Episodes

  • Fishing Report Lake Sam Rayburn February 2025 - Crappie, Bass, and More in Changing Conditions

    Fishing Report Lake Sam Rayburn February 2025 - Crappie, Bass, and More in Changing Conditions
    Feb 8 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of February 8, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water temperature is currently around 57 degrees, which is a slight warm-up from last week's 47 degrees. The water level is 0.31 feet above pool, and it's still a bit stained, especially up in the creeks and pockets. This is pretty typical for this time of year and is affecting the fish behavior.

    Sunrise today is at about 7:00 AM, and sunset will be around 5:30 PM. These times are crucial because they mark the periods when fish are most active. During the early morning and late evening, you'll find bass, crappie, and other species more active due to the lower light conditions.

    Recently, the bass have been very lethargic and slow to bite, so you'll need to be patient. Targeting stumps in creek bends has been the best strategy for catching bass. Crappie and white bass are moving up the creek channels, so keep an eye out for those areas. Catfish are doing well in 15-26 feet of water, and they're biting on cut bait and minnows.

    For bass, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are good choices during the daytime, but given the current cold and stained water conditions, you might want to switch to more subtle presentations like plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs. Topwater baits can also work well during the early morning and late evening when the fish are more active near the surface.

    Crappie fishing is excellent year-round here, and using jigs and minnows is your best bet. During this time, they're concentrated in deeper water around brush piles and creek channels. If you're after white bass, they're not as numerous, but you can catch them during their spring runs, which are just around the corner.

    Now, let's talk about some hot spots. The lower part of the reservoir, where the water is clearer, is a great place to target fish around vegetation edges, flats, and humps. In the upper third of the reservoir, where vegetation is less abundant, focus on timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels. The creek bends, especially those with stumps, are prime spots for bass.

    If you're looking for specific locations, try the areas around the Angelina River and the Ayish Bayou. These spots offer a mix of structures and vegetation that attract a variety of fish species. Another good spot is the area around the Twin Dikes, where the combination of submerged timber and creek channels can be very productive.

    In summary, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some great fishing opportunities despite the cold and stained water. Be prepared to adapt your tactics based on the time of day and the specific species you're after. Good luck out there, and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report Lake Sam Rayburn Feb 2025 - Chilly Temps & Stained Water, but Opportunities Abound

    Fishing Report Lake Sam Rayburn Feb 2025 - Chilly Temps & Stained Water, but Opportunities Abound
    Feb 7 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of February 7, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water temperature is still quite chilly, sitting around 57 degrees, and the water level is 0.31 feet above pool, with the water stained, especially up in the creeks and pockets. This is pretty typical for this time of year and is affecting the fish behavior.

    Sunrise today is at about 7:00 AM, and sunset will be around 5:30 PM. These times are crucial because they mark the periods when fish are most active. During the early morning and late evening, you'll find bass, crappie, and other species more active due to the lower light conditions.

    Recently, the bass have been very lethargic and slow to bite, so you'll need to be patient. Targeting stumps in creek bends has been the best strategy for catching bass. Crappie and white bass are moving up the creek channels, so keep an eye out for those areas. Catfish are doing well in 15-26 feet of water, and they're biting on cut bait and minnows.

    For bass, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are good choices during the daytime, but given the current cold and stained water conditions, you might want to switch to more subtle presentations like plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs. Topwater baits can also work well during the early morning and late evening when the fish are more active near the surface.

    Crappie fishing is excellent year-round here, and using jigs and minnows is your best bet. During this time, they're concentrated in deeper water around brush piles and creek channels. If you're after white bass, they're not as numerous, but you can catch them during their spring runs, which are just around the corner.

    Now, let's talk about some hot spots. The lower part of the reservoir, where the water is clearer, is a great place to target fish around vegetation edges, flats, and humps. In the upper third of the reservoir, where vegetation is less abundant, focus on timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels. The creek bends, especially those with stumps, are prime spots for bass.

    If you're looking for specific locations, try the areas around the Angelina River and the Ayish Bayou. These spots offer a mix of structures and vegetation that attract a variety of fish species. Another good spot is the area around the Twin Dikes, where the combination of submerged timber and creek channels can be very productive.

