SAM RAYBURN
The lake level is 162.27 feet with two turbines running 5 hours per day. The lake level has been slowly falling for the past month which is a normal happening for mid summer. The Hanks Creek Park South Boat Ramp is now open to the public, along with a new restroom and accessible courtesy dock following on-site renovations. Other portions of the Day Use Area at Hanks Creek remain closed pending further development.
Summer patterns are in place and most anglers are having to work to catch some bass, according to Rayburn regular, John Presley of Jasper's Dawson Marine. In talking with Presley a few days ago, he said the reports he is getting is that fishing has gotten more difficult as the water temps have climbed to nearly 90 degrees. Fish are being caught early on shallow, grassy points with Ribbit frogs, top water poppers (Frenzy Poppers and Yellow Magic) as well as buzzbaits.
Deep water patterns include Carolina rigging in 16 to 25 feet drop offs as well as deep crankbaits on deep ledges from 12 to 20 feet. There are a good many schooling bass in the 147 Bridge area near the river. Top schooling baits include clear Tiny Torpedoes, jigging spoons and tailspinners.
AUTHOR INFO: Joe Joslin is a syndicated columnist, tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam Rayburn. His sponsors include Skeeter Performance Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lake Charles Toyota, Red River Marine/Alexandria, LA, Berkley, Fenwick, Abu Garcia, Bill Norman , Daiichi, Jay's Carpet One DeRidder, The Floor Trader Lake Charles and Stanley Jigs Inc. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com. and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com.