For Lake Sam Rayburn on November 23, 2024, here’s what you can expect:

First off, the weather is looking a bit chilly after the recent cold front, which might slow down the bite some. The water temperature is around 70 degrees, and the lake is slightly stained with a level 2.44 feet below pool.

Sunrise today is at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 5:15 PM. There’s no significant tidal activity to worry about on Sam Rayburn since it’s a freshwater lake.

Bass fishing has been good, especially in the shallower areas. Shallow bass are actively feeding on shad and can be caught using spinnerbaits, topwater frogs, Texas rigs, wacky rigs, and shallow water crankbaits. Target areas like shoreline brush, hay grass, high spots, shallow ditches, and creek channel swings. For schooling bass, look around main lake ledges in 17-22 feet, main lake drains in 10-17 feet, and main lake and secondary points. Here, a dropshot, Carolina rig, or a ½-¾ ounce jig can be effective.

Crappie are transitioning from main lake brush to creek channels. You can catch them on brush piles with minnows or jigs. Blue and channel catfish are fair in 24-27 feet of water and in the river bends using cut bait and minnows.

Hot spots include the areas around shoreline brush and hay grass, particularly early in the morning when bass are chasing bait. Also, focus on main lake ledges and secondary points for the schooling bass.

For a successful day, bring along a variety of lures such as spinnerbaits, topwater frogs, Texas rigs, wacky rigs, shallow water crankbaits, dropshots, Carolina rigs, and jigs. Live bait like minnows and cut bait will also be effective for crappie and catfish.

Remember to check the lake level, which is expected to continue dropping slowly through the winter, and always drain your boat to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. Good luck out there