Some friends and I are planning a trip to Ray Robert in the near future, to do some bass fishing was wondering if anyone had any reports. We plan to camp one night at Isle Du Bois and fish the first day most likely around Buck Creek area. Second day maybe somewhere around Isle du Bois since we will be leaving around mid day. Any help or tips are appreciated. I've never been to Ray Roberts before. Thanks.

FWIW, Buck Creek is a great area for kayak bassin'. However, the recent heavy rains in the area have made the water almost opaque. You can still manage a few fish (maybe), but be prepared for water with virtually NO visibility. Also, Buck Creek is covered in tall grass along the banks that is now inundated. So if you want to fish bedding areas you will have to find the clean bottom out in front of the grass lines; about 3-4 feet deep. Not sure how long this will persist; I was there a couple days ago. My advice is to keep paddling until you find some clear(er) water. But I don't know how far you will have to go to find it. I never did. And I suggest no less than heavy braided line to fish anywhere in Buck Creek.
If I was going back today I would find a place on the main lake to fish. The water is much cleaner there. Good luck.

Was thinking around the first of May hopefully conditions will have changed by then...... thanks for the advice.

You can try Sand Branch, especially if you are able to launch from Jordan Park.

If you want to fish the main lake near IDB, you can try fishing off of Kate's Point. But I would watch the wind because it could be a rough day in a kayak out there.

I almost always fish around Jordan park. Lots around wolf island and south from jordan park a smidge. I have good luck with the cats there.

Thanks for all the help and tips everyone.

I haven't been brave enough to make the paddle to Kate's point.

Probably gonna try sand branch or Jordon and buck creek. Not making any long paddles across the lake. Trying to stay in calmer water.

What species are fishing for?

Primarily going for large mouth but we'll be doing some catfishing at night from the bank. I think we're all bringing gear for whatever we may find out there though.

Yeah were looking for some bass and might do some night time catfishing from the bank. I had another question, if anyone knew of a good camp site we should try and get at Isle du bois. Trying to get a spot not too far from the car or the water if possible. Also if anyone was interested in joining us we were planning to kayak fish Friday most of the day or until we can't take it anymore lol and then bank fish for cats that night for a bit then do a little more kayak fishing that next morning until mid day or so. We haven't fully decided where we plan to fish yet exactly weather may dictate that as well but was hoping to try Buck Creek the first day and maybe try somewhere close to Isle du bois the next day maybe sand branch or Jordon

Bump

If fishing around Isle du bois, paddle south across the big cove and fish the two small timber coves on the bank east of the dam under the big hills. Also that bank from the back all the way to the dam has a nice sandy flat that has a quick drop to deep water. Great for running a crankbait off the top. They hammer it when it comes over the edge. Some of the area along that bank has decent grass growing too. If you cross the big cove from the island (island when water is at pool) its not that long of a paddle in open water.

Good luck!

Thanks Todd!

Go all the way in the back of of the pockets off the main creek arms. They are up and cruising and on the edge of the flooded stuff. Also throw into the flooded stuff because they are up in there!