The lake level is 165.65 above sea level. Just over 1 ft high. The water is stained lake wide from the tremendous amount of water that is running through the dam gates. Lake falling rapidly for a couple of weeks plus now.
The fishing has been a little off for this time of year. Especially considering it is mid-spawn. There is several reasons. Falling water has delayed a lot of the lakes bass from committing to the spawn. They will eventually spawn regather it may be a late one this year. Also, huge amounts of tournaments and regular seasonal fishing folks are out most days regardless of what day of the week. Spring breakers and vacation fishermen are producing ever more crowded conditions. This seems to affect fishing success as you may can imagine.
All that being said, those in the know are still catching a lot of fish. It helps to downsize your offerings such as using whacky worms, smaller Texas rigged plastics, and lighter weights. More realistic presentations and less noise, etc can lead to more success when fishing shallow spooky bass.
Deeper fishing is often ignored this time of year but in my recent guide trips we have been catching huge amounts of fish deep including some real good ones in the 4 to 6 lb range. Granted we catch only a couple this size out of 40 or 50 but many are two lbs and larger.
Deeper tactics are typical like dropshot, spoons, and minnow type baits fished right on bottom 20 to 35 ft deep depending on the day and water flow.
Dropshot shallower points in 8 to 12 ft has produced several big fish this week also. 2 6’s and one 8 lber this week alone. Robo Worms, spinning tackle in 10 lb line class is best.
Some schooling halfway back in coves where fish are back but not “up” yet is also happening most evenings in the major coves south of 147. Afternoon and evening fishing is best right now.
Midweek is way better and more enjoyable than weekends of course.
Thanks, and be careful out on the lake.
Brian Branum
Sam Rayburn Lake Guide
BrianBranumFishing.com