Lake Bob Sandlin in February

Hi there! I am new to the forum and am looking for some advice about Lake Bob Sandlin. I will be there in mid to late February hoping to find some mighty whities (as well as crappies and bass!). How deep should I be looking to fish? Will they be in spawning mode? Running up the creeks? What kind of structure will they be near? What are the predominate forage fish found in the lake? Thanks.

stu

I was just looking at Google Earth and it seems as if Sandlin, Cypress, and Monticello are part of one very large reservoir/impoundment system. Can they be thought of and fished as one big lake or does each have its own temperament? Also, are there discharges on any of the lakes which might attract bait and predators? I have so many questions and such limited knowledge! Thanks.

stu

They are three separate lakes divided by dams. Monticello is a power plant lake (that isn't currently running) that they keep constant level and the power plant has an intake side and a discharge side, which creates some current. But again, it isn't running right now so the temps are 43-47 and no current. Cypress is more of a recreational lake with tons of boathouses. Sandlin is more about the fishing with lots of stumps and structure and some boathouses. All three are pretty good for largemouth, not sure about the sand/hybrids.

Thanks for the advice. I am looking forward to exploring some new water and a part of the country I've never had the opportunity to see previous to this trip. I am looking forward to having some fun and meeting new fisher folk. I am thinking the fish are gonna be in pre spawn patterns. It will be interesting to find out. I am hoping to get into some white bass cuz we don't have many places to fish them in Minnesota.

Stu

Check out Welsh while you are in the area. Great little lake with warm water and bass are already spawning. You will catch the most bass here!

Thanks, I might very well do that! It looks like Lake fork isn't too far away either. I have heard and read good things about that lake as well. It is worth thinking about and maybe going there for a few days too.

stu

My buddy & I fish Bob Sandlin almost exclusively for the simple fact that the crowds are minimal & the fishing is fantastic. Late Feb will be a crapshoot,in my opinion,just because the Texas weather can be finicky that time of year.You're almost guaranteed to have the lake to yourself because the sand bass will be in high gear on their annual spawning runs.I'm not sure when & where the sandies spawn on the lake because I spend most of Feb & March on the river catching those fat little sandies.If it's white bass you're after,you may want to take a trip to one of the rivers during your stay here.It may add a little travel time to get there but I can assure you it's well worth it.The run has just started on my favorite river,the Sabine,& should be going strong thru Feb.Just a thought for you to ponder.

Excellent advice! I appreciate it. I will definitely be checking out some rivers for the feisty Morone chrysops. It's just a matter of trying a buncha places until I track them down.

stu

Are there hybrids in this lake? Going here in a few days, mainly for bass fishing but I am from Lewisville & LOVE fighting hybrids. TPWD shows no stock history for hybrids.

I've never caught or heard of any hybrids being caught on Sandlin but I'm in no way an expert. I do know that the sandies are beyond plentiful & sized to wear out even the toughest of fishermen. I might be out there this Sunday w/my best bud Dockboy,if the Sabine is still too high to fish. I'll bet the action is starting to pick up just fine w/this beautiful weather we're having.