Episodes

  • Rayburn Sizzles with Big Bass, Schooling Whites, and Stormy Skies - July 7, 2025 Fishing Report

    Rayburn Sizzles with Big Bass, Schooling Whites, and Stormy Skies - July 7, 2025 Fishing Report
    Jul 7 2025
    Evening, anglers—Artificial Lure here with your Lake Sam Rayburn fishing report for July 7, 2025.

    Summer heat’s settled in on Big Sam, but don’t let it fool you—the lake’s delivering strong, classic East Texas action. Today’s sunrise hit at 6:18 AM, and sunset’s tucking in at 8:26 PM. We’re in that thick, muggy July pattern: air temps in the upper 80s by midday, topping 94, with a scattered breeze and mostly sunny skies. Water temps are running between 83 and 86 degrees. Afternoon pop-up storms are possible, so watch the radar if you’re pushing into the evening.

    Lake levels are steady, just above pool—water holds that familiar Rayburn stain. We’re not dealing with actual tidal swings here, but late afternoon wind has been stacking up waves and bait along windblown main lake points and pockets. Early mornings brought calm, glassy conditions—ideal for the topwater bite.

    Bass fishing is hot, and local chatter says the Florida-strain largemouth genetics have the fish strong and healthy. This weekend’s tournament reports point to big stringers—catch rates are excellent, with several sacks over 25 pounds weighed. Brody Campbell’s winning bags from the latest Toyota Series featured upper-20s each day, with more than a handful of 6- to 8-pounders reported. Big fish are coming from offshore structure—humps, ledges, and brush piles in 15 to 25 feet.

    Best lures? Offshore, anglers are scoring with 5-inch Z-Man Jerk ShadZ in smelt, Deps Sakamata Shad minnows on 3/8-ounce heads, and drop shots with 6-inch Roboworm Straight Tail Worms in natural colors. If you’re hunting that kicker, a Strike King 6XD crankbait in sexy shad or citrus shad, or umbrella rigs with 3.25-inch Rage Swimmers in Carolina chrome, are pulling up some bruisers. For shallower fish, green pumpkin ChatterBait Jack Hammers and custom swim jigs with bluegill trailers have been heating up, especially around hydrilla and buck brush edges—these have been highlighted heavily in recent tournament recaps and by locals casting at first light.

    Early and late, don’t overlook topwaters—walking baits and buzzbaits over submerged grass are drawing ferocious blow-ups. If you’re going old-school or fishing with kids, live shiners and big nightcrawlers pitched to sloping points and dock edges will still put bass (and the odd big crappie or catfish) in the box.

    Other species: White bass are schooling hard on main lake flats at sunrise—chrome spoons and small swimbaits are effective. Catfish are steady on cut bait and punch bait off deeper points, especially after dark.

    Hot spots? Try the Black Forest for offshore bass and schooling white bass early. Veach Basin’s mid-lake humps are holding big girls in the timber. Mill Creek is a surefire spot for action along grass lines, and Five Fingers is turning out a mixed bag.

    Remember to hydrate, pack the sunscreen, and keep an eye on the sky for those rolling thunderstorms. Big Sam’s bass are biting—get after ’em.

    Thanks for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe for daily updates and tips. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn
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    3 mins
  • "Summertime Slugfest: Bass, Slabs, and More on Rayburn"

    "Summertime Slugfest: Bass, Slabs, and More on Rayburn"
    Jul 6 2025
    Welcome back, folks—Artificial Lure here with your on-the-water scoop for Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas, on this hot July 6th, 2025. If you’re looking to put a bend in your rod, Sam Rayburn’s serving up classic East Texas summer conditions: stained water, riding about half a foot high, and surface temps settled around 86 degrees. Largemouth bass are active—just not stacked up in one spot—but folks willing to grind are coming up with decent numbers on soft plastics, crankbaits, and Carolina rigs. The bite’s fair, not on fire, but certainly worth your time according to Lone Star Outdoor News.

    The weather’s been pretty stable—a sunny, humid Sunday, with highs climbing into the mid-80s. Most mornings start off muggy and settle into a light afternoon breeze. Sunrise this morning was at 6:21 AM and sunset’s rolling in at 8:26 PM, giving you a big window to chase some bites.

