The lake level continues to slowly fall and registered 163 feet at mid-week with full pool being 164.4 feet. One unit is being activated 5 hours per day with a release of approximately 4000 cfs. Water temps are from 79 to 85 degrees and most of the lake has good water quality and all the lake is fishable. According to recent tournament reports from Skeeter Bass Champs, anglers used both crankbaits as well as soft plastics to win the top spot. Top water patterns and flipping jigs accounted for the 2nd and third place finishes.
The winners caught a huge 5-fish limit of 28 pounds including an eleven pounder and a seven pounder. They stated that they caught most of the numbers on crankbaits but went to soft plastics to catch the biggest 2 fish. The eleven pounder was reported to have been caught on a Texas rig in 10-12 feet and the 7 pounder on a Carolina rig. To have two kicker bass of eleven and seven pounds is a super position to be in during tournament competition. The winners pocketed $21,000. The second place team with 24 pounds gave little info except that they fished north and caught all but one on top water baits during the first hour.
The third place team caught a 5-fish limit weighing 21.8 and said they caught them flipping jigs and big worms. Lake Charles angler and Lowrance Electronics guru, Larry Byrd and his partner, Todd Driscoll (Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist) finished a strong fourth in the tournament with 21.30 pounds. The fish didn't have a chance with Byrd and his big screen, full color Lowrance w/GPS and Driscoll, who many say personally communicates with some of the biggest bass in Rayburn. Seriously, great job, guys. They brought home $1200 for their efforts.