Lake Sam Rayburn’s Friday dawn brought stained water with levels running a good six feet below pool and temps sitting close to 87 degrees. Last night’s sunrise was at 6:48 AM, with sunset due later at 8:05 PM. Winds out of the south at 8-12 mph and muggy, clear skies signal another scorcher, but the fishing scene’s cooling off, with slow action reported for most lines in the water. Water releases continue after recent rains, so the bite’s been tricky and structure’s changing daily.

Bass are pushing away from what shallow cover’s left, hunkering down on deeper points, humps, and offshore brush. The early morning brought a brief window of topwater action near flooded stickups and main lake grass, but that faded fast—by mid-morning, Texas Parks and Wildlife’s report confirms most largemouths are locked on structure. Carolina rigs, big ribbon-tail worms, and deep-diving crankbaits have put some good fish in boats, but most bites are coming 18-28 feet down. If you find current, look for baitfish stacking—bass are following, schooling at times but tough to pattern.

Crappie are fair on jigs and live minnows fished around brush piles, but quick moves are key as water releases scatter schools. Blake Ostreich, a local crappie guide, says live bait’s the ticket for boat docks and tops near creek mouths—with fish pushing 1-1.5 lbs. You’ll find bluegill loaded up near cover, great for the kids or anyone just wanting constant action.

Catfish are the best bet right now—good numbers caught drifting shad, chicken livers, and punch bait in creek channels and off deeper points. Flathead hunters, take note: Live shad heads are producing, and Ostreich recently boated giants tipping 65 pounds using careful presentation and electronics. August through November’s prime for big cats on Rayburn, as they leave cover and cruise open water more often.

Recent catches are spread thin, but there’s been some impressive brown fish landed—AP Guide Service put a 32-pounder in the boat on Wednesday (August 20) using deeper rigs. Most bass though are running 2-4 pounds, with an occasional 6-plus showing up on the right structure. According to Sam Rayburn regulars, C-rigs with soft plastics, big bladed jigs, and brush hogs fished slow are getting best results on tough days.

For lures, bring a spread:
- **Carolina rigs with Zoom or Strike King plastics,**
- Big deep-diving crankbaits (think citrus shad or sexy shad colors),
- Heavy football jigs in green pumpkin or blue,
- Topwater poppers for the early show (black or bone finish),
- Live shad for flatheads and cats.

Hot Spots:
- **Veach Basin**: Deep points are loaded with brush and holding scattered schools, especially just after first light.
- **Five Fingers Area**: Creek channel bends and adjacent humps are pulling better bass and steady catfish.
- **Needmore Point** and adjacent humps: Lots of baitfish and a shot at some schooling action if the wind lines up.

Folks, that should cover the current scene. Remember, water’s lower all over and stumps are popping up everywhere—run safe, stick to marked channels, and don’t forget to drain those boats for zebra mussel prevention. Thanks for tuning in to today's fishing report on Sam Rayburn—don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.

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