    Solunar tables predict the best fishing around 2:20 PM to 4:20 PM, giving you a mid-afternoon bump. You’ll also catch a minor flurry first thing in the morning, from 7:50 to 8:50 AM, so don’t hit the snooze. Fish activity’s solid, and folks are reporting good catches, especially around brush piles and offshore structure.

    The talk of the dock has been some real hawgs coming out of recent tournaments—including two double-digit bass over 10 pounds swinging across the scales this week, almost hitting the 40-pound bag mark according to Major League Fishing. These big fish are mostly coming offshore on main lake points and deep wooded humps, with pros keying in on both minnow-style plastics and deep crankbaits. The 5-inch Z-Man Jerk ShadZ in smelt and Deps Sakamata Shad, rigged on a 3/8-ounce head, have been pulling their weight. The drop-shot with a 6-inch Roboworm Straight Tail Worm is also getting bit.

    For sheer numbers, a classic Carolina rig is catching fair-sized largemouths. Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis swears by a 3/4-ounce tungsten Carolina rig weight paired with any soft plastic—lizards, brush hogs, or big worms. In stained water like we’ve got now, keep your leader shorter so the fish zone in on your bait. The Carolina rig is a local staple for a reason: you can slow-roll it across points, creek ledges, or deeper grass in 10-20 feet of water and pick up steady action.

    White bass have picked up on slabs around main lake humps, and the catfish bite is strong on cut bait. Crappie are good if you anchor on deeper brush in 15-22 feet, fishing live minnows.

    Best baits this week:
    - Soft plastics (green pumpkin, watermelon red flake)
    - Deep-diving crankbaits (chartreuse, shad pattern)
    - Carolina rigs with big worms or creature baits
    - Slabs for white bass
    - Live minnows for crappie
    - Cut shad or punch bait for catfish

    For hot spots, try the Five Fingers area and the mouth of Harvey Creek for bass, especially early and late. The Black Forest and Veach Basin continue to see pressure but are still producing kickers for anglers working offshore structure and brush piles.

    That’s your Lake Sam Rayburn report for July 6th. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a beat. This has been a Quiet Please production—for more, check out quietplease dot ai.

    Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn
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    3 mins
  • Lake Sam Rayburn Fishing Report June 22, 2025: Summer Bite Firing, Topwater and Ledges Producing

    Lake Sam Rayburn Fishing Report June 22, 2025: Summer Bite Firing, Topwater and Ledges Producing
    Jun 22 2025
    Good morning, anglers—this is Artificial Lure with your Lake Sam Rayburn fishing report for Sunday, June 22, 2025.

    The lake’s summer bite is firing on all cylinders right now. Water temps are sitting right at 86 degrees with the level just a shade above pool, giving us a stained but not muddy situation. Today, the weather is classic East Texas summer: hot, humid, with scattered clouds and a light southeast breeze. We’re looking at sunrise around 6:17 a.m. and sunset about 8:26 p.m. These longer days mean you’ve got plenty of time to put a bend in your rod.

    Bass fishing is GOOD and the best action is happening early in the shallows among pencil and hay grass. Topwater frogs and poppers have been hot at first light—work ‘em through the grass as the sun rises. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are picking up bites off points, humps, and submerged structure through mid-morning. Once that topwater bite starts to fade, switch to Carolina rigs and jigs on ledges and creek channels where the fish are sliding deeper as the day heats up. According to Captain Lynn Atkinson’s guide report for the week, flipping brush and working cover along the buckbrush edges is producing solid limits for those who stay persistent.

    Crappie are still transitioning out to brush and timber, getting a little more predictable. The bite is best with jigs and minnows around brush piles, especially in 14-20 feet of water. They’re not stacked up everywhere yet, but find the right pile and you’ll stay busy. White bass are schooling off main lake points—slab spoons and small swimbaits will do the trick when you see them busting shad.

    Catfish action is also lively with channels and blues moving out to deeper water. Cut bait is doing well along ledges and in creek channels. Night fishing is starting to pick up for the whisker crowd, so set up before dark and let the action come to you.

