Freshwater Fishing Reports
Week of March 14, 2012
Water BodyReportALAN HENRYWater lightly stained; 54–59 degrees; 8.5’ low. Black are fair on swim jigs, Texas rigs and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and prepared bait.AMISTADWater clear; 58–63 degrees; 19.09’ low. Black bass are good on jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, and soft plastics. White bass are fair on crankbaits, jigging spoons, and grubs. Striped bass are fair on crankbaits, jigging spoons, and grubs. Catfish are fair on cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers over baited holes. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines 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; 52–57 degrees; 8.01’ low. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits, Rat–L–Traps, squarebill crankbaits and jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on Road Runners and minnows. Blue catfish are good on live shad.ATHENSWater clear, 56–61 degrees; 2.43’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon shakyhead worms and lipless crankbaits. Best bite coming later in the day. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.BASTROPWater clear; 60–64 degrees. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs over brush piles. Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.BELTONWater clear; 57–61 degrees; 2.12’ low. Black bass are good on Rat–L–Traps and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows. White bass are slow. Crappie are very good on minnows around structure under lights at night. Channel and blue catfish are good on hot dogs. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines and throwlines baited with live perch.BOB SANDLINWater lightly stained; 56–61 degrees; 5.71’ 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 good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits in the reeds. Striped bass are good down rigging silver and gold spoons near the jetty and dam. Redfish are fair on perch, shad, and shrimp near Dead Tree Point. Channel catfish are good on liver, shrimp, and cheesebait near the dam. Blue catfish are good on cut bait.BRIDGEPORTWater lightly stained; 56–62 degrees; 6.81’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon soft plastics thrown around shallow cover. Good bite reported on Jackall ASKA 60 squarebills in TN Shad mid day along shallow points. 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; 55–59 degrees; 10.10’ low. Black bass are good on Persuader crankbaits, black/blue Bass Hogg jigs, and GrandeBass 4” Trickster worms over brush piles. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits off lighted docks. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles near the Hwy. 279 Bridge. Channel catfish are fair on cut bait and nightcrawlers over baited holes. Yellow catfish are slow.BUCHANANWater clear; 57–61 degrees; 26.61’ low. Black bass are good on blue/chartreuse tailed Whacky Sticks, white/red Terminator spinnerbaits, and watermelon soft jerkbaits along points and in creeks in 5–10 feet. Striped bass are fair to good vertically jigging silver Blade Runners and on live bait in 25–35 feet. White bass are good on Li’l Fishies, watermelon Tiny Traps, and live minnows in 18–25 feet. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. Channel catfish are fair on live bait. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on juglines baited with live bait.CADDOWater stained; 55–60 degrees; 1.38’ high. Black bass are good on black/blue jigs around isolated cover. Shad pattern lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits 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 watermelon soft plastic worms and crankbaits near the dam. Striped bass are fair cut perch and shad along the shoreline. Redfish are fair down rigging silver spoons near the dam. Channel and blue catfish are good on liver, shrimp, and cheesebait. Yellow catfish are slow.CANYON LAKEWater clear; 58–62 degrees; 9.19’ low. Black bass are good on yellow Terminator spinnerbaits, pumpkin Whacky Sticks, and watermelon jerkbaits along stickups in 5–12 feet. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Smallmouth bass are good on blue/green flake curl tail grubs, smoke/red tubes, and watermelon Whacky Sticks over rock piles in 10–20 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows upriver in 6–12 feet. Channel catfish are fair upriver on minnows. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on juglines baited with live bait.CEDAR CREEKWater stained; 55–61 degrees; 1.59’ 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; 60–64 degrees; 12.54’ low. Black bass are good on swimbaits and jerkbaits early. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs at night under lights. Channel and blue catfish are good on doughbait and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are fair on live bait.COLEMANWater clear; 57–61 degrees; 15.74’ low. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Hybrid striper are good on minnows and white striper jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are good on stinkbait and cut bait. Yellow catfish are slow.COLETO CREEKWater fairly clear; 2.21’ low. Black bass are fair on soft plastics and Rat–L–Traps in 8–15 feet. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and white tube jigs in 10–15 feet. Channel and blue catfish are fair on perch, liver, and shrimp. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with perch and liver.COLORADO CITY18.13’ low. No report available.CONROEWater fairly clear; 59–63 degrees; 3.48’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on stinkbait and nightcrawlers.COOPERWater lightly stained; 55–60 degrees; 7.12’ 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, Tira, and South Sulphur ramps are all open.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; 62–66 degrees; 20.56’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon red 6” Yum Dingers, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp, 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 good on chartreuse Carolina rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp, nightcrawlers, and stinkbait.FORKWater stained; 56–61 degrees; 4.50’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue or green pumpkin flipping jigs rigged with beaver type baits – concentrate on the wood cover near creek channel bends. Bladed jigs with small swimbait trailers. A few fish are being reported on beds. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and prepared bait.FT. PHANTOM HILLWater clear; 51–57 degrees; 9.89’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Texas rigs, shallow running crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on live minnows. White bass are fair to good on minnows and Rooster Tails. Catfish are fair on cut bait and nightcrawlers.GIBBONS CREEKWater clear. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are good on shrimp, nightcrawlers, and stinkbait.GRANBURYWater clear; 57–61 degrees; 0.36’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored soft plastics and Rat–L–Traps over grass. Striped bass are fair on white striper jigs and minnows. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and green tube jigs. Catfish are slow.GRANGERWater murky; 59–63 degrees; 0.66’ low. Black bass are fair on small crankbaits upriver. White bass are good on small white jigs and river minnows near ****erson’s. Crappie are fair on minnows upriver at night, and on tube jigs during the day. Blue catfish are good on prepared baits on rod & reel, and on juglines baited with shad. Yellow catfish are slow.GRAPEVINEWater lightly stained; 56–60 degrees; 0.61’ high. 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; 52–57 degrees; 37.96’ low. Black bass are fair on Senkos, spinnerbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on live and minnows. The Old Marina Point ramp is still open.HOUSTON COUNTYWater clear; 60–64 degrees; 0.73’ low. Black bass to 9 pounds are excellent on watermelon red Baby Brush Hogs near the dam and boat houses, and on some Rat–L–Traps and soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows around docks and brush. Red ear bream are slow. Channel and blue catfish are very good on trotlines baited with chicken hearts and shad.HUBBARD CREEK52–58 degrees; 14.09’ low. Black bass are fair to good on jigs, finesse spinnerbaits, Texas rigs and shallow running crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on stinkbait and nightcrawlers.JOE POOLWater lightly stained; 56–61 degrees; 0.26’ high. 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; 56–62 degrees; 1.15’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms, spinnerbaits and shallow 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; 56–61 degrees; 4.00’ 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; 58–62 degrees; 0.24’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse Whacky Sticks, blue/green spinnerbaits and soft plastic jerkbaits in 4–10 feet. Striped bass are fair on minnows and green striper jigs early. White bass are fair on green/blue Tiny Traps and Spoiler Shads early. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs in 4–8 feet. Channel catfish are fair on live bait and stinkbait. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait.LEWISVILLEWater stained; 56–60 degrees; 0.35’ low. Black bass are slow 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; 60–64 degrees; 0.98’ high. Black bass are excellent on soft plastics and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are fair but small on minnows and striper jigs. White bass are slow. Crappie are very good on minnows. Blue catfish are very good on shad. Yellow catfish are slow.MACKENZIEWater stained; 53–58 degrees; 86.47’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Texas rigs, wacky rigs, finesse jigs and chatterbaits. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. Ramp #1 is still open.MARTIN CREEKWater fairly clear; 5.59’ low. No report available.MEREDITH98’ low. No report available.MONTICELLOWater fairly clear; 78–88 degrees; 0.83’ high. Black bass are fair on squarebill crankbaits, weightless Senkos, chatterbaits and Texas rigged creature baits on shallow wood cover. 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 stained; 60–64 degrees; 0.62’ high. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits along the shoreline. White bass are good on minnows in the creeks. Crappie are good on minnows and blue/chartreuse and gold/chartreuse jigs tipped with crappie nibbles over brush in 5–8 feet. Channel catfish are fair on stinkbait. Blue catfish are good on cut shad. Yellow catfish are good on live perch.O.H. IVIEWater stained; 54–59 degrees; 39.66’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs, jigs and swim jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on tail spinners and live bait. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut bait.OAK CREEKWater stained; 52–57 degrees; 14.71’ low. Black bass are fair to good on squarebill crankbaits, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and wacky rigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and live minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.PALESTINEWater lightly stained; 56–61 degrees; 1.70’ low. Black bass are good on black and blue jigs, shakyheads and bladed jigs. The jig bite is consistent around docks that have deeper water as well as isolated cover along points. 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 DURO47.13’ low. No report available.POSSUM KINGDOMWater fairly clear; 50–58 degrees; 6.36’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and medium or shallow running crankbaits. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on shiners and Road Runners. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.PROCTORWater fairly clear; 57–61 degrees; 2.07’ high. Black bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on minnows and small jigs. White bass are fair on spinnerbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on live shad and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.RAY HUBBARDWater fairly clear; 56–60 degrees; 1.82’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, squarebill crankbaits and lipless crankbaits. 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 lightly stained; 57–62 degrees; 1.61’ low. Black bass are good on XCalibur XR50 rattle baits in Rayburn Red and chartreuse/white chatterbaits fished around shallow grass. Watermelon/red 6” YUM Dingers fished slow around outside edge of grass and standing timber is working well also. Crappie are good on minnows in backs of creeks. White bass are good on slabs in 25 feet of water on main lake ridges and some ridges toward the mouths of major creeks. Catfish are good around baited holes on Danny Kings punch bait.RICHLAND CHAMBERSWater stained; 55–60 degrees; 1.93’ 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; 59–64 degrees; 4.48’ low. Black bass are fair on Carolina rigged chartreuse soft plastics and spinnerbaits. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Bream are fair on worms. Catfish are good on frozen shrimp, live minnows, and stinkbait.SOMERVILLEWater murky; 58–62 degrees; 0.56’ low. Black bass are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on hot dogs. Yellow catfish are slow.SPENCE84’ low. No report available.STAMFORD3.45’ low. No report available.STEINHAGEN1.87’ high. No report available.STILLHOUSEWater stained; 58–62 degrees; 14.35’ low. Black bass are fair on minnows, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. White bass are good on minnows below Long Bridge. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.SWEETWATERWater murky; 49–55 degrees; 14.23’ low. Black bass are fair on Senkos, Texas rigs, Rat–L–Traps and jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.TAWAKONIWater stained; 56–60 degrees; 3.69’ 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; 55–60 degrees; 0.92’ low. The Blue–Green Algae alert has been downgraded to an advisory. Bodily contact with water is no longer prohibited. It is now just discouraged. Please check www.swt.usace.army.mil/ prior to planning a trip to Texoma. Black bass are fair on suspending jerkbaits and medium crankbaits along rocky points with larger rock. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on slabs. No report on catfish.TOLEDO BENDWater stained; 61–64 degrees; 3.92’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon and pumpkinseed soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs and live bait. White bass are fair on minnows and chartreuse spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Bream are good on worms. Channel and blue catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.TRAVISWater lightly stained; 58–62 degrees; 49.03’ low. Black bass are good on white grubs, Senkos, and watermelon Baby Brush Hogs in 5 – 15 feet. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on smoke grubs, small spinnerbaits, and Li’l Fishies in 15–26 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.WALTER E. LONGWater lightly stained. Black bass are fair on minnows, crankbaits, and chartreuse soft plastic worms. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows. White bass are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.WEATHERFORDWater stained; 55–61 degrees; 1.81’ low. Black bass are slow 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; 50–57 degrees; 25.23’ low. Black bass are fair on finesse jigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.WHITNEYWater stained; 57–61 degrees; 0.90’ low. Lake Whitney is currently experiencing a lake–wide fish kill event, caused by golden algae. The fish kill is reportedly affecting every species of fish, however the vast majority are non–game species. Anglers considering fishing Lake Whitney should be aware of this fish kill, and plan their trip accordingly. Additional information will be released as needed. Black bass are fair on minnows and small crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on minnows and chrome striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs. Catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait.WRIGHT PATMANWater lightly stained; 55–60 degrees; 5.24’ high. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms, shallow crankbaits and chatterbaits along main lake points. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on cut shad and prepared bait.
