RAYBURN
Last weekend Rayburn was hit by the worst storm of the early winter season. Tournament anglers had to scramble and weekend anglers stayed on the bank...if they were smart.
Rayburn's water level is 157.36 feet which is slightly less than a one-half foot rise. Water temperatures have fallen to around 62 degrees which is still excellent for most bass catching patterns. During the last week, bass were caught on spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, DD22s (deep crankbaits) jig n pig as well as weightless TX rigged Gulp! Sinking Minnow and Senko.
With the lake down slightly over 7 feet, parts of the southern part of the lake such as Buck Bay/Farmers has, in places, almost too much vegetation which makes it difficult to pinpoint bass location. The upper part of the fishery has a thinner grassline and the bass seem to be more consentrated. In addition, the water color was slightly colored/stained in the upper portions and much clearer down south.
On sunny days, the stained water seemed to produce more consistently. On the crappie fishing, I saw a few pontoons tied up on baited holes catching crappie the mid part of last week. They were using live shiners, jigs and Blakemore Road Runners in 20 to 25 feet. Blue bodied jig with white tail is one of local favorites.