Lake Conditions:
Bob Sandlin is currently a little over 3 foot low with temps in the low to mid 60's. Water clarity is clear near the dam to stained at mid lake. Vegetation has started its Fall/Winter die back in the creeks, but is still in great shape around the main lake areas.
Best Locations:
Fish have been in the Fall migration patterns for weeks with lots of fish moving into the creeks and stacking up in pockets. Check secondary points going into the backs of the creeks for fish staging. Fish can also be found along the creek channels in the backs of creeks in Camp Branch, Radio Tower, Jake's, Barefoot, and many others. Shallower pockets such as Hope's, Iron Pier, and even River Boat can hold numbers of fish and a few toads in the mix too. Deeper structure along the main lake is also holding numbers, but can sometimes be over run with smaller spotted bass. Ridges on the south end of the rail road trestle, the fingers and hump, on the north end of the dam, and the under water highway bridge are all good deep holes to try if you want to fish deep.
Patterns/Lures:
On most days top waters are excellent. Big walking baits, buzz baits, and other presentations worked around any of the areas mentioned can bring exciting strikes. on days where the fish are less aggressive a 1/4 oz spinnerbait in white or white/chartreuse with willow leaf blades is the ticket. Lip-less rattle baits in shad colors are another good producer and can trigger reaction bites on the toughest days. Small square billed cranks worked on points and across shallow flats with pauses and twitches are a good choice to.
When working the creek channels a black and Brown jig is an old school way of getting a good kicker fish. Texas rigged baby brush hogs or other creature baits flipped to the stumps along creek channels can catch quality as well, but the bite can be very subtle. On post frontal days the fish can be very tight on the wood in the creeks so accuracy is essential.
Pics:
Summary:
Sandlin is producing lots of numbers, and if you pay close attention to the tactics I have described you can get a few big fish to boot. Just stick with basic Fall patterns and baits and you will experience some of the best Fall fishing in east Texas.
With deer season going strong, I have a lot of availability right now. And for veterans and current members of the military I have a Veterans Day Special, a full day of fishing for 1/2 day rate through the month of November.
Good Luck and Be Safe,
