, and catfish are biting on cut bait and stinkbait deep or shallow. Bring sunscreen, a warm cup for the morning run, and make the most of these big May days on Big Sam. Stay safe and tight lines!
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    2 m
  • Fishing Report for Lake Sam Rayburn: Summer Patterns, Bites, and Holiday Tips

    Fishing Report for Lake Sam Rayburn: Summer Patterns, Bites, and Holiday Tips
    May 19 2025
    Howdy folks, Artificial Lure here with your Monday morning fishing report for May 19th, 2025, coming to you from beautiful Lake Sam Rayburn. We're looking at another fine day on Big Sam as we ease into those summer patterns.

    Water's sitting pretty at about a foot and a half above pool level with temperatures holding steady around 74 degrees. The water's got that typical stain to it, but visibility is decent enough to put some fish in the boat. Sun came up this morning at about 6:25 AM and we'll see it set around 8:20 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to wet a line.

    Bass fishing has been GOOD this past week. Those post-spawners are fully transitioning to their summer haunts now. They're starting to stack up nicely on points, humps, and offshore structure in that 8 to 14 foot range. Your best bet has been working those ledges with Texas rigs and Carolina rigs. I've had particular success with big watermelon red or junebug worms around the old timber. With the lack of grass this year, that timber's providing prime structure.

    For you shallow water enthusiasts, there's still decent action flipping brush and trees, especially with the high water we've got. Any pencil grass or hay grass you can find is worth hitting with topwater frogs and poppers in the early morning hours. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits have been producing well on the points and structure too.

    Crappie fishing has been HOT. They're slowly moving out to the brush piles as they finish up spawning. Jigs and minnows at 4 to 12 feet around trees and brush have been filling livewells. Try around the Cassels-Boykin area or up in the Attoyac arm for some slab action.

    Catfish have been on a tear lately. They're biting aggressively on cut bait in the creek channels and ledges. Anglers are reporting excellent catches in the 3 to 10 foot range.

    Hot spots this week include the Harvey Creek area for bass on those ledges, Twin Creeks for crappie in the brush piles, and the Hanks Creek arm for catfish. Don't overlook the Needmore area if you're after those summer pattern bass.

    Remember folks, with Memorial Day weekend coming up, we'll be seeing increased boat traffic, so mind your manners out there. Tight lines and good fishing to y'all until next time! This is Artificial Lure signing off from Sam Rayburn.
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    3 m
  • Sam Rayburn Fishing Report - Late Spring Patterns and Hot Spots to Target

    Sam Rayburn Fishing Report - Late Spring Patterns and Hot Spots to Target
    May 18 2025
    Howdy y'all, Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning Sam Rayburn fishing report for May 18th, 2025!

    Let me tell ya, we're sliding right into those early summer patterns here at Big Sam! Water temperature's sitting pretty at about 74 degrees with that familiar stained clarity, and we're running about 1.5 feet above pool level this morning.

    The spawn has wrapped up for our bass population, and they're transitioning to their summer haunts. Your best bet this week has been targeting those deeper zones in the 8-14 foot range. The fish are holding tight to ledges, humps, and especially that old timber structure. I've been putting clients on solid fish using Texas rigs and Carolina rigs with big worms - can't go wrong with watermelon red or junebug colors right now.

    Crappie fishing has been downright productive! These slabs are still in that spawning dance, moving between shallow and deeper water. Focus on that 4-12 foot range, especially around trees and brush piles. Minnows under corks have been the ticket, particularly for those bedding fish.

    Catfish action has been steady too, with similar patterns to the crappie. They're working that 4-12 foot depth, with fresh cut bait or chicken liver doing the damage.

    Weather-wise, we're looking at a beautiful day with temps climbing into the mid-80s by afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:25 AM, and we'll see sunset around 8:20 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get after 'em.

    For hot spots this week, I'd point y'all toward the Harvey Creek area where that timber meets the channel drop, and over to Veach Basin where some scattered grass beds are finally starting to form. The fish are really keying on that structure with the lack of grass and lily pads so far this season.

    Remember, with the water warming, those fish are becoming more active in the mornings and evenings, so plan your trips accordingly. The mid-day bite has been a bit slower unless you're fishing deep.

