Artificial Lure here, bringing you the November 15th fishing report for the Rio Grande and its South Texas stretch. The weather today in Rio Grande begins mild with a sunrise at 6:45 AM and sunset coming around 5:40 PM. Winds are light from the south, averaging around 10 knots. Skies are partly cloudy, making for pleasant time on the water. Water levels remain steady, with the tides near South Padre Island showing a low at 5:50 AM and a high at 12:52 PM, which should bring a good push of bait into the river mouths and estuaries around midday.

Angler activity is picking up as we slide deeper into fall. Recent outings yielded solid action on **red drum**, speckled trout, and flounder. Near the river itself and in brackish marshy spots, folks are still catching **Rio Grande cichlid**, plenty of **bluegill**, and even the occasional chunky largemouth bass. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife records, some big longnose gar, fat carp, and healthy white bass have also shown up this fall.

The best bite comes right with that incoming tide around noon. Early mornings before the wind picks up are producing the most, especially with the moon beginning to wax, bringing stronger tidal flows and feeding windows. Look for major fish activity from about 8:40 to 10:40 AM and again in the afternoon at peak tide.

As far as tackle goes, local favorites this week are:
- **Soft plastic paddle tails in pumpkinseed, chartreuse, and motor oil**
- **Small topwater poppers** and walk-the-dog style lures for trout in the mornings
- **Live shrimp** on a popping cork for specks and reds along grassy drop-offs near the mouth
- **Cut mullet** and **dead shrimp** for flounder and drum on the bottom
- In freshwater stretches, **Worms** and **crickets** are scoring bluegill and cichlid, while a classic **squarebill crankbait** gets those bass and hybrids fired up

Creek Life Lure Co. reviews rave about their ultralight inline hooks and micro crankbaits for finicky fall bluegill and cichlid—perfect for packing light and working tight cover. Locals confirm these finesse presentations are landing more bites where heavier gear spooks fish.

**Hot spots to check today:**
- The Boca Chica Flats for reds and trout, especially near the channel edges on a rising tide.
- Just upriver from the main boat ramp at the Rio Grande, target longnose gar and carp on cut bait, or toss a big jerkbait for late-season bass.
- Behind the levee ponds and marsh cuts for flounder staging up, using cut bait or soft plastics bounced tight to structure.

Catfish are moving deeper but channel cats are still biting well on dough bait and chicken liver in shady bends of the river, as recommended by local Texas Elite Anglers.

Forecasts show the afternoon will warm up into the high 70s, so bring sunscreen and don’t forget bug spray for those windless stretches! As always, respect the tides and stay safe on the shifting sandbars.

Thanks for tuning in to your Rio Grande fishing report. Be sure to subscribe for tomorrow’s updates.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI