Sam Rayburn Fishing Report - Late Spring Patterns and Hot Spots to Target

Howdy y'all, Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning Sam Rayburn fishing report for May 18th, 2025!

Let me tell ya, we're sliding right into those early summer patterns here at Big Sam! Water temperature's sitting pretty at about 74 degrees with that familiar stained clarity, and we're running about 1.5 feet above pool level this morning.

The spawn has wrapped up for our bass population, and they're transitioning to their summer haunts. Your best bet this week has been targeting those deeper zones in the 8-14 foot range. The fish are holding tight to ledges, humps, and especially that old timber structure. I've been putting clients on solid fish using Texas rigs and Carolina rigs with big worms - can't go wrong with watermelon red or junebug colors right now.

Crappie fishing has been downright productive! These slabs are still in that spawning dance, moving between shallow and deeper water. Focus on that 4-12 foot range, especially around trees and brush piles. Minnows under corks have been the ticket, particularly for those bedding fish.

Catfish action has been steady too, with similar patterns to the crappie. They're working that 4-12 foot depth, with fresh cut bait or chicken liver doing the damage.

Weather-wise, we're looking at a beautiful day with temps climbing into the mid-80s by afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:25 AM, and we'll see sunset around 8:20 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get after 'em.

For hot spots this week, I'd point y'all toward the Harvey Creek area where that timber meets the channel drop, and over to Veach Basin where some scattered grass beds are finally starting to form. The fish are really keying on that structure with the lack of grass and lily pads so far this season.

Remember, with the water warming, those fish are becoming more active in the mornings and evenings, so plan your trips accordingly. The mid-day bite has been a bit slower unless you're fishing deep.

That's the word from Big Sam today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and full livewells to ya! Don't forget to swing by the bait shop for the latest updates if you're heading out this week.