I finally caught my "First Rio of 2022"! I have usually caught my first Rio in late March or early April. Caught this one in shallow water in a heavy Hydrilla Bed this week . This one was solid with a length in the 9" range. I was also able to catch three more all in the 9" range. Saw some much bigger ones but could not get them to bite. Fish were caught using worms with a bottom technique. All were released. Catching Rios. It just don't get any better.

Nice job Chuck! Those are awesome looking fish. We don't have any Rio's in north Texas. Are they any good to eat?

Thanks pop r for the reply. I personally do not eat them but know people who do. They say Rios are pretty good eating!

Rios are a bucket list fish for me. Unfortunately it is a long way from Amarillo to where I can catch them.

Congrats Chuck on your first Rio of the year it has a pretty mix of green and blue specks. Some of the ones we've caught had either all blue or all green specks. It's cool how each one is different

Yes Sir Flags there are no Rios in Amarillo that I know of. If you are ever in my neck of the woods let me know. I will try to put you on a few!

My favorite of the panfish. Always get excited seeing them come up.

Nice ones Chuck

WTG Chuck!

Nice!

Thanks Tommar, Steve, Yesenia, and Andrew for the replies.

Always nice getting that first Rio for the year. Caught mine a few days ago.


Side Note: Prediction of the Rio bite this year?

Thanks Curtis for the reply. So far I have not caught many Rios. Catching plenty of LMB, Bluegill, Redear, Hybrid SF, and Redbreast. Very few Rios. I will be fishing some better Rio populated spots soon.


Side Note: The sunfish bite has been GREAT at places where there are not many Rios.

A riol looker. Well done sir!

Nice start to the season. Beautiful fish.