9 FEB 2025 · Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around the Rio Grande in Texas as of February 9, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from a cool 58°F to a mild 75°F. The wind is moderate, blowing at about 15 mph, which is manageable for most fishing conditions. Sunrise was at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:22 PM, giving us a good long day to get out on the water.
Now, let's dive into the water conditions. The Rio Grande River is currently running with low water levels but clear visibility, which is typical for this time of year. This clarity makes it ideal for using smaller, more precise lures and baits.
Recently, the fishing in the Rio Grande Valley has been quite promising. For freshwater fishing, the Rio Grande River itself and Falcon Reservoir in Zapata, Texas, have been hot spots. Large Mouth Bass are the most sought-after freshwater sportfish in this area, and trophy-sized bass are regularly caught here. Other popular catches include Crappie and Catfish[2].
In terms of specific catches, the Rio Grande has seen some impressive fish lately. While the records from the Texas side of the river don't match the massive sea-run brown trout caught in Argentina, we still have some notable catches. For instance, the all-time record for Striped Bass in the Rio Grande is 46.50 pounds, and for Largemouth Bass, it's 10.33 pounds[3].
For today's fishing, given the clear water conditions, smaller lures and baits are your best bet. If you're targeting bass, a Worden's Rooster Tail in a Fire Tiger coloration is an excellent choice. This lure is versatile and can catch a variety of fish sizes, from small panfish to larger bass. Other effective lures include plastic crawfish and spinner baits[4].
If you're looking to fish in the saltwater areas, South Padre Island and Port Mansfield offer great opportunities. The Lower Laguna Madre is a shallow, hypersaline lagoon home to species like Speckled Trout, Red Drum, and Black Drum. For these fish, using small jigs, shrimp, or even fly fishing with small patterns can be very effective[2].
Hot spots to consider today include the Rio Grande River near Zapata, where you can find good bass fishing, and Falcon Reservoir, which is known for its trophy-sized bass. For saltwater fishing, the shallow waters of the Lower Laguna Madre around South Padre Island are excellent for wade fishing and sight fishing from shallow draft boats.
In summary, with clear water, moderate winds, and a range of fish activity, today is a great day to get out and fish in the Rio Grande Valley. Use smaller, precise lures like the Rooster Tail for freshwater fishing, and small jigs or shrimp for saltwater fishing. Good luck out there, and tight lines