Freshwater Fishing Reports
Week of January 25, 2012
Water BodyReportALAN HENRYWater lightly stained; 45–53 degrees; 7.65’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue jigs, drop shot rigs, squarebill crankbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and live minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait.AMISTADWater clear; 53–56 degrees; 11.52’ low. Black bass are good on jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and swimbaits. Striped bass are good on jigging spoons, slabs, small crankbaits, and large jerkbaits. White bass are good on jigging spoons, slabs, and small crankbaits. Catfish are good on cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers in 30–60 feet over baited holes. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines and droplines baited with live perch. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.ARROWHEADWater off color; 42–51 degrees; 8.33’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs, spinnerbaits and shakyheads. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on slabs and minnows. Blue catfish are good on live shad.ATHENSWater clear, 45–49 degrees; 4.18’ low. Black bass are slow on watermelon shakyhead worms and black/blue football jigs around brush piles. Early morning bite is slow. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.BASTROPWater clear; 55–59 degrees. Black bass are good on pumpkinseed soft plastics and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles. Channel and blue catfish are fair on stinkbait and liver. Yellow catfish are slow.BELTONWater fairly clear; 53–56 degrees; 12.24’ low. Black bass are good on silver crankbaits. Hybrid striper are good on chrome slabs. White bass are good on chrome slabs, and minnows under lights at night. Crappie are fair on minnows under lights at night around structure. Channel and blue catfish are good on doughbait, hot dogs, and summer sausage. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines and throwlines baited with live perch.BOB SANDLINWater lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 8.45’ low. Black bass are fair to good on black/blue jigs, shakyheads with finesse worms and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are good on live minnows and jigs. White bass are good on Humdingers and topwaters. Catfish are fair to good on trotlines or juglines with Redneck’s Catfish Bait Soap. Barefoot Bay and Titus Park are the only usable ramps.BRAUNIGWater clear. Black bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits and soft plastic worms near the dam. Striped bass are good on liver and shad at Dead Tree Point. Redfish are slow. Channel catfish are fair on shrimp, cheesebait, and cut bait near the discharge. Blue catfish are fair on cut bait.BRIDGEPORTWater clear; 43–47 degrees; 11.99’ low. Black bass are good on TN Shad Jackall Squad Minnow jerkbaits along main lake points and Jackall Flick Shake 4.8” watermelon candy worms around deeper docks. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs (best action mid day). Channel catfish are fair on cut and prepared bait.BROWNWOODWater lightly stained; 51–55 degrees; 15.91’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored jigs and soft plastics in 10–20 feet. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs over brush piles. Channel catfish are fair on stinkbait and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.BUCHANANWater clear; 54–58 degrees; 32.01’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse/watermelon soft plastic worms and lizards, watermelon Whacky Sticks on jigheads, and black/chartreuse Curb’s hair jigs with blue flake trailers in 15–25 feet. Striped bass are fair on perch colored Rat–L–Traps and trolling pumpkinseed striper jigs off points. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.CADDOWater stained; 45–49 degrees; .72’ high. Black bass are good on black/blue jigs around isolated cover. Shad pattern lipless crankbaits in the same areas are effective. White bass are fair on slabs. Yellow bass are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and prepared bait.CALAVERASWater clear. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits over grass. Striped bass are good on silver spoons and jigs near the dam in 15–25 feet. Redfish are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and cheesebait in 181 Cove. Yellow catfish are slow.CANYON LAKEWater clear; 56–60 degrees; 10.66’ low. Black bass are fair on pumpkinseed hair jigs with blue flake trailers, watermelon Carolina rigged lizards, and Texas rigged blue/black Scoundrel worms along ledges. Striped bass are good trolling silver striper jigs and vertically jigging Pirk Minnows. White bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and perch colored Rat–L–Traps along the main river channel. Smallmouth bass are fair on watermelon red curl tail grubs, smoke/red flake tubes, and drop shot worms over rock piles in 15–25 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs upriver. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.CEDAR CREEKWater lightly stained; 45–48 degrees; 6.27’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, shakyheads and black/blue finesse jigs around docks (green pumpkin soft plastics suggested). Early morning bite is slow. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on live shad. Crappie are fair to good on minnows. Catfish are fair drifting cut shad.CHOKE CANYONWater clear; 58–62 degrees; 12.05’ low. Black bass are good on chrome jigs and watermelon soft plastic lizards in the grass. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are good on punchbait and liver. Yellow catfish are slow.COLEMANWater clear; 54–58 degrees; 16.05’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon soft plastic worms with chartreuse tails, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on green striper jigs. Crappie are good on minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are good on stinkbait, liver, and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.COLETO CREEKWater fairly clear; 2.81’ low. Black bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on shad colored crankbaits. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live perch.COLORADO CITY17.8’ low. No report available.CONROEWater fairly clear; 54–58 degrees; 7.20’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastics, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on stinkbait and shrimp.COOPERWater lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 12.02’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse shallow crankbaits and Texas rigged craw worms later in the day. Green pumpkin soft plastics are best. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair to good on Sassy Shad and live shad. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut bait. Doctor’s Creek is the only open ramp.FAIRFIELDFishing has been slow since the fish kill in September of 2010. TPWD has discontinued stocking the lake after another kill in early September 2011. Redfish and black bass survived the kill in limited numbers.FALCONWater stained; 28.94’ low, 60–64 degrees. Black bass are good on green jigs, watermelon soft plastics, and slow rolling spinnerbaits. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are excellent on shrimp, nightcrawlers, stinkbait, and cut bait. Yellow catfish are slow. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.FAYETTEWater clear. Black bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps in 10–25 feet. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait.FORKWater fairly clear; 44–49 degrees; 6.85’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue or green pumpkin flipping jigs rigged with LFT Flipper – concentrate on the wood cover near creek channel bends. Lipless crankbaits are effective as well. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and prepared bait.FT. PHANTOM HILLWater clear; 43–52 degrees; 9.87’ low. Black bass are fair to good on shallow crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. White bass are fair to good on slabs and Rooster Tails. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.GIBBONS CREEKWater clear. Black bass are good on dark spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait.GRANBURYWater clear; 52–56 degrees; 4.93’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are good on shrimp and bloodbait.GRANGERWater murky; 52–56 degrees; 4.41’ low. Black bass are slow. White bass are fair on small white jigs upriver near the primitive boat launch. Crappie are fair on minnows upriver at night. Blue catfish are fair on prepared baits, and on juglines baited with shad. Yellow catfish are slow.GRAPEVINEWater clear; 44–49 degrees; 3.39’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon Texas rigged worms, watermelon finesse jigs, lipless crankbaits, and Jackall SquadMinnow jerkbaits along main lake points. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut shad.GREENBELTWater stained; 42–51 degrees; 37.63’ low. Black bass are fair Squarebill crankbaits, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. The Old Marina Point ramp is still open.HOUSTON COUNTYWater clear; 54–58 degrees; 2.81’ low. Black bass to 4 pounds are good on lipless red crankbaits and watermelon worms near the dam. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs near the dam. Red ear bream are slow. Channel and blue catfish are slow.HUBBARD CREEK44–51 degrees; 14.5’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, weightless flukes, finesse jigs and DT 10s. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.JOE POOLWater clear; 44–48 degrees; 1.38’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, lipless crankbaits, and smaller jigs – mid–day bite has been best. Deep brush piles are best later in day. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on prepared baits.LAKE O' THE PINESWater lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 4.22’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms and lipless crankbaits along main lake points. Isolated cover is the key. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad.LAVONWater lightly stained; 44–49 degrees; 11.52’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, black/brown jigs and squarebill crankbaits. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs around bridge columns. Catfish are good on cut shad and nightcrawlers.LBJWater clear; 54–57 degrees; 0.51’ low. Black bass are good on shad colored jigs, watermelon JDC drop shot worms, and chartreuse/blue flake tubes from docks. Striped bass are slow. White bass are good on Li’l Fishies and small spinnerbaits in the channel. Crappie are fair on minnows in brush piles under heated docks. Channel catfish are fair on minnows and white tube jigs. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.LEWISVILLEWater clear; 43–48 degrees; 5.64’ low. Black bass are good on medium running crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits along rip rap near the dam. Larger rock along main lake points producing as well. Later in the day watermelon finesse jigs in the same areas are effective. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and Sassy Shad. Catfish are good on prepared bait.LIVINGSTONWater fairly clear; 55–59 degrees; 0.14’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored crankbaits in the creeks. Striped bass are fair on Zara spooks. White bass are fair on Rat–L–Traps and spec rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Blue catfish are good on shad. Yellow catfish are slow.MACKENZIEWater stained; 43–49 degrees; 85.65’ low. Black bass are fair on chatterbaits, Texas rigs and medium and shallow running shad pattern crankbaits. Striped bass are fair to good on live shad. Catfish are fair on trotlines. Ramp #1 is still open.MARTIN CREEKWater fairly clear; 9.00’ low. No report available.MEREDITH97.63’ low. No report available.MONTICELLOWater fairly clear; 72–88 degrees; 0.07’ high. Black bass are good on squarebill crankbaits, weightless Senkos, chatterbaits and Texas rigged creature baits on shallow wood cover. Flipping jigs is producing as well. The shallow bite is best early in the morning with occasional schooling reported. No reports on crappie. Catfish are fair on live shiners.NASWORTHYNo report available.NAVARRO MILLSWater lightly stained; 53–57 degrees; 3.07’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon spinnerbaits and chartreuse soft plastics. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs off docks. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.O.H. IVIEWater stained; 45–54 degrees; 37.94’ low. Black bass are fair to good on squarebill crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs and 1/4oz. shakyheads with a 4.5” RattleSnake. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.OAK CREEKWater stained; 43–51 degrees; 14.24’ low. Black bass are fair to good on squarebill crankbaits, Texas rigs, Rat–L–Traps and shakyheads. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.PALESTINEWater lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 4.95’ low. Black bass are good on black and blue jigs, shakyheads and lipless crankbaits. The jig bite is consistent around docks that have deeper water. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs, Sassy Shad and live shad. White bass are fair to good on slabs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.PALO DURO44.54’ low. No report available.POSSUM KINGDOMWater fairly clear; 44–54 degrees; 10.67’ low. Black bass are fair on DD 22s, drop shot rigs, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on slabs and small swimbaits. Striped bass are fair to good on live shad and 4”–5” swimbaits. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.PROCTORWater fairly clear; 52–56 degrees; 6.56’ low. Black bass are fair on shad colored Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on live bait. Yellow catfish are slow.RAY HUBBARDWater fairly clear; 44–49 degrees; 4.93’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, squarebill crankbaits, lipless crankbaits and swim jigs are good around rip rap also. Crappie are fair on minnows and Road Runners. White bass are excellent on humps in 17–23 feet with hybrids mixed in. Catfish are good on prepared baits.RAY ROBERTSWater clear; 43–47 degrees; 4.47’ low. Black bass are fair on Smithwick Suspending Rogues in Tiger Roan and Clown colors especially around main lake rocky points. Crappie are slow on jigs around 25 foot near points. White bass are good on slabs in 35 feet of water – watch for gulls. No report on catfish.RICHLAND CHAMBERSWater fairly clear; 44–48 degrees; 7.34’ low. Black bass are good on shakyheads and creature baits around docks. Squarebill crankbaits are producing numbers as well. White bass are fair on slabs and live shad. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and live shad. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.SAM RAYBURNWater lightly stained; 55–58 degrees; 10.40’ low. Black bass are good on dark green/blue flake soft plastics. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Bream are fair on worms. Catfish are good on shrimp and nightcrawlers.SOMERVILLEWater murky; 53–57 degrees; 10.14’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.SPENCE84.13’ low. No report available.STAMFORDNo report available.STEINHAGEN1.69’ high. No report available.STILLHOUSEWater stained; 53–57 degrees; 17.17’ low. Black bass are fair on minnows and chartreuse soft plastic worms and lizards. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and liver. Yellow catfish are slow.SWEETWATERWater murky; 42–51 degrees; 13.8’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, Rat–L–Traps and shakyheads. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.TAWAKONIWater fairly clear; 44–49 degrees; 6.22’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue Firewater 1/2oz. jigs and sun perch color chatter jigs. Crappie are fair on 1/16oz. curl tail grubs and small minnows on docks, bridge pilings and deep timber. White bass are excellent on white SSS Slabs and tailspins – schooling on points early and late. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on 4” to 6” white or shad pattern Sassy Shad in the shallows early then suspending deep during the day – drifting live bait is also producing. Catfish are excellent in deep water drifting cut bait and fresh shad.TEXOMAWater fairly clear; 44–48 degrees; 3.87’ low. The Blue–Green Algae alert has been downgraded to an advisory. Please check www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/texoma prior to planning a trip to Texoma.TOLEDO BENDWater stained; 54–58 degrees; 9.32’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bream are fair on worms. Channel and blue catfish are good on live bait, nightcrawlers, and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.TRAVISWater lightly stained; 54–57 degrees; 54.84’ low. Black bass are fair on small crankbaits and watermelon worms. Striped bass are fair on shad colored crankbaits in 25–40 feet. White bass are good on smoke grubs, jigging spoons, and minnows in 20–35 feet. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.WALTER E. LONGWater lightly stained. Black bass are fair on small spinnerbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows and silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.WEATHERFORDWater fairly clear; 44–48 degrees; 7.70’ low. Black bass are good on shallow crankbaits, shakyheads and Texas rig creature baits – target any shallow cover. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and cut shad. White bass are fair on slabs and live minnows.WHITE RIVERWater stained; 43–51 degrees; 23.95’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.WHITNEYWater stained; 52–56 degrees; 14.97’ low. Black bass are good on dark soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on minnows and green striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbait.WRIGHT PATMANWater lightly stained; 45–49 degrees; 4.23’ high. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms, shallow crankbaits and chatterbaits along main lake points. Football heads jigs have also been productive. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on cut shad and prepared bait.
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Week of January 25, 2012
Water BodyReportNORTH SABINE Trout are fair to good on the Louisiana shoreline on topwaters and Corkies. Flounder are fair on jigs tipped with shrimp around marsh drains. Redfish are good in the bayous.SOUTH SABINE Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good while drifting shell on soft plastics.BOLIVAR Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and plugs. Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass.TRINITY BAY Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are fair to good on the north shoreline on gold spoons and Gulps.EAST GALVESTON BAY Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on Catch 5s, MirrOlures and Catch 2000s. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp.WEST GALVESTON BAY Trout are fair to good for drifters working shell on live shrimp. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs. Redfish are good in the back lakes on shrimp and Gulps.TEXAS CITY Gulf trout are fair to good in the channel on shrimp. Sheepshead are good around rock groins on live shrimp.FREEPORT Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs in Christmas Bay. Black drum are good at the jetties on cracked blue crabs.EAST MATAGORDA BAY Trout are good on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels over deep shell. Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet.WEST MATAGORDA BAY Redfish are fair to good on the edge of Oyster Lake on shrimp and crabs. Black drum and redfish are fair to good at the jetty on crabs.PORT O'CONNOR Trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics over soft mud. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp.ROCKPORT Trout and black drum are fair to good in the deep cuts on free–lined shrimp. Redfish are good on Estes Flat and Allyn’s Bight on gold spoons, plastics and Gulps.PORT ARANSAS Redfish and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp. Trout are fair at the mouths of guts on the outgoing tide.CORPUS CHRISTI Trout are fair to good on the edge of the spoils on Gulps and live shrimp. Black drum and redfish are fair to good in the channels on crabs.BAFFIN BAY Trout are fair to good in the Land Cut on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good for waders working rocks and mud on Corkies. Water temperatures are in the mid 60s.PORT MANSFIELD Trout are fair to good on Corkies and MirrOlures around sand, grass and mud. Redfish are fair to good while drifting pot holes. Black drum and redfish are good on crabs at East Cut.SOUTH PADRE Trout are fair to good around the spoil islands, channel edges and color changes on DOA Shrimp in 3–4 feet of water. Black drum, sheepshead and redfish have been taken at the jetty. Snook are fair in the Ship Channel on shrimp and Gulps.PORT ISABEL Trout and redfish are fair to good at Gas Well Flats on live shrimp. Redfish are fair in South Bay and Cullen on DOA Shrimp, Gulps and live shrimp.
