Sam Rayburn Reservoir bite outlook: Thursday and Friday look good

The water level

The level reads 152.6 ft, 0.1 ft lower than a week ago and 1 ft down over 29 days. That puts it 8.7 ft below the usual level for this time of year. Falling water pulls fish toward points and channel edges and can strand the shallow end of a ramp.

How to fish it this week

• Set your depth for 68°F water: The surface is 68°F (a few days ago). Start shallow at dawn, then slide deeper and toward shade as the light gets bright.
• Tie on the right bait: At this spot, try spinnerbait or crankbait along the edge. Largemouth bass: they chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
• Work the edge, not the middle: Cover water with a moving bait first, then slow down with a jig or plastic where you get a bite. Position the boat in deep water and cast up onto the shallow side, so your bait falls down the slope the way fish face.
• Use the wind, carefully: With light wind the water is flat and fish spook easily; make long casts and go lighter on line. A light chop is a good thing: it breaks up the light and makes fish bolder.

About Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Sam Rayburn Reservoir spreads over about 114,000 acres and roughly 560 miles of shoreline at full pool. At its deepest the lake reaches around 80 ft. Anglers come to Sam Rayburn Reservoir for largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. Knowing which fish are comfortable at today's temperature narrows a big lake down to a few good spots.

Bite outlook

Fish are most active in low light, at dawn and dusk. Add a moonrise or moonset near those times and the window gets longer; add a light breeze and the fish feel safer feeding shallow. Those three things drive the ratings.

• Wednesday: fair, best 6:00 am to 8:15 am.
• Thursday: good, best 1:45 pm to 6:00 pm.
• Friday: good.
• Saturday: good.
• Sunday: fair.
• Monday: fair.
• Tuesday: good.

Weather on the water

For the calmest weather, Wednesday is the pick of the next few days: mostly sunny, wind around 5 mph and a high near 78°F. Highs slide from about 78°F to 72°F over the stretch, so dress in layers for the early start.

Who is biting

The water is 68°F (a few days ago), which sets the menu.

On Sam Rayburn Reservoir, largemouth bass are in their comfort zone. The 60s are a sweet spot: bass are active, roam widely and will chase moving baits. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.

Then there are crappie, a fair bet. In the 60s crappie spread out over brush and docks in the 8 to 15 ft range. Try docks and brush at mid depth.

Then there are catfish, in a good mood. In the 60s catfish feed more each night and roam channel edges. Evenings and nights are best.

November on Sam Rayburn Reservoir

The calendar matters as much as the thermometer. Mid-to-late fall is when southern reservoirs finally cool off. Shad push into the backs of creeks and coves, and bass, stripers and crappie follow them. On Sam Rayburn Reservoir at 68°F, largemouth bass and catfish fit that pattern best.

A spot to start

The marked spot on Sam Rayburn Reservoir is an upper arm that covers 24 to 28 ft. The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food. Expect largemouth bass and crappie there; try spinnerbait or crankbait along the edge. The best window there is 6:00 am to 8:15 am. Down at that depth the water is about 65°F, against 66°F on top.

DamDeepest water N 10 miles

204060Depth, ft Free spot todayPlace to stay

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