    In summary, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some great fishing opportunities despite the cold and stained water. Be prepared to adapt your tactics based on the time of day and the specific species you're after. Good luck out there, and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report: Lake Sam Rayburn Winter Conditions and Hotspots for Crappie, Bass, and Catfish

    Fishing Report: Lake Sam Rayburn Winter Conditions and Hotspots for Crappie, Bass, and Catfish
    Feb 5 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing around Lake Sam Rayburn in Texas. As of today, February 5, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water level at Lake Sam Rayburn is currently 0.65 feet above pool, and the water temperature is sitting at a chilly 47 degrees. The water is stained, especially up in the creeks and pockets, which can make things a bit challenging but also presents some great opportunities.

    Sunrise today is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:45 PM. These times are crucial because, during this period, fish tend to be more active. Given the cold weather, expect the fish to be a bit lethargic, but they're still biting.

    Recently, crappie and white bass have been moving up the creek channels, so targeting these areas with jigs and minnows could yield some great results. Catfish are also active in 15-26 feet of water, and cut bait or minnows are your best bets for catching them.

    For bass, it's a bit tougher due to the cold, but they can still be found around structures like stumps in creek bends. Bass are very slow to bite right now, so patience is key. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are good choices for daytime fishing, especially during the fall, winter, and spring months when fish are more active in shallow water.

    If you're after crappie, remember they're excellent year-round targets. During their spring spawn, they'll be in shallow areas near vegetation, but for now, look for them in deeper water around creek channels and brush piles. Jigs and minnows are the way to go for crappie.

    For those looking to catch some white bass, they're not as numerous but can still be caught, especially during the spring. However, with the current conditions, you might find some scattered schools moving up the creek channels.

    Now, let's talk about some hot spots. One of the best areas to fish right now is around the creek bends and channels, particularly where there are stumps and submerged structures. The lower part of the reservoir, where the water is clearer, is also a great spot to target fish around vegetation edges, flats, and humps.

    Another spot worth checking out is the upper third of the reservoir, where timber, brush, and laydowns provide excellent habitat for game fish. Keep an eye out for man-made fish attractors as well, as these can be magnets for various species.

    In terms of lures and bait, here are some recommendations. For bass, use crankbaits and spinnerbaits during the day. If you're fishing during low light conditions, topwater baits are excellent. For crappie, jigs and minnows are your best friends. For catfish, stick with cut bait and minnows.

    Before you head out, remember to drain the water from your boat and onboard receptacles to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

    That's all for today, folks. With the right gear, patience, and knowledge of the hot spots, you should be able to catch some great fish at Lake Sam Rayburn. Tight lines
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    4 mins
  • Fishing at Lake Sam Rayburn in February 2025: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Hotspots

    Fishing at Lake Sam Rayburn in February 2025: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Hotspots
    Feb 3 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of February 3, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water temperature is sitting around 47 degrees, and the water level is slightly stained, especially up in the creeks and pockets. This is pretty typical for this time of year, and it's affecting the fish behavior.

    Sunrise today is at about 7:00 AM, and sunset will be around 5:30 PM. These times are crucial because they mark the periods when fish are most active. During the early morning and late evening, you'll find bass, crappie, and other species more active due to the lower light conditions.

    Recently, the bass have been very lethargic and slow to bite, so you'll need to be patient. Targeting stumps in creek bends has been the best strategy for catching bass. Crappie and white bass are moving up the creek channels, so keep an eye out for those areas. Catfish are doing well in 15-26 feet of water, and they're biting on cut bait and minnows[1][3][5].

    For bass, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are good choices during the daytime. However, given the current cold and stained water conditions, you might want to switch to more subtle presentations like plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs. Topwater baits can also work well during the early morning and late evening when the fish are more active near the surface[2][3].

    Crappie fishing is excellent year-round here, and using jigs and minnows is your best bet. During this time, they're concentrated in deeper water around brush piles and creek channels. If you're after white bass, they're not as numerous, but you can catch them during their spring runs, which are just around the corner[2][3].

    Now, let's talk about some hot spots. The lower part of the reservoir, where the water is clearer, is a great place to target fish around vegetation edges, flats, and humps. In the upper third of the reservoir, where vegetation is less abundant, focus on timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels. The creek bends, especially those with stumps, are prime spots for bass[2][3].

    If you're looking for specific locations, try the areas around the Angelina River and the Ayish Bayou. These spots offer a mix of structures and vegetation that attract a variety of fish species.

