Rayburn is poised for the B.A.S.S. Central Open which will kick-off next week and will run September 3,4,and 5. Several pros are now on Rayburn pre-fishing for the event as this tournament will be very important for pro anglers who are vigorously pursuing a spot in the B.M. Classic as well as a place in 2010 Elite Series. The lake is in good shape with plenty of grass in most areas of the lake and lake levels are fairly stable currently at 160.30 feet with full pool being 164.4.
One turbine is running 8 hrs per day with a release of 9939 cubic feet per second when activated. Water temperatures have fallen slightly and are running 85 to 86 degrees which is a decrease of a couple of degrees.
There are several patterns currently catching bass on the lake with the grass (both visible and submerged) a major factor. The edge of the grass is holding some fish with topwater presentations all have some success including popping plugs such as Chug Bugs, Frenzy Poppers, Pop Rs and Yellow Magic all in shad patterns.
Walking baits such as Zara Spooks and Super Spooks have long been a favorite of big Rayburn bass. The challenge is to get them in the boat after hooking them as they head back down in the grass and if there are treble hooks exposed, they oftentimes pull lose. A frog (Stanley Ribbit or Horney Toad) and buzz baits are other presentations which have great track records on Big Sam.
With current water conditions, topwater patterns could be a significant factor, especially if there is some cloud cover. Spinnerbaits also account for numerous big bass in the fall on the lake and are great for covering lots of water. My two favorite spinnerbaits for Rayburn are Stanley's Wedgeplus in three-eighths oz. and their 1 oz Big Shot, both in double willow blades.
Other highly successful patterns include Norman's DLN and DD22 crankbaits worked off points, ledges and creeks in depths of 10 to 25 feet. Texas rigs, Carolina Rigs and football jigs worked on deep structure have all had some high finished this year in area events. Berkley Power Worms in 7 and 10 inch as well as Ole Monster worms have also done very well on both TX and C.R. Targeted deep water is 16 to 28 feet in most cases with the 18 to 22' seemingly being the sweet spot. However, cooler water conditions could reposition these deep fish.