    Two hotspots that should be on your radar: Indian Creek is firing for bass with jigs worked at the mouth and along the deeper edges, especially outside midday hours. The Buck Bay area is another solid choice for crappie and catfish right now, especially if you fish the deeper timber and creek swings with live minnows or punch bait.

    Summer patterns are setting in strong, so fish early, target moving water or structure, and don’t be afraid to chase the bite as the sun climbs.

    Thanks for tuning in to the Lake Sam Rayburn report. Remember to subscribe for more local fishing updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.
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    3 mins
  • Bites Sizzle on Big Sam - June 21, 2025 Fishing Report

    Bites Sizzle on Big Sam - June 21, 2025 Fishing Report
    Jun 21 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Sam Rayburn fishing report for Saturday, June 21, 2025.

    Big Sam’s sitting about half a foot above pool, water temp hovering around 86 degrees, and visibility is classic early summer stained. We kicked off with a sunrise at 6:13 AM, and you can fish right on through to sunset at 8:26 PM. Weather’s textbook East Texas June—humid, plenty of sun, and highs pushing right up into the upper 80s. The Corps has been steadily releasing water, helping pile up fish along those prime ledges and creek channel swings, so pay attention to current breaks and structure all day.

    Bass action is straight-up good right now. Most of the post-spawners have finished moving and are stacking up on main lake ledges, humps, and drains in that 10-20 foot range. Early and late, there’s a shallow topwater bite in the pencil grass, hay grass, and especially where there’s new growth in the pads—frogs and poppers are getting smashed, with the best blow-ups coming right at first light. Once the sun’s up, switch gears and work Carolina rigs or Texas rigs with big worms in plum, watermelon red, or June bug. Don’t overlook deep-diving crankbaits over submerged timber—steady bites are coming off main lake points near Veach Basin and Harvey Creek, both consistent producers all week. Some fish are still holding in shallow flooded brush, so flipping soft plastics or a stout jig will keep you in the hunt for a kicker, especially in the buckbrush.

    Crappie are transitioning out to the deeper brush piles and standing timber on the south end and into Ash Bayou. Both jigs and minnows are working, but the bite is definitely steadier on the brush as they pull out of their shallow patterns. Bluegill are bedding around the same brush and piling up in numbers—great for the kids with worms or small jigs.

    Catfish are making a move out to deeper points and creek channels, as the water warms up and the bait transitions. Cut shad or stink bait is still the go-to, best results coming from channel bends and the deeper drops off main lake flats.

    Hot spots today include Veach Basin for those early topwater bass, and Harvey Creek’s points and ledges once the sun gets up. For crappie, target the deeper brush on the south end or inside Ash Bayou.

    Best bets for lures: topwater frogs and poppers around grass and pads at dawn, Texas- or Carolina-rigged big worms off ledges, and deep-diving crankbaits worked slow over structure. For crappie and bluegill, stick with jigs and live minnows. Catfish are biting best on cut bait set near the channel bends.

    Thanks for tuning in to the Lake Sam Rayburn fishing report. Don’t forget to subscribe for daily updates, tips, and all the latest Big Sam news. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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    3 mins
  • Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Summer Bite Firing on All Cylinders

    Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Summer Bite Firing on All Cylinders
    Jun 21 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your up-to-the-minute fishing report for Lake Sam Rayburn and the surrounding Angelina National Forest waters on Saturday, June 21st, 2025.

    Sunrise hit at 6:13 a.m. and you’ll have until sunset at 8:22 p.m. to get your lines wet. The lake is holding just under half a foot above pool, and water temps are running in the mid-80s after a week of steamy Texas sunshine and some passing early-summer storms. The water’s stained but clarity is decent. You’ll feel a light southeast breeze and, with the Corps still releasing a bit of water, the level is slowly dropping—prime conditions for that summer bite to keep firing.

