SAM RAYBURN
For the first time in a long time both Toledo and Sam Rayburn are at full pool at the same time. Rayburn's level is currently 164.6 feet (full pool is 164.4)with one generator running 5 hours and off 6 and then continue on this cycle. With water influx, this generating schedule will, more than likely, be increased in near future.
Water temperatures are running from 48 to 52 degrees at midweek but will climb later this week as daytime and nighttime temps increase. Numerous cold nights have prevented water temperatures from increasing.
Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps played a huge part in Skeeter Bass Champs tournament last Saturday according to some of the top finishers. The winners, Chris and Rusty Harvey, had a huge 5 bass limit of 28.68 pounds and a take-home check of $20,000. They reported catching all of their bass on Traps in 6 to 8 ft grassy flats near drains. Second and third place winners also fished Traps and crankbaits and fished less than 8 feet deep. While a fair number of the 269 two-angler teams caught fish with 72 limits weighed in, 110 teams failed to weigh a bass and many of these teams contain excellent anglers.
Catching bass currently still requires anglers find the bass and then have presentations to get them to bite. Those with decent weights figured that out. Just because you have the right bait tied on your rod does not guarantee a lot of quality bass. Anglers who catch the bigger bass have figured out a slight different presentation as well as figuring out what kind of structure the bass prefer that particular day with those conditions. Properly adjusting to various current and often changing conditions is usually the difference between a water haul and a 'bring home' check to the wife.
Spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Traps, weightless Texas rigged Senkos, light Texas rig, jerk baits and Stanley Swim Jigs and Chatterbaits all are catching bass. A majority of the anglers currently on Rayburn are fishing water 8 feet and less.
Some are still Carolina rigging and using football jigs on cold mornings but these deeper bass are moving to shallow areas in preparation for the spawn. It is an ideal time to catch a huge bass so make sure you expect a big bite and have on fresh line, a fresh knot and a properly set drag. Good fishing and practice safe boating!