Week of January 25, 2012
Water BodyReportALAN HENRYWater lightly stained; 45–53 degrees; 7.65’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue jigs, drop shot rigs, squarebill crankbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and live minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait.AMISTADWater clear; 53–56 degrees; 11.52’ low. Black bass are good on jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and swimbaits. Striped bass are good on jigging spoons, slabs, small crankbaits, and large jerkbaits. White bass are good on jigging spoons, slabs, and small crankbaits. Catfish are good on cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers in 30–60 feet over baited holes. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines and droplines baited with live perch. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.ARROWHEADWater off color; 42–51 degrees; 8.33’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs, spinnerbaits and shakyheads. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on slabs and minnows. Blue catfish are good on live shad.ATHENSWater clear, 45–49 degrees; 4.18’ low. Black bass are slow on watermelon shakyhead worms and black/blue football jigs around brush piles. Early morning bite is slow. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.BASTROPWater clear; 55–59 degrees. Black bass are good on pumpkinseed soft plastics and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles. Channel and blue catfish are fair on stinkbait and liver. Yellow catfish are slow.BELTONWater fairly clear; 53–56 degrees; 12.24’ low. Black bass are good on silver crankbaits. Hybrid striper are good on chrome slabs. White bass are good on chrome slabs, and minnows under lights at night. Crappie are fair on minnows under lights at night around structure. Channel and blue catfish are good on doughbait, hot dogs, and summer sausage. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines and throwlines baited with live perch.BOB SANDLINWater lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 8.45’ low. Black bass are fair to good on black/blue jigs, shakyheads with finesse worms and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are good on live minnows and jigs. White bass are good on Humdingers and topwaters. Catfish are fair to good on trotlines or juglines with Redneck’s Catfish Bait Soap. Barefoot Bay and Titus Park are the only usable ramps.BRAUNIGWater clear. Black bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits and soft plastic worms near the dam. Striped bass are good on liver and shad at Dead Tree Point. Redfish are slow. Channel catfish are fair on shrimp, cheesebait, and cut bait near the discharge. Blue catfish are fair on cut bait.BRIDGEPORTWater clear; 43–47 degrees; 11.99’ low. Black bass are good on TN Shad Jackall Squad Minnow jerkbaits along main lake points and Jackall Flick Shake 4.8” watermelon candy worms around deeper docks. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs (best action mid day). Channel catfish are fair on cut and prepared bait.BROWNWOODWater lightly stained; 51–55 degrees; 15.91’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored jigs and soft plastics in 10–20 feet. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs over brush piles. Channel catfish are fair on stinkbait and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.BUCHANANWater clear; 54–58 degrees; 32.01’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse/watermelon soft plastic worms and lizards, watermelon Whacky Sticks on jigheads, and black/chartreuse Curb’s hair jigs with blue flake trailers in 15–25 feet. Striped bass are fair on perch colored Rat–L–Traps and trolling pumpkinseed striper jigs off points. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.CADDOWater stained; 45–49 degrees; .72’ high. Black bass are good on black/blue jigs around isolated cover. Shad pattern lipless crankbaits in the same areas are effective. White bass are fair on slabs. Yellow bass are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and prepared bait.CALAVERASWater clear. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits over grass. Striped bass are good on silver spoons and jigs near the dam in 15–25 feet. Redfish are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and cheesebait in 181 Cove. Yellow catfish are slow.CANYON LAKEWater clear; 56–60 degrees; 10.66’ low. Black bass are fair on pumpkinseed hair jigs with blue flake trailers, watermelon Carolina rigged lizards, and Texas rigged blue/black Scoundrel worms along ledges. Striped bass are good trolling silver striper jigs and vertically jigging Pirk Minnows. White bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and perch colored Rat–L–Traps along the main river channel. Smallmouth bass are fair on watermelon red curl tail grubs, smoke/red flake tubes, and drop shot worms over rock piles in 15–25 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs upriver. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.CEDAR CREEKWater lightly stained; 45–48 degrees; 6.27’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, shakyheads and black/blue finesse jigs around docks (green pumpkin soft plastics suggested). Early morning bite is slow. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on live shad. Crappie are fair to good on minnows. Catfish are fair drifting cut shad.CHOKE CANYONWater clear; 58–62 degrees; 12.05’ low. Black bass are good on chrome jigs and watermelon soft plastic lizards in the grass. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are good on punchbait and liver. Yellow catfish are slow.COLEMANWater clear; 54–58 degrees; 16.05’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon soft plastic worms with chartreuse tails, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on green striper jigs. Crappie are good on minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are good on stinkbait, liver, and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.COLETO CREEKWater fairly clear; 2.81’ low. Black bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on shad colored crankbaits. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live perch.COLORADO CITY17.8’ low. No report available.CONROEWater fairly clear; 54–58 degrees; 7.20’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastics, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on stinkbait and shrimp.COOPERWater lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 12.02’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse shallow crankbaits and Texas rigged craw worms later in the day. Green pumpkin soft plastics are best. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair to good on Sassy Shad and live shad. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut bait. Doctor’s Creek is the only open ramp.FAIRFIELDFishing has been slow since the fish kill in September of 2010. TPWD has discontinued stocking the lake after another kill in early September 2011. Redfish and black bass survived the kill in limited numbers.FALCONWater stained; 28.94’ low, 60–64 degrees. Black bass are good on green jigs, watermelon soft plastics, and slow rolling spinnerbaits. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are excellent on shrimp, nightcrawlers, stinkbait, and cut bait. Yellow catfish are slow. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.FAYETTEWater clear. Black bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps in 10–25 feet. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait.FORKWater fairly clear; 44–49 degrees; 6.85’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue or green pumpkin flipping jigs rigged with LFT Flipper – concentrate on the wood cover near creek channel bends. Lipless crankbaits are effective as well. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and prepared bait.FT. PHANTOM HILLWater clear; 43–52 degrees; 9.87’ low. Black bass are fair to good on shallow crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. White bass are fair to good on slabs and Rooster Tails. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.GIBBONS CREEKWater clear. Black bass are good on dark spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait.GRANBURYWater clear; 52–56 degrees; 4.93’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are good on shrimp and bloodbait.GRANGERWater murky; 52–56 degrees; 4.41’ low. Black bass are slow. White bass are fair on small white jigs upriver near the primitive boat launch. Crappie are fair on minnows upriver at night. Blue catfish are fair on prepared baits, and on juglines baited with shad. Yellow catfish are slow.GRAPEVINEWater clear; 44–49 degrees; 3.39’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon Texas rigged worms, watermelon finesse jigs, lipless crankbaits, and Jackall SquadMinnow jerkbaits along main lake points. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut shad.GREENBELTWater stained; 42–51 degrees; 37.63’ low. Black bass are fair Squarebill crankbaits, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. The Old Marina Point ramp is still open.HOUSTON COUNTYWater clear; 54–58 degrees; 2.81’ low. Black bass to 4 pounds are good on lipless red crankbaits and watermelon worms near the dam. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs near the dam. Red ear bream are slow. Channel and blue catfish are slow.HUBBARD CREEK44–51 degrees; 14.5’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, weightless flukes, finesse jigs and DT 10s. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.JOE POOLWater clear; 44–48 degrees; 1.38’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, lipless crankbaits, and smaller jigs – mid–day bite has been best. Deep brush piles are best later in day. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on prepared baits.LAKE O' THE PINESWater lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 4.22’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms and lipless crankbaits along main lake points. Isolated cover is the key. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad.LAVONWater lightly stained; 44–49 degrees; 11.52’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, black/brown jigs and squarebill crankbaits. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs around bridge columns. Catfish are good on cut shad and nightcrawlers.LBJWater clear; 54–57 degrees; 0.51’ low. Black bass are good on shad colored jigs, watermelon JDC drop shot worms, and chartreuse/blue flake tubes from docks. Striped bass are slow. White bass are good on Li’l Fishies and small spinnerbaits in the channel. Crappie are fair on minnows in brush piles under heated docks. Channel catfish are fair on minnows and white tube jigs. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.LEWISVILLEWater clear; 43–48 degrees; 5.64’ low. Black bass are good on medium running crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits along rip rap near the dam. Larger rock along main lake points producing as well. Later in the day watermelon finesse jigs in the same areas are effective. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and Sassy Shad. Catfish are good on prepared bait.LIVINGSTONWater fairly clear; 55–59 degrees; 0.14’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored crankbaits in the creeks. Striped bass are fair on Zara spooks. White bass are fair on Rat–L–Traps and spec rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Blue catfish are good on shad. Yellow catfish are slow.MACKENZIEWater stained; 43–49 degrees; 85.65’ low. Black bass are fair on chatterbaits, Texas rigs and medium and shallow running shad pattern crankbaits. Striped bass are fair to good on live shad. Catfish are fair on trotlines. Ramp #1 is still open.MARTIN CREEKWater fairly clear; 9.00’ low. No report available.MEREDITH97.63’ low. No report available.MONTICELLOWater fairly clear; 72–88 degrees; 0.07’ high. Black bass are good on squarebill crankbaits, weightless Senkos, chatterbaits and Texas rigged creature baits on shallow wood cover. Flipping jigs is producing as well. The shallow bite is best early in the morning with occasional schooling reported. No reports on crappie. Catfish are fair on live shiners.NASWORTHYNo report available.NAVARRO MILLSWater lightly stained; 53–57 degrees; 3.07’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon spinnerbaits and chartreuse soft plastics. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs off docks. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.O.H. IVIEWater stained; 45–54 degrees; 37.94’ low. Black bass are fair to good on squarebill crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs and 1/4oz. shakyheads with a 4.5” RattleSnake. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.OAK CREEKWater stained; 43–51 degrees; 14.24’ low. Black bass are fair to good on squarebill crankbaits, Texas rigs, Rat–L–Traps and shakyheads. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.PALESTINEWater lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 4.95’ low. Black bass are good on black and blue jigs, shakyheads and lipless crankbaits. The jig bite is consistent around docks that have deeper water. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs, Sassy Shad and live shad. White bass are fair to good on slabs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.PALO DURO44.54’ low. No report available.POSSUM KINGDOMWater fairly clear; 44–54 degrees; 10.67’ low. Black bass are fair on DD 22s, drop shot rigs, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on slabs and small swimbaits. Striped bass are fair to good on live shad and 4”–5” swimbaits. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.PROCTORWater fairly clear; 52–56 degrees; 6.56’ low. Black bass are fair on shad colored Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on live bait. Yellow catfish are slow.RAY HUBBARDWater fairly clear; 44–49 degrees; 4.93’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, squarebill crankbaits, lipless crankbaits and swim jigs are good around rip rap also. Crappie are fair on minnows and Road Runners. White bass are excellent on humps in 17–23 feet with hybrids mixed in. Catfish are good on prepared baits.RAY ROBERTSWater clear; 43–47 degrees; 4.47’ low. Black bass are fair on Smithwick Suspending Rogues in Tiger Roan and Clown colors especially around main lake rocky points. Crappie are slow on jigs around 25 foot near points. White bass are good on slabs in 35 feet of water – watch for gulls. No report on catfish.RICHLAND CHAMBERSWater fairly clear; 44–48 degrees; 7.34’ low. Black bass are good on shakyheads and creature baits around docks. Squarebill crankbaits are producing numbers as well. White bass are fair on slabs and live shad. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and live shad. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.SAM RAYBURNWater lightly stained; 55–58 degrees; 10.40’ low. Black bass are good on dark green/blue flake soft plastics. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Bream are fair on worms. Catfish are good on shrimp and nightcrawlers.SOMERVILLEWater murky; 53–57 degrees; 10.14’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.SPENCE84.13’ low. No report available.STAMFORDNo report available.STEINHAGEN1.69’ high. No report available.STILLHOUSEWater stained; 53–57 degrees; 17.17’ low. Black bass are fair on minnows and chartreuse soft plastic worms and lizards. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and liver. Yellow catfish are slow.SWEETWATERWater murky; 42–51 degrees; 13.8’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, Rat–L–Traps and shakyheads. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.TAWAKONIWater fairly clear; 44–49 degrees; 6.22’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue Firewater 1/2oz. jigs and sun perch color chatter jigs. Crappie are fair on 1/16oz. curl tail grubs and small minnows on docks, bridge pilings and deep timber. White bass are excellent on white SSS Slabs and tailspins – schooling on points early and late. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on 4” to 6” white or shad pattern Sassy Shad in the shallows early then suspending deep during the day – drifting live bait is also producing. Catfish are excellent in deep water drifting cut bait and fresh shad.TEXOMAWater fairly clear; 44–48 degrees; 3.87’ low. The Blue–Green Algae alert has been downgraded to an advisory. Please check www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/texoma prior to planning a trip to Texoma.TOLEDO BENDWater stained; 54–58 degrees; 9.32’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bream are fair on worms. Channel and blue catfish are good on live bait, nightcrawlers, and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.TRAVISWater lightly stained; 54–57 degrees; 54.84’ low. Black bass are fair on small crankbaits and watermelon worms. Striped bass are fair on shad colored crankbaits in 25–40 feet. White bass are good on smoke grubs, jigging spoons, and minnows in 20–35 feet. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.WALTER E. LONGWater lightly stained. Black bass are fair on small spinnerbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows and silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.WEATHERFORDWater fairly clear; 44–48 degrees; 7.70’ low. Black bass are good on shallow crankbaits, shakyheads and Texas rig creature baits – target any shallow cover. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and cut shad. White bass are fair on slabs and live minnows.WHITE RIVERWater stained; 43–51 degrees; 23.95’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.WHITNEYWater stained; 52–56 degrees; 14.97’ low. Black bass are good on dark soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on minnows and green striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbait.WRIGHT PATMANWater lightly stained; 45–49 degrees; 4.23’ high. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms, shallow crankbaits and chatterbaits along main lake points. Football heads jigs have also been productive. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on cut shad and prepared bait.
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Week of January 25, 2012
Water BodyReportNORTH SABINE Trout are fair to good on the Louisiana shoreline on topwaters and Corkies. Flounder are fair on jigs tipped with shrimp around marsh drains. Redfish are good in the bayous.SOUTH SABINE Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good while drifting shell on soft plastics.BOLIVAR Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and plugs. Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass.TRINITY BAY Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are fair to good on the north shoreline on gold spoons and Gulps.EAST GALVESTON BAY Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on Catch 5s, MirrOlures and Catch 2000s. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp.WEST GALVESTON BAY Trout are fair to good for drifters working shell on live shrimp. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs. Redfish are good in the back lakes on shrimp and Gulps.TEXAS CITY Gulf trout are fair to good in the channel on shrimp. Sheepshead are good around rock groins on live shrimp.FREEPORT Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs in Christmas Bay. Black drum are good at the jetties on cracked blue crabs.EAST MATAGORDA BAY Trout are good on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels over deep shell. Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet.WEST MATAGORDA BAY Redfish are fair to good on the edge of Oyster Lake on shrimp and crabs. Black drum and redfish are fair to good at the jetty on crabs.PORT O'CONNOR Trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics over soft mud. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp.ROCKPORT Trout and black drum are fair to good in the deep cuts on free–lined shrimp. Redfish are good on Estes Flat and Allyn’s Bight on gold spoons, plastics and Gulps.PORT ARANSAS Redfish and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp. Trout are fair at the mouths of guts on the outgoing tide.CORPUS CHRISTI Trout are fair to good on the edge of the spoils on Gulps and live shrimp. Black drum and redfish are fair to good in the channels on crabs.BAFFIN BAY Trout are fair to good in the Land Cut on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good for waders working rocks and mud on Corkies. Water temperatures are in the mid 60s.PORT MANSFIELD Trout are fair to good on Corkies and MirrOlures around sand, grass and mud. Redfish are fair to good while drifting pot holes. Black drum and redfish are good on crabs at East Cut.SOUTH PADRE Trout are fair to good around the spoil islands, channel edges and color changes on DOA Shrimp in 3–4 feet of water. Black drum, sheepshead and redfish have been taken at the jetty. Snook are fair in the Ship Channel on shrimp and Gulps.PORT ISABEL Trout and redfish are fair to good at Gas Well Flats on live shrimp. Redfish are fair in South Bay and Cullen on DOA Shrimp, Gulps and live shrimp.