    In summary, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some great fishing opportunities despite the cold and stained water. Be prepared to adapt your tactics based on the time of day and the specific species you're after. Good luck out there, and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report: Cooler Temps, Active Fish at Lake Sam Rayburn

    Fishing Report: Cooler Temps, Active Fish at Lake Sam Rayburn
    Feb 2 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of February 2, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The lake level is currently about 0.65 feet above pool, thanks to recent rain. The water is slightly stained, especially up in the creeks and pockets, with a temperature hovering around 47 degrees. Since Lake Sam Rayburn is a freshwater lake, you don't have to worry about tidal changes.

    Sunrise today is at about 7:20 AM, and sunset will be around 5:20 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out there and catch some fish. The weather forecast indicates a mild day with no significant changes expected, making it a good time to hit the water.

    Fish activity is looking good right now. Bass are active, although they might be a bit lethargic due to the cooler water. They're chasing shad in the shallows and off points, particularly around the south end of the lake where you can find some grass. Crankbaits are working well in these areas. If you're targeting bass, look for stumps in creek bends, as they seem to be holding up there. For early morning or late evening fishing, switch to topwater baits to capitalize on the low light conditions. Plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs are also effective, especially around vegetation edges, deep ledges, and creek channels.

    Crappie and white bass are moving up the creek channels but aren't stacked up as usual. For crappie, jigs and minnows are your best bet, especially in deeper water around brush piles and creek channels. During their spring spawn, you'll want to target shallow areas near vegetation, but for now, they're in those deeper spots.

    Catfish are also active, particularly in 15-26 feet of water, where cut bait and minnows are working well.

    Some hot spots to consider include the lower part of the reservoir where the water is clearer. Here, game fish tend to hold around vegetation edges, flats, humps, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, look for timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels as these areas provide good habitat for fish.

    Recently, anglers have reported consistent bites, though the fish are a bit slow to react due to the cooler water. Bass up to 6 pounds have been caught, and crappie are averaging around 1-2 pounds.

    For your tackle box, make sure to include crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater baits, plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs. For bait, minnows, cut bait, and shad are all good choices.

    Overall, it's a fair day for fishing at Sam Rayburn, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Just remember to drain your boat's water when leaving or approaching the lake to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

    Get out there and enjoy the fishing – it's going to be a great day on the water
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Update at Lake Sam Rayburn: Targeting Bass, Crappie, and Catfish

    Fishing Update at Lake Sam Rayburn: Targeting Bass, Crappie, and Catfish
    Feb 1 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of February 1, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water is slightly stained, especially up in the creeks and pockets, with a temperature of around 47 degrees. The lake is currently 1.34 feet above pool, which is something to keep in mind when navigating.

    Sunrise today is at about 7:00 AM, and sunset will be around 5:30 PM, giving us a good window for both morning and evening fishing. The weather forecast indicates a mix of cloudy and sunny skies, which can make for some interesting fishing dynamics.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. Bass have been a bit lethargic lately, but they're still biting if you know where to look. Target those stumps in the creek bends for the best chance at landing a largemouth. Crappie and white bass are moving up the creek channels, so keep an eye out for these guys as they make their way through.

    Catfish are doing well in the 15-26 feet depth range, and cut bait and minnows are your best bets for catching them. If you're after crappie, jigs and minnows are the way to go, especially during their spring spawn when they're in shallow areas near vegetation. For the rest of the year, they tend to congregate in deeper water around creek channels and brush piles.

    When it comes to lures, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are excellent choices for daytime fishing during the fall, winter, and spring. However, with the current cooler temperatures, you might want to switch to topwater baits during the early morning and late evening when the bass are more active. For those summer-like days that might pop up, plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs will serve you well around vegetation edges, deep ledges, and creek channels.

    For beginners or those looking for some easy action, bluegill and redear sunfish are plentiful and can be caught using simple baits like small jigs or live worms.

    Now, let's talk about some hot spots. The lower part of the reservoir, where the water is clearer, is a great place to target game fish around vegetation edges, flats, humps, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, where vegetation is less abundant, focus on standing timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels.

    One specific spot to check out is the area around the creek bends, particularly where there are stumps and submerged structures. Another good spot is near the brush piles and man-made fish attractors scattered throughout the lake.

