Fishing Report: Stained Waters, Transitioning Bass, and Active Crappie at Lake Sam Rayburn

Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of February 15, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water is stained, with a temperature of about 57 degrees, and the lake is sitting at 0.11 feet above pool level. This time of year, the water clarity can be a bit off-colored, especially in the midlake area and up the creeks.

Sunrise today is around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:45 PM. These times are crucial because they mark the periods when fish are most active. During the early morning and late evening, you'll find bass becoming more active, especially in the warmer timber areas and around vegetation edges.

### Fish Activity and Recent Catches

Bass fishing has been improving, particularly in the creeks as the fish start transitioning to their spawning areas. You can expect to catch some decent-sized largemouth bass using crankbaits and jigs in the timber, and Carolina rigs on points. Crappie are active in the creek channels and river, while catfish are doing well in the creeks, especially on cut bait and minnows.

Recently, anglers have reported consistent bites on bass, although they can be a bit lethargic. Crappie and white bass have been moving up the creek channels, and catfish have been biting well in depths of 15-26 feet.

### Best Lures and Bait

For bass, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are your best bets during the daytime. As the sun rises, switch to plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs to target those bass holding around vegetation edges, deep ledges, and creek channels. In the low light conditions of early morning and late evening, topwater baits can be very effective.

For crappie, jigs and minnows are always a good choice. During their spring spawn, target shallow areas near vegetation, but for the rest of the year, look for them in deeper water around creek channels and brush piles.

### Hot Spots

One of the hot spots right now is the creek bends, where you can find bass holding around stumps. The timber areas are also warming up, making them ideal for flicking crankbaits and jigs. Another spot to check out is the creek channels and river, where crappie and catfish are active.

### Additional Tips

Remember to keep an eye on the water level fluctuations, as they can affect the habitat conditions. At high water levels, inundated trees and bushes provide excellent habitat for fish. Also, be mindful of the zebra mussel alert and make sure to drain water from your boat and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh waters.

That's the latest from Lake Sam Rayburn. Good luck out there, and tight lines