Freshwater Fishing Reports
Week of May 2, 2012
Water BodyReportALAN HENRYWater lightly stained; 70–76 degrees; 8.73’ low. Black bass are good on shakyheads, Texas rigs and weightless flukes. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.AMISTADWater clear; 68–73 degrees; 21.07’ low. Black bass are good on swimbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwaters, and soft plastics. White bass are fair on crankbaits and minnows. Striped bass are fair on topwaters and Red Fins. Channel and blue catfish are good on cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers in 3–12 feet. Yellow catfish are very good on trotlines and throwlines 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; 71–76 degrees; 7.7’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on Road Runners and minnows. Blue catfish are fair to good on live shad and cut bait.ATHENSWater lightly stained, 72–76 degrees; 1.27’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged soft plastics and wacky rigged worms. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.BASTROPWater stained; 73–77 degrees. Black bass are good on minnows and watermelon spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on live bait, shrimp, and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.BELTONWater fairly clear; 71–75 degrees; 0.07’ high. Black bass are good on topwaters in coves. Hybrid striper are good on white riversides. White bass are good on chartreuse spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows under lights at night. Channel and blue catfish are good on doughbait and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch.BOB SANDLINWater lightly stained; 71–76 degrees; 2.87’ low. Black bass are fair to good on soft plastics and shallow crankbaits. Crappie are good on live minnows and jigs. White bass are good on Humdingers. Catfish are fair to good on trotlines or juglines with Redneck’s Catfish Bait Soap. All boat ramps are now open.BRAUNIGWater clear. Black bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits and soft plastics in reeds. Striped bass are very good on liver and perch off points near the pier. Redfish are fair on perch, shad, and silver spoons. Channel and blue catfish are good on cheesebait, cut bait, and liver near the dam.BRIDGEPORTWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 5.27’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged green pumpkin creature baits along secondary points and Jackall Lobee Frogs in the Big Creek area. 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 murky; 73–78 degrees; 10.37’ low. Black bass are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies and Rat–L–Traps under lights at night. Crappie are excellent on white Li’l Fishies and black/chartreuse tube jigs in 1–5 feet along the shoreline. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow catfish to 40 pounds are good on droplines baited with live perch in 12–15 feet.BUCHANANWater murky; 70–75 degrees; 23.85’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored Rat–L–Traps, watermelon Skip–N–Pop topwaters, and weightless wacky rigged green pumpkin Whacky Sticks with chartreuse tails along break lines of creek bluffs early. Striped bass are good on chartreuse topwaters and Rat–L–Traps on the surface early. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel catfish are good on live bait and cut bait. Yellow and blue catfish are good on juglines and trotlines baited with live bait.CADDOWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 0.57’ high. Black bass are good on black/blue soft plastics around isolated cover. 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 fair on perch colored Rat–L–Traps and spinnerbaits over reed beds and in the cove near the park store. Striped bass are good on chicken livers and shad near the dam and power lines. Redfish are good on live bait along the crappie wall. Channel catfish are good on liver, shrimp, and shad. Blue catfish are good on cut bait and liver near the railroad bridge. Yellow catfish are slow.CANYON LAKEWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 6.96’ low. Black bass are good on JDC Skip–N–Pop topwaters, watermelon Whacky Sticks, and pumpkinseed ¼oz. Curb’s Erratic jigs in 8–15 feet. Striped bass are fair vertically jigging white Curb’s striper jigs and trolling Gizz 4 crankbaits. White bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and shad colored crankbaits upriver. Smallmouth bass are good on smoke tubes and root beer JDC curl tail grubs with chartreuse tails along main lake points and ledges. Crappie are good on white tube jigs and live minnows around submerged brush piles along break lines. Channel catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and doughbait in the upper end of the lake. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on juglines and trotlines in creeks.CEDAR CREEKWater stained; 72–76 degrees; 0.21’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, shakyheads and black/blue finesse jigs around main lake points and into the backs of creeks. 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; 72–76 degrees; 12.93’ low. Black bass are good on deep running chartreuse crankbaits and watermelon Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are fair on blue jigs tipped with minnows. Channel catfish are good on live bait. Blue and yellow catfish are good on live bait.COLEMANWater lightly stained; 69–73 degrees; 15.32’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Hybrid striper are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel catfish are good on live bait. Yellow catfish are slow.COLETO CREEKWater fairly clear; 1.81’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics and crankbaits. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with nightcrawlers, shrimp, and minnows. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch.COLORADO CITY18.43’ low. No report available.CONROEWater fairly clear; 71–75 degrees; 2.24’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse Carolina rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on chartreuse striper jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are good on minnows, shrimp, and liver.COOPERWater lightly stained; 71–76 degrees; 1.03’ 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; 80–84 degrees; 26.95’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse crankbaits and jigs. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows under lights at night. Channel and blue catfish are fair on cut bait and frozen shrimp in the river channel. Yellow catfish are slow. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.FAYETTEWater stained. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits over grass, and on small spinnerbaits along the outside edges of grass. Channel and blue catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and doughbait.FORKWater stained; 71–76 degrees; 2.04’ low. Black bass are good on Jackall Mikey, Jr. wakebaits. Shallow crankbaits on windy points are working well later in the day. Deep 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; 70–76 degrees; 10.01’ 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 chartreuse/blue and chartreuse/black soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Catfish are good on hot dogs, nightcrawlers, and shrimp.GRANBURYWater murky; 71–76 degrees; 0.62’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon Rat–L–Traps and minnows. Striped bass are good on minnows and chartreuse striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on stinkbait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers.GRANGERWater murky; 73–77 degrees. Black bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on chartreuse jigs over brush piles in the main lake. Blue catfish are good on prepared bait on rod & reel, and on juglines baited with shad and Zote soap. Yellow catfish are very good on trotlines baited with live perch.GRAPEVINEWater lightly stained; 71–75 degrees; 0.09 low. Black bass are fair on watermelon Texas rigged worms, watermelon finesse jigs, spinnerbaits, and Jackall ASKA crankbaits 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; 69–75 degrees; 37.85’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on live and minnows. The Old Marina Point ramp is still open.HOUSTON COUNTYWater stained; 76–80 degrees; 0.33’ high. Black bass to 6 pounds are good on shad colored soft plastic worms and lizards. Crappie are slow. Bream are slow. Channel and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with shad and chicken hearts.HUBBARD CREEK71–78 degrees; 14.37’ 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; 72–76 degrees; Full pool. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, spinnerbaits, and smaller jigs – mid–day bite has been best. 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; 72–76 degrees; 0.39’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms 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; 72–76 degrees; 0.34’ high. 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; 70–74 degrees; 0.49’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse JDC Skip–N–Pop topwaters, Bleeding Shad Rat–L–Traps, watermelon Flukes, and weightless green pumpkin wacky rigged Whacky Sticks along break lines of flats early. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and white Curb’s crappie jigs over brush piles in 10–15 feet. Channel catfish are good on minnows and dipbait. Yellow and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch.LEWISVILLEWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 0.12’ low. Black bass are slow on shallow to medium crankbaits along main lake points. Larger rock along main lake points producing as well. 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; 71–75 degrees; 0.07’ high. Black bass are good on topwaters, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Striped bass are fair on Rat–L–Traps. White bass are good on slabs, pet spoons, and troll tubes. Crappie are good on minnows. Blue catfish are very good on shad. Yellow catfish are good on live bait.MACKENZIEWater stained; 70–76 degrees; 86.88’ low. Black bass are fair to good on drop shot rigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and shakyheads. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. Ramp #1 is still open.MARTIN CREEKWater fairly clear; 3.97’ low. No report available.MEREDITH98.17’ low. No report available.MONTICELLOWater fairly clear; 79–88 degrees; 0.45’ high. Black bass are good medium crankbaits and Carolina rigged soft plastics. No reports on crappie. Catfish are fair on live shiners.NASWORTHYNo report available.NAVARRO MILLSWater stained; 72–78 degrees; 0.04’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse soft plastic worms and spinnerbaits along the bank. White bass are fair on silver slabs in 11 feet. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs at the marina and Crappie Point early and late. Channel and blue catfish are good on shad and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are fair on perch.O.H. IVIEWater stained; 70–76 degrees; 40.33’ 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; 70–75 degrees; 14.94’ 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; 71–75 degrees; 0.22’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged soft plastics near shallow cover. 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 DURO47.8’ low. No report available.POSSUM KINGDOMWater fairly clear; 69–74 degrees; 5.28’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Texas rigs, spinnerbaits, finesse jigs and weightless soft plastics. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good slabs and Road Runners. Striped bass are fair on live shad and slabs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.PROCTORWater stained; 72–76 degrees; 0.09’ low. Black bass are fair on soft plastics, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are good on minnows and Li’l Fishies. White bass are good on minnows and shad. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on shad and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait.RAY HUBBARDWater lightly stained; 71–76 degrees; 0.38’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, squarebill crankbaits and medium 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 stained; 70–75 degrees; 0.15’ low. Black bass are good on shad crankbaits worked around grass in 4–8 feet of water near secondary points. Crappie are good on minnows on COE brush piles. White bass are excellent on slabs in 15–20 feet of water on humps and on shallow windy points early with rattle traps. Catfish are good around baited holes on Danny Kings punch bait.RICHLAND CHAMBERSWater stained; 71–76 degrees; 0.12’ low. Black bass are good on 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; 71–75 degrees; 0.18’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon Senkos, lizards, and Baby Brush Hogs. White bass are good on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs over brush piles. Bream are good on nightcrawlers and crickets. Catfish are good on trotlines baited with nightcrawlers and minnows.SOMERVILLEWater murky; 72–76 degrees; 0.44’ high. Black bass are fair on watermelon Rat–L–Traps and soft plastics. Hybrid striper are good on Li’l Fishies and minnows. White bass are good on slabs and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs with black tails. Channel and blue catfish are good on liver and punchbait. Yellow catfish are slow.SPENCE84.13’ low. No report available.STAMFORD3.77’ low. No report available.STEINHAGEN1.39’ high. No report available.STILLHOUSEWater murky; 70–74 degrees; 2.05’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon trick worms, watermelon super flukes, and live minnows. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on chicken livers and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.SWEETWATERWater murky; 69–75 degrees; 14.59’ low. Black bass are fair on wacky rigged worms, Texas rigs and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.TAWAKONIWater stained; 72–76 degrees; 0.54’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue soft plastics and hollow body frogs. Best bite is around flooded cover. 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 stained; 70–75 degrees; 0.32’ 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 spinnerbaits and medium crankbaits along main lake points. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on slabs. No report on catfish.TOLEDO BENDWater stained; 69–73 degrees; 1.27’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon and chartreuse soft plastics and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are good on minnows and green striper jigs. White bass are fair on slabs and minnows in the river. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs with yellow tails. Channel and blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with minnows, cut bait, and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.TRAVISWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 42.43’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse topwaters, red shad worms, and grubs. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs and smoke grubs. White bass are good on chrome topwaters, smoke grubs, and white shad raps. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue/white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on fresh cut bait and live minnows in 15–30 feet. Yellow catfish are slow.WALTER E. LONGWater lightly stained. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps, and soft plastic worms. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on nightcrawlers and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.WEATHERFORDWater stained; 71–76 degrees; 0.55’ low. Black bass are slow on shallow crankbaits 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; 69–74 degrees; 25.55’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and weightless flukes. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers.WHITNEYWater stained; 70–74 degrees; 0.03’ high. Black bass are good on chartreuse spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on Li’l Fishies and minnows. White bass are fair on minnows, Charlie slabs, and pet spoons. Crappie are good on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait.WRIGHT PATMANWater stained; 71–76 degrees; 1.01’ 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 May 2, 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.SOUTH SABINE Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good around Blue Buck Point on topwaters and live shrimp.