For those planning to fish in the Rio Grande area of Texas today, January 17, 2025, here’s what you need to know:

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the tidal conditions in the Rio Grande are as follows: low tide at 4:34 AM with a height of 0.1 meters, high tide at 11:25 AM with a height of 0.54 meters, low tide at 5:57 PM with a height of 0.16 meters, and high tide again at 11:37 PM with a height of 0.4 meters. Sunrise is at 6:58 AM and sunset at 6:08 PM.

### Fish Activity
The fish activity in the Rio Grande has been moderate, with anglers reporting catches of Large Mouth Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. The Rio Grande cichlid, a local favorite, has also been active, particularly in the warmer sections of the river.

### Recent Catches
Yesterday, anglers caught a mix of Large Mouth Bass, with some trophy-sized fish taken from the river and nearby Falcon Reservoir. Crappie and Catfish were also common catches. There were reports of Rio Grande cichlids being caught, especially in areas with constant favorable water temperatures.

### Best Lures and Bait
For Large Mouth Bass, soft plastics and crankbaits have been effective. For Crappie, jigs tipped with minnows or small jigs with curly tails are recommended. Catfish are biting well on nightcrawlers and stink baits. For Rio Grande cichlids, small fish, insects, and crustaceans make excellent bait.

### Hot Spots
Two hot spots to consider are the Falcon Reservoir in Zapata, Texas, and the Lower Laguna Madre. Falcon Reservoir is known for its trophy-sized Bass and abundant Crappie and Catfish. The Lower Laguna Madre, a shallow hypersaline lagoon, is home to a wide variety of fish species, including Speckled Trout and Red Drum.

### Additional Tips
Given the cold sensitivity of the Rio Grande cichlid, look for areas with warmer water temperatures, such as spring-fed sections or areas with some protection from the cold. Professional guide services are available and highly recommended, especially for those new to the area.

Overall, it should be a good day for fishing in the Rio Grande, with the right conditions and bait likely to yield some impressive catches.