February 3, 2008
Lake Ray Roberts Fishing Report
Lake Ray Roberts is about 7 inches below normal level today and water temperature is 45 degrees and the lake is slightly stained from all the wind lately. I just looked back at my fishing reports from last winter and I could have copied some of them and it applies to this year. Winter sand bass on Ray Roberts are very predictable and stay on the same deep water pattern until May. If you are interested in reports from a year ago there is an archive of all of my reports on Reel Reports website and this is the link http://www.reelreports.com/lake-ray-roberts-reports.html We fish for them mainly on the east arm of the lake from Isle du Bois State Park to Wolf Island on humps, points, roads and ridges. Best depth this winter has been 37ft. to 42ft. on the drop offs of the structure we are fishing. Still catching all our fish on Cotton Cordell CC Spoons 3/4 oz. chrome color with a sea green Flies-By-Night fly tied 14 inches above the spoon. This winter the fish have been real healthy and most of them are magnum size that we are catching. One thing I have noticed the last few trips is that the bigger fish seem to be farther north in the lake although the average size all over the lake has been good. First thing I do on a trip is establish a depth at which the fish are feeding. You will find a lot of fish on deep structure this time of year with their mouths shut not feeding but they are always biting somewhere and if you are persistent you will find a good bite going on. Once we establish a depth then we go to other structure spots looking at the same depth for active fish. The bites will be light in cold water and a sensitive rod is a must to feel the bite. I like medium or light action 7ft. Salt Water popping rods for this type fishing and use 12 lb. Silver Thread Excalibur line. Call or email me for a winter trip on Ray Roberts to fill your freezer.
Have fun fishing,