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Week of March 14, 2012
Water BodyReportNORTH SABINE Trout are fair to good in the river on live shad. Redfish are good in the marsh on small topwaters and GulpsSOUTH SABINE Sheepshead and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair around the Reef on live shrimp. Drifters have found good trout around mullet and shell.BOLIVAR Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and plugs. Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass on crabs.TRINITY BAY Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are good at the spillway on crabs and mullet.EAST GALVESTON BAY Trout are 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 in the mud and shell on topwaters and Corkies in the afternoon. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp.TEXAS CITY Sheepshead and sand trout are good around the piers on shrimp. Redfish are fair to good on shrimp and crabs in Moses Lake.FREEPORT Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs. Black drum are good in Cold Pass and San Luis pass on cracked blue crabs. Black drum are redfish are fair to good on live shrimp over reefs.EAST MATAGORDA BAY Trout are fair to good for drifters in the afternoon on live shrimp over humps and scattered shell. Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet.WEST MATAGORDA BAY Redfish are fair to good in Oyster Lake on shrimp. Trout are fair on shell and grass on soft plastics. Black drum are fair to good at the jetty on crabs.PORT O'CONNOR Trout and redfish are good on topwaters over soft mud in waist–deep water in San Antonio Bay. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp. Redfish are good in the back lakes for waders tossing gold spoons and Gulps.ROCKPORT Black drum are good in the Lydia Ann Channel on crabs. Trout are fair over grass while drifting with live shrimp. Redfish are fair on the Estes Flats on mullet and shrimp.PORT ARANSAS Black drum are good in the Shrimpboat Channel on crabs and finger mullet. Redfish and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp.CORPUS CHRISTI Trout are fair to good on the edge of the spoils on Gulps and live shrimp. Black drum are good in the Humble Channel at night on crabs and table shrimp.BAFFIN BAY Trout are fair to good on the King Ranch shoreline on Corkies and topwaters. Black drum are good in the Land Cut on crabs.PORT MANSFIELD Trout are fair to good on topwaters around sand and grass holes. Redfish are fair to good while drifting pot holes on shrimp and Gulps.SOUTH PADRE Black drum, redfish and sheepshead have been taken at the jetty. Trout and redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on DOA Shrimp and Gulps.PORT ISABEL Snook are fair in the Brownsville Ship Channel on free–lined shrimp. Trout and redfish are fair to good in South Bay on live shrimp. Sheepshead and mangrove snapper are fair around the causeway on shrimp.
Week of March 14, 2012
Water BodyReportALAN HENRYWater lightly stained; 54–59 degrees; 8.5’ low. Black are fair on swim jigs, Texas rigs and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and prepared bait.AMISTADWater clear; 58–63 degrees; 19.09’ low. Black bass are good on jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, and soft plastics. White bass are fair on crankbaits, jigging spoons, and grubs. Striped bass are fair on crankbaits, jigging spoons, and grubs. Catfish are fair on cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers over baited holes. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines 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; 52–57 degrees; 8.01’ low. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits, Rat–L–Traps, squarebill crankbaits and jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on Road Runners and minnows. Blue catfish are good on live shad.ATHENSWater clear, 56–61 degrees; 2.43’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon shakyhead worms and lipless crankbaits. Best bite coming later in the day. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.BASTROPWater clear; 60–64 degrees. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs over brush piles. Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.BELTONWater clear; 57–61 degrees; 2.12’ low. Black bass are good on Rat–L–Traps and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows. White bass are slow. Crappie are very good on minnows around structure under lights at night. Channel and blue catfish are good on hot dogs. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines and throwlines baited with live perch.BOB SANDLINWater lightly stained; 56–61 degrees; 5.71’ 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 good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits in the reeds. Striped bass are good down rigging silver and gold spoons near the jetty and dam. Redfish are fair on perch, shad, and shrimp near Dead Tree Point. Channel catfish are good on liver, shrimp, and cheesebait near the dam. Blue catfish are good on cut bait.BRIDGEPORTWater lightly stained; 56–62 degrees; 6.81’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon soft plastics thrown around shallow cover. Good bite reported on Jackall ASKA 60 squarebills in TN Shad mid day along shallow points. 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; 55–59 degrees; 10.10’ low. Black bass are good on Persuader crankbaits, black/blue Bass Hogg jigs, and GrandeBass 4” Trickster worms over brush piles. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits off lighted docks. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles near the Hwy. 279 Bridge. Channel catfish are fair on cut bait and nightcrawlers over baited holes. Yellow catfish are slow.BUCHANANWater clear; 57–61 degrees; 26.61’ low. Black bass are good on blue/chartreuse tailed Whacky Sticks, white/red Terminator spinnerbaits, and watermelon soft jerkbaits along points and in creeks in 5–10 feet. Striped bass are fair to good vertically jigging silver Blade Runners and on live bait in 25–35 feet. White bass are good on Li’l Fishies, watermelon Tiny Traps, and live minnows in 18–25 feet. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. Channel catfish are fair on live bait. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on juglines baited with live bait.CADDOWater stained; 55–60 degrees; 1.38’ high. Black bass are good on black/blue jigs around isolated cover. Shad pattern lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits 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 watermelon soft plastic worms and crankbaits near the dam. Striped bass are fair cut perch and shad along the shoreline. Redfish are fair down rigging silver spoons near the dam. Channel and blue catfish are good on liver, shrimp, and cheesebait. Yellow catfish are slow.CANYON LAKEWater clear; 58–62 degrees; 9.19’ low. Black bass are good on yellow Terminator spinnerbaits, pumpkin Whacky Sticks, and watermelon jerkbaits along stickups in 5–12 feet. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Smallmouth bass are good on blue/green flake curl tail grubs, smoke/red tubes, and watermelon Whacky Sticks over rock piles in 10–20 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows upriver in 6–12 feet. Channel catfish are fair upriver on minnows. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on juglines baited with live bait.CEDAR CREEKWater stained; 55–61 degrees; 1.59’ 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; 60–64 degrees; 12.54’ low. Black bass are good on swimbaits and jerkbaits early. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs at night under lights. Channel and blue catfish are good on doughbait and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are fair on live bait.COLEMANWater clear; 57–61 degrees; 15.74’ low. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Hybrid striper are good on minnows and white striper jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are good on stinkbait and cut bait. Yellow catfish are slow.COLETO CREEKWater fairly clear; 2.21’ low. Black bass are fair on soft plastics and Rat–L–Traps in 8–15 feet. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and white tube jigs in 10–15 feet. Channel and blue catfish are fair on perch, liver, and shrimp. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with perch and liver.COLORADO CITY18.13’ low. No report available.CONROEWater fairly clear; 59–63 degrees; 3.48’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on stinkbait and nightcrawlers.COOPERWater lightly stained; 55–60 degrees; 7.12’ 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, Tira, and South Sulphur ramps are all open.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; 62–66 degrees; 20.56’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon red 6” Yum Dingers, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp, 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 good on chartreuse Carolina rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp, nightcrawlers, and stinkbait.FORKWater stained; 56–61 degrees; 4.50’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue or green pumpkin flipping jigs rigged with beaver type baits – concentrate on the wood cover near creek channel bends. Bladed jigs with small swimbait trailers. A few fish are being reported on beds. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and prepared bait.FT. PHANTOM HILLWater clear; 51–57 degrees; 9.89’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Texas rigs, shallow running crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on live minnows. White bass are fair to good on minnows and Rooster Tails. Catfish are fair on cut bait and nightcrawlers.GIBBONS CREEKWater clear. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are good on shrimp, nightcrawlers, and stinkbait.GRANBURYWater clear; 57–61 degrees; 0.36’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored soft plastics and Rat–L–Traps over grass. Striped bass are fair on white striper jigs and minnows. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and green tube jigs. Catfish are slow.GRANGERWater murky; 59–63 degrees; 0.66’ low. Black bass are fair on small crankbaits upriver. White bass are good on small white jigs and river minnows near ****erson’s. Crappie are fair on minnows upriver at night, and on tube jigs during the day. Blue catfish are good on prepared baits on rod & reel, and on juglines baited with shad. Yellow catfish are slow.GRAPEVINEWater lightly stained; 56–60 degrees; 0.61’ high. 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; 52–57 degrees; 37.96’ low. Black bass are fair on Senkos, spinnerbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on live and minnows. The Old Marina Point ramp is still open.HOUSTON COUNTYWater clear; 60–64 degrees; 0.73’ low. Black bass to 9 pounds are excellent on watermelon red Baby Brush Hogs near the dam and boat houses, and on some Rat–L–Traps and soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows around docks and brush. Red ear bream are slow. Channel and blue catfish are very good on trotlines baited with chicken hearts and shad.HUBBARD CREEK52–58 degrees; 14.09’ low. Black bass are fair to good on jigs, finesse spinnerbaits, Texas rigs and shallow running crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on stinkbait and nightcrawlers.JOE POOLWater lightly stained; 56–61 degrees; 0.26’ high. 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; 56–62 degrees; 1.15’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms, spinnerbaits and shallow 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; 56–61 degrees; 4.00’ 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; 58–62 degrees; 0.24’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse Whacky Sticks, blue/green spinnerbaits and soft plastic jerkbaits in 4–10 feet. Striped bass are fair on minnows and green striper jigs early. White bass are fair on green/blue Tiny Traps and Spoiler Shads early. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs in 4–8 feet. Channel catfish are fair on live bait and stinkbait. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait.LEWISVILLEWater stained; 56–60 degrees; 0.35’ low. Black bass are slow 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; 60–64 degrees; 0.98’ high. Black bass are excellent on soft plastics and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are fair but small on minnows and striper jigs. White bass are slow. Crappie are very good on minnows. Blue catfish are very good on shad. Yellow catfish are slow.MACKENZIEWater stained; 53–58 degrees; 86.47’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Texas rigs, wacky rigs, finesse jigs and chatterbaits. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. Ramp #1 is still open.MARTIN CREEKWater fairly clear; 5.59’ low. No report available.MEREDITH98’ low. No report available.MONTICELLOWater fairly clear; 78–88 degrees; 0.83’ high. Black bass are fair on squarebill crankbaits, weightless Senkos, chatterbaits and Texas rigged creature baits on shallow wood cover. 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 stained; 60–64 degrees; 0.62’ high. Black bass are fair on spinnerbaits along the shoreline. White bass are good on minnows in the creeks. Crappie are good on minnows and blue/chartreuse and gold/chartreuse jigs tipped with crappie nibbles over brush in 5–8 feet. Channel catfish are fair on stinkbait. Blue catfish are good on cut shad. Yellow catfish are good on live perch.O.H. IVIEWater stained; 54–59 degrees; 39.66’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs, jigs and swim jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on tail spinners and live bait. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut bait.OAK CREEKWater stained; 52–57 degrees; 14.71’ low. Black bass are fair to good on squarebill crankbaits, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and wacky rigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and live minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.PALESTINEWater lightly stained; 56–61 degrees; 1.70’ low. Black bass are good on black and blue jigs, shakyheads and bladed jigs. The jig bite is consistent around docks that have deeper water as well as isolated cover along points. 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 DURO47.13’ low. No report available.POSSUM KINGDOMWater fairly clear; 50–58 degrees; 6.36’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and medium or shallow running crankbaits. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on shiners and Road Runners. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.PROCTORWater fairly clear; 57–61 degrees; 2.07’ high. Black bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on minnows and small jigs. White bass are fair on spinnerbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on live shad and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.RAY HUBBARDWater fairly clear; 56–60 degrees; 1.82’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, squarebill crankbaits and lipless crankbaits. 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 lightly stained; 57–62 degrees; 1.61’ low. Black bass are good on XCalibur XR50 rattle baits in Rayburn Red and chartreuse/white chatterbaits fished around shallow grass. Watermelon/red 6” YUM Dingers fished slow around outside edge of grass and standing timber is working well also. Crappie are good on minnows in backs of creeks. White bass are good on slabs in 25 feet of water on main lake ridges and some ridges toward the mouths of major creeks. Catfish are good around baited holes on Danny Kings punch bait.RICHLAND CHAMBERSWater stained; 55–60 degrees; 1.93’ 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; 59–64 degrees; 4.48’ low. Black bass are fair on Carolina rigged chartreuse soft plastics and spinnerbaits. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Bream are fair on worms. Catfish are good on frozen shrimp, live minnows, and stinkbait.SOMERVILLEWater murky; 58–62 degrees; 0.56’ low. Black bass are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on hot dogs. Yellow catfish are slow.SPENCE84’ low. No report available.STAMFORD3.45’ low. No report available.STEINHAGEN1.87’ high. No report available.STILLHOUSEWater stained; 58–62 degrees; 14.35’ low. Black bass are fair on minnows, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. White bass are good on minnows below Long Bridge. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.SWEETWATERWater murky; 49–55 degrees; 14.23’ low. Black bass are fair on Senkos, Texas rigs, Rat–L–Traps and jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.TAWAKONIWater stained; 56–60 degrees; 3.69’ 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; 55–60 degrees; 0.92’ low. The Blue–Green Algae alert has been downgraded to an advisory. Bodily contact with water is no longer prohibited. It is now just discouraged. Please check www.swt.usace.army.mil/ prior to planning a trip to Texoma. Black bass are fair on suspending jerkbaits and medium crankbaits along rocky points with larger rock. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on slabs. No report on catfish.TOLEDO BENDWater stained; 61–64 degrees; 3.92’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon and pumpkinseed soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs and live bait. White bass are fair on minnows and chartreuse spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Bream are good on worms. Channel and blue catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.TRAVISWater lightly stained; 58–62 degrees; 49.03’ low. Black bass are good on white grubs, Senkos, and watermelon Baby Brush Hogs in 5 – 15 feet. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on smoke grubs, small spinnerbaits, and Li’l Fishies in 15–26 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.WALTER E. LONGWater lightly stained. Black bass are fair on minnows, crankbaits, and chartreuse soft plastic worms. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows. White bass are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.WEATHERFORDWater stained; 55–61 degrees; 1.81’ low. Black bass are slow 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; 50–57 degrees; 25.23’ low. Black bass are fair on finesse jigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.WHITNEYWater stained; 57–61 degrees; 0.90’ low. Lake Whitney is currently experiencing a lake–wide fish kill event, caused by golden algae. The fish kill is reportedly affecting every species of fish, however the vast majority are non–game species. Anglers considering fishing Lake Whitney should be aware of this fish kill, and plan their trip accordingly. Additional information will be released as needed. Black bass are fair on minnows and small crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on minnows and chrome striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs. Catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait.WRIGHT PATMANWater lightly stained; 55–60 degrees; 5.24’ high. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms, shallow crankbaits and chatterbaits along main lake points. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on cut shad and prepared bait.
Saltwater Fishing Reports
Week of March 14, 2012
Water BodyReportNORTH SABINE Trout are fair to good in the river on live shad. Redfish are good in the marsh on small topwaters and GulpsSOUTH SABINE Sheepshead and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair around the Reef on live shrimp. Drifters have found good trout around mullet and shell.BOLIVAR Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and plugs. Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass on crabs.TRINITY BAY Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are good at the spillway on crabs and mullet.EAST GALVESTON BAY Trout are 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 in the mud and shell on topwaters and Corkies in the afternoon. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp.TEXAS CITY Sheepshead and sand trout are good around the piers on shrimp. Redfish are fair to good on shrimp and crabs in Moses Lake.FREEPORT Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs. Black drum are good in Cold Pass and San Luis pass on cracked blue crabs. Black drum are redfish are fair to good on live shrimp over reefs.EAST MATAGORDA BAY Trout are fair to good for drifters in the afternoon on live shrimp over humps and scattered shell. Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet.WEST MATAGORDA BAY Redfish are fair to good in Oyster Lake on shrimp. Trout are fair on shell and grass on soft plastics. Black drum are fair to good at the jetty on crabs.PORT O'CONNOR Trout and redfish are good on topwaters over soft mud in waist–deep water in San Antonio Bay. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp. Redfish are good in the back lakes for waders tossing gold spoons and Gulps.ROCKPORT Black drum are good in the Lydia Ann Channel on crabs. Trout are fair over grass while drifting with live shrimp. Redfish are fair on the Estes Flats on mullet and shrimp.PORT ARANSAS Black drum are good in the Shrimpboat Channel on crabs and finger mullet. Redfish and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp.CORPUS CHRISTI Trout are fair to good on the edge of the spoils on Gulps and live shrimp. Black drum are good in the Humble Channel at night on crabs and table shrimp.BAFFIN BAY Trout are fair to good on the King Ranch shoreline on Corkies and topwaters. Black drum are good in the Land Cut on crabs.PORT MANSFIELD Trout are fair to good on topwaters around sand and grass holes. Redfish are fair to good while drifting pot holes on shrimp and Gulps.SOUTH PADRE Black drum, redfish and sheepshead have been taken at the jetty. Trout and redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on DOA Shrimp and Gulps.PORT ISABEL Snook are fair in the Brownsville Ship Channel on free–lined shrimp. Trout and redfish are fair to good in South Bay on live shrimp. Sheepshead and mangrove snapper are fair around the causeway on shrimp.