    That's the word from Big Sam today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and full livewells to ya! Don't forget to swing by the bait shop for the latest updates if you're heading out this week.
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    3 m
  • Sam Rayburn Fishing Report May 17 2025 - Transition to Summer Patterns, Hot Crappie & Catfish Bites

    Sam Rayburn Fishing Report May 17 2025 - Transition to Summer Patterns, Hot Crappie & Catfish Bites
    May 17 2025
    Howdy y'all, Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning Sam Rayburn fishing report for May 17th, 2025!

    Let me tell ya, we've got ourselves a mighty fine day for fishing on Big Sam today! The water's sitting at about 74 degrees with that classic stained clarity we've been seeing. We're running about 1.5 feet above pool level, which has those fish moving around a bit.

    The big news is we're seeing that transition to summer patterns starting to take hold. Those bass have finally wrapped up their spawn and are moving out to deeper water. Your best bet right now is working those 8-14 foot zones - focus on ledges, humps, and that old timber that Big Sam is famous for. Texas rigs and Carolina rigs with big ole worms in watermelon red or junebug colors have been producing consistently.

    Crappie fishing has been picking up nicely! They're in that spawning dance too, moving between shallow and deep water. The magic depth's been in that 4-12 foot range. Minnows under corks near trees and brush piles are your ticket for those slabs. Some folks have been doing real well with small jigs too if you prefer artificial baits.

    Don't you dare overlook them catfish - they've been hungry and active! Cut bait or stink bait in the same 4-12 foot range has been filling stringers for folks all week.

    For you early birds, sunrise today was at 6:27 AM, and we're looking at sunset around 8:18 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get after 'em.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, I'd point you toward the Attoyac arm up near the 147 bridge - that area's been producing some nice bass. Also, the standing timber around Caney Creek has been holding some good crappie schools.

    Weather-wise, we're looking at temps climbing into the mid-80s today with a light southerly breeze - just perfect for a day on the water.

    No tidal report needed for our freshwater paradise here, but keep in mind that boat traffic picks up around midday on Saturdays, so get your fishing in early if you want them calm waters.

    Remember, folks, with the water up a bit, watch out for floating debris, especially in those creek arms.

    Y'all get out there and wet a line today - the fish are biting, and there ain't no better place to be than Sam Rayburn on a beautiful May morning in Texas!

    Until next time, tight lines and big catches!
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    3 m
  • Fishing Report from Lake Sam Rayburn: Post-Spawn Bass, Spawning Crappie, and Hungry Catfish

    Fishing Report from Lake Sam Rayburn: Post-Spawn Bass, Spawning Crappie, and Hungry Catfish
    May 16 2025
    Howdy folks, Artificial Lure here with your Friday morning fishing report for May 16th, 2025, live from beautiful Lake Sam Rayburn.

    We're looking at another fantastic day on Big Sam with water temperatures holding steady around 73-74 degrees. The lake is sitting about 1.5 feet above pool level with that typical spring stained clarity we've come to expect.

    Sunrise was at 6:28 AM this morning, and we'll be seeing the sun dip below the horizon around 8:17 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to wet a line. Weather's cooperative today, perfect for a full day on the water.

    Bass fishing has been GOOD this past week, with most of the spawn now behind us. Those post-spawn largemouth are transitioning to their early summer patterns. They're starting to stack up on points, humps, and structure in that 8-14 foot range. Your best bet has been working ledges with Texas rigs and Carolina rigs. Toss a big ole watermelon red or junebug colored worm around that old timber - the fish are using it for structure with the lack of grass this year.

    For you shallow water enthusiasts, there's still decent action flipping brush and trees, especially with the high water we've got. Any pencil grass or hay grass you can find is worth hitting with topwater frogs and poppers, especially in the early morning.

    Crappie fishing remains strong as they're in that transition period between shallow spawning areas and deeper summer haunts. The magic depth has been 4-12 feet, with minnows under corks around trees producing limits of slabs. They're slowly moving out to the brush piles, so adjust accordingly.

    Catfish are spawning and flat-out hungry. Cut bait in creek channels and ledges has been the ticket for consistent action.

    For hot spots this weekend, I'd recommend hitting Veach Basin if you're after those transition bass - the points there are holding good numbers. For crappie, Harvey Creek has been producing consistent limits. The Canyons area has been fire for catfish.

    Bait-wise, load up on minnows for crappie, and make sure you've got some cut shad for the cats. For artificial offerings, pack those Texas-rigged worms, some crankbaits for the points, and don't forget a few spinnerbaits for working the edges.

    That's the word from Big Sam this morning. Remember, the fish are always biting somewhere - you just gotta find 'em! This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and God bless. See y'all on the water!
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    3 m
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