Rather chilly this morning with the temp hovering at 32, but the sun was out with a warming trend promised on TV.
So Banker and I waited around watching the thermometer slowly rise to around 45 before we headed out to one of our favorite South Texas Creeks. Arriving around noon, it didn't take us long to be surprised to find the Creek was on fire. In about three hours we caught well over 30 Big Rios and Bluegills with one Redbreast over nine inches. Most all of our Bluegills were between 7-9 inches and the Rios were between 9-10 inches. Now they weren't suppose to bite like that when there is frost on the pumpkins. All Fish were caught on the bait of champions (night crawlers) and released. Here are pictures of a couple of Rios, with Banker to follow with pics of some of our Bluegills. No records but the best fishing day so far this month.

[img]http://[/img]

Thanks for the report and great pictures.

As always enjoyed yet another trip Rick. We did catch some nice ones!

WTG guys! Nice fish

Nice post! Do you have a clue as to why the Rios are biting?

Thanks a bunch Osbornfishing, Gar1970, and Pot Licker. I don't think the water temps have stayed low enough yet to put the Rios in the off bite mode. However, I did notice the Rios I caught yesterday were not all that aggressive. They were just tickling the bobber and moving it slightly rather than pulling it under. Also, in winters past, while fly fishing, I caught Rios only when down sizing to size 18 midge patterns and even then they were far and few in between. Winter fishing can be frustrating at times. I just never know until I go.

Great Report!!!! I would have bet on them really shutting down. Those hill country Rios have become acclimatized

Nice fish guys. You are right Catyakker! They are on the move and hungry.

Thanks J-Moe and Laker. What gets me excited about this time of they year and through the winter, besides trout season, is the sunfish seem to be larger, with very few dinks caught.

I have noticed this also especially this fall that I have been catching fewer small fish! There is a saying that the "small ones hide while the big ones play!".

Wish that was true here. Trying to get on some bigger fish but the doggone tiny longears keep beating 'em to the punch. On top of the long ears my local creek has been invaded by 4 to 6 inch crappie. One day last week went through a half dozen #6 clousers trying to get to the bigger fish but the long ears and crappie destroyed them flies.

Nice fish. Good job guys! Going to get colder these next two weeks. Keep catching those Rios before they hide.