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. Trout are fair for waders on the east shoreline. Redfish are fair to good on the north shoreline on gold spoons.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 for drifters working shell on live shrimp. Trout, sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and croakers. Redfish are good in the back lakes on shrimp and Gulps.TEXAS CITY Redfish are fair to good in Moses Lake on shrimp. Trout are fair to good on croakers and live shrimp on the reefs.FREEPORT Trout are fair at San Luis Pass on live bait. Sand trout, trout, redfish and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs in Christmas Bay and at the jetties.EAST MATAGORDA BAY Trout and redfish are fair for drifters in the back lakes on live shrimp. 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 and on the reefs on live shrimp.PORT O'CONNOR Trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics over sand and grass near Grass Island. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp. Trout and redfish are good at the jetty on croakers and mullet.ROCKPORT Trout are fair to good in Morris–Cummings Cut on free–lined shrimp. Black drum are good in the Lydia Ann Channel on crabs. Redfish are fair to good on the Estes Flats on mullet and crabs.PORT ARANSAS Redfish are fair to good at East Flats on gold spoons and small topwaters. Black drum and redfish are fair to good in the Shrimpboat Channel on crabs and finger mullet. Redfish, trout and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp. Offshore is good for ling and a few kingfish.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. Redfish are good on sand and grass flats on shrimp.BAFFIN BAY Trout are fair to good at the Tide Gauge on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are fair to good at Nine Mile Hole on gold spoons and plastics. Trout are fair to good in the Land Cut on live shrimp.PORT MANSFIELD Trout are fair to good on topwaters around sand and grass on She Pups, Super Spook Jrs. and SkitterWalks. Redfish are fair to good while drifting pot holes. Black drum and redfish are good on crabs at East Cut.SOUTH PADRE Trout are good around the spoil islands and grass flats on DOA Shrimp and live shrimp. Black drum, redfish and jack crevalle are fair at the jetty on live bait.PORT ISABEL Trout and redfish are fair to good at Gas Well Flats on live shrimp. Redfish are fair to good in South Bay on DOA Shrimp and live shrimp.
Week of May 2, 2012
Water BodyReportALAN HENRYWater lightly stained; 70–76 degrees; 8.73’ low. Black bass are good on shakyheads, Texas rigs and weightless flukes. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.AMISTADWater clear; 68–73 degrees; 21.07’ low. Black bass are good on swimbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwaters, and soft plastics. White bass are fair on crankbaits and minnows. Striped bass are fair on topwaters and Red Fins. Channel and blue catfish are good on cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers in 3–12 feet. Yellow catfish are very good on trotlines and throwlines 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; 71–76 degrees; 7.7’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on Road Runners and minnows. Blue catfish are fair to good on live shad and cut bait.ATHENSWater lightly stained, 72–76 degrees; 1.27’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged soft plastics and wacky rigged worms. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.BASTROPWater stained; 73–77 degrees. Black bass are good on minnows and watermelon spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on live bait, shrimp, and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.BELTONWater fairly clear; 71–75 degrees; 0.07’ high. Black bass are good on topwaters in coves. Hybrid striper are good on white riversides. White bass are good on chartreuse spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows under lights at night. Channel and blue catfish are good on doughbait and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch.BOB SANDLINWater lightly stained; 71–76 degrees; 2.87’ low. Black bass are fair to good on soft plastics and shallow crankbaits. Crappie are good on live minnows and jigs. White bass are good on Humdingers. Catfish are fair to good on trotlines or juglines with Redneck’s Catfish Bait Soap. All boat ramps are now open.BRAUNIGWater clear. Black bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits and soft plastics in reeds. Striped bass are very good on liver and perch off points near the pier. Redfish are fair on perch, shad, and silver spoons. Channel and blue catfish are good on cheesebait, cut bait, and liver near the dam.BRIDGEPORTWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 5.27’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged green pumpkin creature baits along secondary points and Jackall Lobee Frogs in the Big Creek area. 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 murky; 73–78 degrees; 10.37’ low. Black bass are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies and Rat–L–Traps under lights at night. Crappie are excellent on white Li’l Fishies and black/chartreuse tube jigs in 1–5 feet along the shoreline. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow catfish to 40 pounds are good on droplines baited with live perch in 12–15 feet.BUCHANANWater murky; 70–75 degrees; 23.85’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored Rat–L–Traps, watermelon Skip–N–Pop topwaters, and weightless wacky rigged green pumpkin Whacky Sticks with chartreuse tails along break lines of creek bluffs early. Striped bass are good on chartreuse topwaters and Rat–L–Traps on the surface early. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel catfish are good on live bait and cut bait. Yellow and blue catfish are good on juglines and trotlines baited with live bait.CADDOWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 0.57’ high. Black bass are good on black/blue soft plastics around isolated cover. 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 fair on perch colored Rat–L–Traps and spinnerbaits over reed beds and in the cove near the park store. Striped bass are good on chicken livers and shad near the dam and power lines. Redfish are good on live bait along the crappie wall. Channel catfish are good on liver, shrimp, and shad. Blue catfish are good on cut bait and liver near the railroad bridge. Yellow catfish are slow.CANYON LAKEWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 6.96’ low. Black bass are good on JDC Skip–N–Pop topwaters, watermelon Whacky Sticks, and pumpkinseed ¼oz. Curb’s Erratic jigs in 8–15 feet. Striped bass are fair vertically jigging white Curb’s striper jigs and trolling Gizz 4 crankbaits. White bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and shad colored crankbaits upriver. Smallmouth bass are good on smoke tubes and root beer JDC curl tail grubs with chartreuse tails along main lake points and ledges. Crappie are good on white tube jigs and live minnows around submerged brush piles along break lines. Channel catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and doughbait in the upper end of the lake. Yellow and blue catfish are fair on juglines and trotlines in creeks.CEDAR CREEKWater stained; 72–76 degrees; 0.21’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, shakyheads and black/blue finesse jigs around main lake points and into the backs of creeks. 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; 72–76 degrees; 12.93’ low. Black bass are good on deep running chartreuse crankbaits and watermelon Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are fair on blue jigs tipped with minnows. Channel catfish are good on live bait. Blue and yellow catfish are good on live bait.COLEMANWater lightly stained; 69–73 degrees; 15.32’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Hybrid striper are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel catfish are good on live bait. Yellow catfish are slow.COLETO CREEKWater fairly clear; 1.81’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics and crankbaits. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with nightcrawlers, shrimp, and minnows. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch.COLORADO CITY18.43’ low. No report available.CONROEWater fairly clear; 71–75 degrees; 2.24’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse Carolina rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on chartreuse striper jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are good on minnows, shrimp, and liver.COOPERWater lightly stained; 71–76 degrees; 1.03’ 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; 80–84 degrees; 26.95’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse crankbaits and jigs. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows under lights at night. Channel and blue catfish are fair on cut bait and frozen shrimp in the river channel. Yellow catfish are slow. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.FAYETTEWater stained. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits over grass, and on small spinnerbaits along the outside edges of grass. Channel and blue catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and doughbait.FORKWater stained; 71–76 degrees; 2.04’ low. Black bass are good on Jackall Mikey, Jr. wakebaits. Shallow crankbaits on windy points are working well later in the day. Deep 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; 70–76 degrees; 10.01’ 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 chartreuse/blue and chartreuse/black soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Catfish are good on hot dogs, nightcrawlers, and shrimp.GRANBURYWater murky; 71–76 degrees; 0.62’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon Rat–L–Traps and minnows. Striped bass are good on minnows and chartreuse striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on stinkbait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers.GRANGERWater murky; 73–77 degrees. Black bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on chartreuse jigs over brush piles in the main lake. Blue catfish are good on prepared bait on rod & reel, and on juglines baited with shad and Zote soap. Yellow catfish are very good on trotlines baited with live perch.GRAPEVINEWater lightly stained; 71–75 degrees; 0.09 low. Black bass are fair on watermelon Texas rigged worms, watermelon finesse jigs, spinnerbaits, and Jackall ASKA crankbaits 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; 69–75 degrees; 37.85’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on live and minnows. The Old Marina Point ramp is still open.HOUSTON COUNTYWater stained; 76–80 degrees; 0.33’ high. Black bass to 6 pounds are good on shad colored soft plastic worms and lizards. Crappie are slow. Bream are slow. Channel and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with shad and chicken hearts.HUBBARD CREEK71–78 degrees; 14.37’ 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; 72–76 degrees; Full pool. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, spinnerbaits, and smaller jigs – mid–day bite has been best. 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; 72–76 degrees; 0.39’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms 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; 72–76 degrees; 0.34’ high. 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; 70–74 degrees; 0.49’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse JDC Skip–N–Pop topwaters, Bleeding Shad Rat–L–Traps, watermelon Flukes, and weightless green pumpkin wacky rigged Whacky Sticks along break lines of flats early. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and white Curb’s crappie jigs over brush piles in 10–15 feet. Channel catfish are good on minnows and dipbait. Yellow and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch.LEWISVILLEWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 0.12’ low. Black bass are slow on shallow to medium crankbaits along main lake points. Larger rock along main lake points producing as well. 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; 71–75 degrees; 0.07’ high. Black bass are good on topwaters, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Striped bass are fair on Rat–L–Traps. White bass are good on slabs, pet spoons, and troll tubes. Crappie are good on minnows. Blue catfish are very good on shad. Yellow catfish are good on live bait.MACKENZIEWater stained; 70–76 degrees; 86.88’ low. Black bass are fair to good on drop shot rigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and shakyheads. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. Ramp #1 is still open.MARTIN CREEKWater fairly clear; 3.97’ low. No report available.MEREDITH98.17’ low. No report available.MONTICELLOWater fairly clear; 79–88 degrees; 0.45’ high. Black bass are good medium crankbaits and Carolina rigged soft plastics. No reports on crappie. Catfish are fair on live shiners.NASWORTHYNo report available.NAVARRO MILLSWater stained; 72–78 degrees; 0.04’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse soft plastic worms and spinnerbaits along the bank. White bass are fair on silver slabs in 11 feet. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs at the marina and Crappie Point early and late. Channel and blue catfish are good on shad and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are fair on perch.O.H. IVIEWater stained; 70–76 degrees; 40.33’ 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; 70–75 degrees; 14.94’ 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; 71–75 degrees; 0.22’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged soft plastics near shallow cover. 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 DURO47.8’ low. No report available.POSSUM KINGDOMWater fairly clear; 69–74 degrees; 5.28’ low. Black bass are fair to good on Texas rigs, spinnerbaits, finesse jigs and weightless soft plastics. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good slabs and Road Runners. Striped bass are fair on live shad and slabs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.PROCTORWater stained; 72–76 degrees; 0.09’ low. Black bass are fair on soft plastics, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are good on minnows and Li’l Fishies. White bass are good on minnows and shad. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on shad and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait.RAY HUBBARDWater lightly stained; 71–76 degrees; 0.38’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, squarebill crankbaits and medium 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 stained; 70–75 degrees; 0.15’ low. Black bass are good on shad crankbaits worked around grass in 4–8 feet of water near secondary points. Crappie are good on minnows on COE brush piles. White bass are excellent on slabs in 15–20 feet of water on humps and on shallow windy points early with rattle traps. Catfish are good around baited holes on Danny Kings punch bait.RICHLAND CHAMBERSWater stained; 71–76 degrees; 0.12’ low. Black bass are good on 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; 71–75 degrees; 0.18’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon Senkos, lizards, and Baby Brush Hogs. White bass are good on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs over brush piles. Bream are good on nightcrawlers and crickets. Catfish are good on trotlines baited with nightcrawlers and minnows.SOMERVILLEWater murky; 72–76 degrees; 0.44’ high. Black bass are fair on watermelon Rat–L–Traps and soft plastics. Hybrid striper are good on Li’l Fishies and minnows. White bass are good on slabs and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs with black tails. Channel and blue catfish are good on liver and punchbait. Yellow catfish are slow.SPENCE84.13’ low. No report available.STAMFORD3.77’ low. No report available.STEINHAGEN1.39’ high. No report available.STILLHOUSEWater murky; 70–74 degrees; 2.05’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon trick worms, watermelon super flukes, and live minnows. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on chicken livers and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.SWEETWATERWater murky; 69–75 degrees; 14.59’ low. Black bass are fair on wacky rigged worms, Texas rigs and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.TAWAKONIWater stained; 72–76 degrees; 0.54’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue soft plastics and hollow body frogs. Best bite is around flooded cover. 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 stained; 70–75 degrees; 0.32’ 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 spinnerbaits and medium crankbaits along main lake points. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on slabs. No report on catfish.TOLEDO BENDWater stained; 69–73 degrees; 1.27’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon and chartreuse soft plastics and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are good on minnows and green striper jigs. White bass are fair on slabs and minnows in the river. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs with yellow tails. Channel and blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with minnows, cut bait, and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.TRAVISWater stained; 71–75 degrees; 42.43’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse topwaters, red shad worms, and grubs. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs and smoke grubs. White bass are good on chrome topwaters, smoke grubs, and white shad raps. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue/white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on fresh cut bait and live minnows in 15–30 feet. Yellow catfish are slow.WALTER E. LONGWater lightly stained. Black bass are good on watermelon crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps, and soft plastic worms. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on nightcrawlers and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.WEATHERFORDWater stained; 71–76 degrees; 0.55’ low. Black bass are slow on shallow crankbaits 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; 69–74 degrees; 25.55’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and weightless flukes. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers.WHITNEYWater stained; 70–74 degrees; 0.03’ high. Black bass are good on chartreuse spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on Li’l Fishies and minnows. White bass are fair on minnows, Charlie slabs, and pet spoons. Crappie are good on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait.WRIGHT PATMANWater stained; 71–76 degrees; 1.01’ 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 May 2, 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.SOUTH SABINE Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good around Blue Buck Point on topwaters and live shrimp.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. Trout are fair for waders on the east shoreline. Redfish are fair to good on the north shoreline on gold spoons.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 for drifters working shell on live shrimp. Trout, sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and croakers. Redfish are good in the back lakes on shrimp and Gulps.TEXAS CITY Redfish are fair to good in Moses Lake on shrimp. Trout are fair to good on croakers and live shrimp on the reefs.FREEPORT Trout are fair at San Luis Pass on live bait. Sand trout, trout, redfish and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs in Christmas Bay and at the jetties.EAST MATAGORDA BAY Trout and redfish are fair for drifters in the back lakes on live shrimp. 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 and on the reefs on live shrimp.PORT O'CONNOR Trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics over sand and grass near Grass Island. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp. Trout and redfish are good at the jetty on croakers and mullet.ROCKPORT Trout are fair to good in Morris–Cummings Cut on free–lined shrimp. Black drum are good in the Lydia Ann Channel on crabs. Redfish are fair to good on the Estes Flats on mullet and crabs.PORT ARANSAS Redfish are fair to good at East Flats on gold spoons and small topwaters. Black drum and redfish are fair to good in the Shrimpboat Channel on crabs and finger mullet. Redfish, trout and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp. Offshore is good for ling and a few kingfish.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. Redfish are good on sand and grass flats on shrimp.BAFFIN BAY Trout are fair to good at the Tide Gauge on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are fair to good at Nine Mile Hole on gold spoons and plastics. Trout are fair to good in the Land Cut on live shrimp.PORT MANSFIELD Trout are fair to good on topwaters around sand and grass on She Pups, Super Spook Jrs. and SkitterWalks. Redfish are fair to good while drifting pot holes. Black drum and redfish are good on crabs at East Cut.SOUTH PADRE Trout are good around the spoil islands and grass flats on DOA Shrimp and live shrimp. Black drum, redfish and jack crevalle are fair at the jetty on live bait.PORT ISABEL Trout and redfish are fair to good at Gas Well Flats on live shrimp. Redfish are fair to good in South Bay on DOA Shrimp and live shrimp.