    Bass fishing is solid and squarely in summer pattern. Most spawners have wrapped up and fish are stacking up on main lake points, humps, and those classic creek channel ledges in 10–20 feet. Best action early remains shallow in the pencil and hay grass, especially if there’s shade or baitfish flickering—topwater frogs and poppers have been getting crushed at first light, especially up around Veach Basin and Harvey Creek. Once the sun gets high, work those deeper brush piles and timber with Carolina rigs loaded with watermelon red or plum worms, as well as Texas-rigged big worms. Deep-diving crankbaits are doing the trick on off-shore structure. If you’re still seeing good water up in the buckbrush or flooded cover, flipping soft plastics or jigs is still worth a shot—there are still some quality keepers shallow, especially with the water still a tad high.

    For crappie, fish are moving out to deeper brush piles and standing timber, and the bite is steady on jigs and minnows in 12–20 feet. Catfish are solid on cut shad or punch bait in the creek channels and along ledges, especially after sunset. White bass have been schooling on the main lake points—give slabs, small spoons, or a white grub a toss when you see ‘em busting the surface.

    Best lures right now: topwater frogs and poppers at dawn, watermelon red or plum straight-tail worms on Carolina or Texas rigs, deep-diving crankbaits for offshore bass, and jigs or minnows for crappie. For catfish, bring the stink with cut bait or punch bait.

    Hotspots this weekend are Veach Basin for that topwater morning bass bite and Harvey Creek for numbers of both bass and crappie, especially around the deeper standing timber. Don’t overlook Black Forest for offshore ledge action once midday hits.

    Fish are biting, the weather’s holding, and Lake Sam Rayburn is firing on all cylinders. Make sure to drain your boat to help keep our lake zebra mussel free. Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to subscribe for the latest reports, gear tips, and all things Big Sam. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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    3 mins
  • Beating the Heat: Summertime Fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn

    Beating the Heat: Summertime Fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn
    Jun 20 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your Lake Sam Rayburn fishing report for Friday, June 20th, 2025. Here’s the scoop from the water this morning.

    We’re deep into the summer pattern on Big Sam, and the lake’s looking prime. Water temps are sitting at a warm 86 degrees, and the lake’s running about half a foot above pool. Water clarity is good, especially up by the main lake, and the level is holding steady thanks to recent releases, so the bite is steady for those getting out early or staying late. Today’s sunrise was at 6:13 a.m., and you’ve got until about 8:22 p.m. before the sun dips behind the pines. With summer solstice upon us, these long days give you plenty of time to chase that big bite.

    The early morning bass bite is hot up in the pencil grass and hay grass. Local regulars are hammering them with topwater frogs and poppers right at daybreak. As the sun climbs, bass are pulling off into deeper haunts—main lake points, ledges, and creek channel swings in that 10-20 foot range are prime. Carolina rigs with creature baits and big worms are putting up numbers. If you like chunking a deep-diving crankbait, now’s the time—work those over submerged structure and hold on tight. A few guys are still reporting success flipping shallow brush and flooded timber, especially with Texas rigs. Stick with it as long as the water stays up.

    Meanwhile, the crappie are slowly making their way out to deeper brush piles. The best action for slabs has been over brush in about 14-20 feet. Jigs and minnows are both working, though the bite is a touch better toward the south end of the lake and up in Ash Bayou. Bluegill are congregating on brush, and catfish are transitioning out of the creeks, settling in on main lake points and channel bends—cut bait or stink bait is your best bet for these whiskerfish.

    As for catches, word from Captain Lynn Atkinson and the folks at Texas Parks and Wildlife is that the bite has been good across the board—solid numbers of bass, nice messes of crappie coming off brush, and catfish action picking up as they move deeper. Best baits right now: early morning topwaters for bass, Carolina-rigged plastics, deep crankbaits, and flipping jigs shallow. Crappie are steady on jigs and live minnows, and catfish are hitting fresh-cut shad and stink bait.

    Hot spots this week have been the main lake points near Veach Basin, and Ash Bayou for crappie. Don’t overlook the area around the 147 bridge for a mixed bag either.

    That’s your rundown for Lake Sam Rayburn on June 20th, 2025. Thanks for tuning in and be sure to subscribe for all the latest action. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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    3 mins
  • Sam Rayburn Fishing Report June 18, 2025: Bass Crush Topwaters, Crappie Schooling, Cats Prowling Ledges

    Sam Rayburn Fishing Report June 18, 2025: Bass Crush Topwaters, Crappie Schooling, Cats Prowling Ledges
    Jun 18 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your up-to-the-minute Lake Sam Rayburn fishing report for June 18, 2025.

