SAM RAYBURN
Ole Man Winter has found his way down south and stayed a while. Warmer temperatures are predicted for later this week but the strong Canadian front did have an impact. Water temperatures are in low 50s but should stabilize, at least for the short term. Big Sam's level is 159.18 feet which is still over 5 feet below full pool of 164.4 feet.
Bass are being caught on several patterns but fishing conditions have been tough due to high pressure, falling temperatures and extremely high winds.
Shallow grass areas continue to hold fish but not as many as the past weeks and those that are there are hard to catch. A slow-falling spinnerbait as well as a slow-moving soft plastic are good choices. Reaction baits such as lipless crankbaits (Frenzy Rattl'r and Rat L Trap) are proven Rayburn cold water choices as are suspending jerkbaits.
Deep brush piles are also holding bass in 12 to 25 feet and Carolina rigs, jigs and drop shot rigs are productive on this structure. A final suggestion is a deep running crankbait in standing timber and deep drop offs near creeks and ditches.
CRAPPIE: Winds have prevented most perch jerkers from getting on their brush piles which are usually located in deep, open water. Also, the 147 Bridge is hard to fish with wind. This weekend should be an improvement for both places.