    Remember, with the water level fluctuations, habitat conditions can change, so be prepared to adapt your strategy. And don't forget to drain your boat and onboard receptacles to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

    That's all for now, folks. Tight lines, and I'll see you on the water
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Forecast for Lake Sam Rayburn: Lethargic Bass, Crappie Hotspots, and Catfish in the Depths

    Fishing Forecast for Lake Sam Rayburn: Lethargic Bass, Crappie Hotspots, and Catfish in the Depths
    Jan 31 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of January 31, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water level is currently 1.34 feet above pool, and the water is slightly stained, especially in the creeks and pockets. The temperature is a chilly 47 degrees, which is typical for this time of year.

    For those planning to head out, sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:30 PM. There's no tidal report to worry about since we're dealing with a freshwater lake, but keep an eye on the weather; it's been quite cold lately, which affects fish activity.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. Largemouth bass are being quite lethargic and slow to bite, but you can still catch them if you know where to look. Target stumps in creek bends, as these areas seem to be holding some bass. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are usually good choices during this time, but given the cold, you might want to slow down your retrieve and use soft plastics like plastic worms, jigs, or Carolina rigs.

    Crappie fishing is excellent year-round here, and right now, they're moving up the creek channels. Use jigs and minnows to catch them, especially around submerged trees and brush piles. For deeper water, focus on areas with brush piles and creek channels.

    Catfish are also doing well, particularly in 15-26 feet of water. Cut bait and minnows are your best bets for catching channel and blue catfish along the creek channels and the bottom of the lake.

    White bass, though not as abundant, can be found schooling in open water near the dam or chasing baitfish along deep channels. Use slabs and jigging spoons to catch them.

    When it comes to lures and bait, here are some recommendations:

    - For bass: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs.
    - For crappie: Jigs and minnows.
    - For catfish: Cut bait and minnows.
    - For white bass: Slabs and jigging spoons.

    Now, let's talk about some hot spots. One of the best areas to fish is around the submerged aquatic vegetation, particularly in the lower part of the reservoir where the water is relatively clear. Look for edges of vegetation, flats, humps, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, focus on timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels.

    Another great spot is the area around the flooded terrestrial vegetation and man-made fish attractors. These provide excellent habitat for game fish, especially during high water levels when inundated trees and bushes are submerged.

    In summary, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some great fishing opportunities despite the cold weather. Be patient, use the right lures and bait, and you'll likely find yourself reeling in some nice catches. Just remember to drain your boat and onboard receptacles to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

    Good luck out there, and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Lake Sam Rayburn Fishing Update: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Bites in January 2025

    Lake Sam Rayburn Fishing Update: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Bites in January 2025
    Jan 30 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of January 30, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The lake level is on the rise thanks to recent rain, currently sitting about 0.65 feet above pool, according to the latest reports. The water is slightly stained, especially up in the creeks and pockets, with a temperature of around 47 degrees.

    Since Lake Sam Rayburn is a freshwater lake, you don't have to worry about tidal changes. Sunrise today is at about 7:20 AM, and sunset will be around 5:20 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out there and catch some fish.

    Fish activity is looking good right now. Bass are active, although they might be a bit lethargic due to the cooler water. They're chasing shad in the shallows and off points, particularly around the south end of the lake where you can find some grass. Crankbaits are working well in these areas. If you're targeting bass, look for stumps in creek bends, as they seem to be holding up there.

    Crappie and white bass are moving up the creek channels, but they're not stacked up as usual. For crappie, jigs and minnows are your best bet, especially in deeper water around brush piles and creek channels. During their spring spawn, you'll want to target shallow areas near vegetation, but for now, they're in those deeper spots.

    Catfish are biting well in 15-26 feet of water on cut bait and minnows. This is a great time to catch some big ones, so make sure you're prepared with the right gear.

    For those looking to catch some other species, bluegill and redear sunfish are plentiful and great for beginners or youth anglers. White bass, although not numerous, can still be caught during the spring months.

    When it comes to lures, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are excellent choices for daytime fishing, especially during the fall, winter, and spring months. For bass in the early morning, late evening, or at night, topwater baits are the way to go. Plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs are also effective, especially around vegetation edges, deep ledges, and creek channels.

    Here are a couple of hot spots to consider: The south end of the lake is great for bass, especially around the grassy areas. For crappie and catfish, focus on the creek channels and brush piles. The lower part of the reservoir, where the water is clearer, is ideal for targeting fish around vegetation edges, flats, and humps.

    Remember to check the local fishing reports and regulations before you head out, and always practice catch-and-release to help maintain the health of our fisheries.

    Good luck out there, and tight lines
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    3 mins