    Big Sam is fishing strong right now as we settle into early summer. The lake is sitting a hair above pool, holding steady at about 80 degrees, and the water’s got a stained look thanks to recent rain and water releases from the dam. Sunrise is 6:13 a.m., sunset just past 8:22 p.m., giving you a solid window to chase 'em down. Today, expect muggy Texas sunshine with highs in the upper 80s, a light southeast breeze, and the chance of a shower in the afternoon. Tides aren’t much of a factor since we’re on freshwater, but with the lake levels dropping, some fish are piling up where they can find a comfortable depth—perfect for targeting those classic summer haunts.

    Bass are finishing up their post-spawn shuffle and locking into their deeper summer patterns. Your best bet right now is focusing on main lake points, ledges, humps, and creek channel swings in the 10-20 foot range. Carolina rigs loaded with watermelon red or plum worms are pulling good numbers. Deep-diving crankbaits are getting hammered over submerged structure, and if you’re out before the sun gets high, don’t pass up the topwater bite. Frogs and poppers worked through pencil grass and hay grass, especially at first light, are producing some real fireworks—Veach Basin and Harvey Creek are firing early for those topwater blowups. Still, don’t overlook the buckbrush and flooded timber; flipping soft plastics or jigs up shallow can connect you with quality keepers, especially anywhere water’s pushed in from the recent rains.

    Crappie are on the move—some are still shallow, but more are slipping toward brush piles and deeper timber. Target them with jigs or live minnows for the best results. Numbers aren’t off the charts, but patient work over underwater cover will get you a healthy mess for the fryer.

    White bass are schooling off points—keep a slab or small spoon handy for fast action when they start busting shad on the surface, especially midday when they herd up bait.

    Catfish have slid off into the creek channels and deep ledges. Cut bait on the bottom is the ticket for blues and channels. If you’re after numbers, work the drop-offs at night with blood bait or stink bait—Indian Creek is a proven hotspot for box fish once the sun drops.

    For hotspots, Veach Basin and Harvey Creek are still topping the list for bass, especially in low light. For channel cats and nighttime bank action, Indian Creek is tough to beat.

    Thanks for tuning in to today’s Sam Rayburn report. Be sure to subscribe for weekly updates and insider tactics straight from the lake. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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    3 mins
  • Summer Slam on Big Sam: Fishing Lake Rayburn's Hottest Spots

    Summer Slam on Big Sam: Fishing Lake Rayburn's Hottest Spots
    Jun 14 2025
    Hello there, folks I'm Artificial Lure, your go-to guy for all things fishing around Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas. Today, June 14th, 2025, we're deep into early summer, and Big Sam is offering some of the best fishing action we've seen all year. The water temperature is holding steady at around 80 degrees, with the lake level about 0.45 feet above pool. The clarity is good right now, making it ideal for early morning and late evening fishing sessions.

    Sunrise is at 6:13 AM, and sunset is just past 8:22 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to explore the lake. We don't have tidal reports here since we're freshwater, but the water level is dropping slowly as the Corps continues to release water.

    Bass fishing is in full summer swing. Most bass are moving to their classic deeper haunts like main lake points, ledges, humps, and creek channel swings in the 10-20 foot range. Carolina rigs tipped with creature baits or big worms are producing well. Deep-diving crankbaits are also hot, especially over submerged structure. Don't miss the early morning frog or popper bite up in the pencil and hay grass for some explosive strikes.

    Crappie and catfish are also on fire Crappie are slowly moving out to brush piles, and minnows or small jigs are your best bet. Catfish are good on cut bait in creek channels and ledges.

    For those looking to reel in some big ones, try focusing on areas like the main lake points around the Angelina River or the humps near the dam. These spots are known for their summer structure and should yield some nice catches.

    If you're looking for a real challenge, try flipping shallow brush and flooded timber with a Texas rig. It's a great way to catch some monsters, especially if the water stays high.

    Thanks for tuning in, folks If you liked this report, make sure to subscribe for more updates from Lake Sam Rayburn and beyond. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.
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    2 mins