Chester Moore
The Port Arthur News
PORT ARTHUR —
The rain we had in the middle of the week all but shut down fishing in Southeast Texas.
Besides the strong downpour and high winds, the aftermath left Lakes Sabine, Calcasieu and the East Texas reservoirs murky.
The good news however is that we are starting to see a slight rise in Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn. At the time of this writing both were on the rise and should be up more by the weekend.
It is certainly not enough to open many of the closed boat ramps but any new water on the lakes will spark bass to bite and will begin the recovery process for the lakes.
If we can get a few more feet back on both lakes in the next couple of months it could be a spring to remember for bass fishing.
Locally, there has not been much going on in the saltwater scene and the rain should not hurt it in the long run. The rain is actually helping us get back under normal conditions.
Now onto the report…
North Sabine---Very few anglers out at midweek.
Sabine Pass—Very few anglers out at midweek.
Lake Calcasieu (Big Lake)---Very few anglers out at midweek.
Sabine River—Very few reports at midweek.
Sam Rayburn---Texas Parks & Wildlife Department officials report largemouths have been good on dark green/blue flake soft plastics. White bass are fair on minnows and Li'l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Bream are fair on worms. Catfish are good on shrimp and nightcrawlers.
Toledo Bend---Holly Park Marina reports the crappie have slowed but some anglers are still catching half limits in the river channel. Very few bass fishermen out.
Hunting---Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists report duck season closes at sunset Jan. 29. Many prairie hunters reported seeing an influx of gadwalls and green-winged teal with stiff south winds. Foggy conditions over the weekend limited the flight somewhat, but most hunters reported better results this week compared to a week ago.
Many prairie hunters said pintails have been scattered. Goose season ends at sunset Jan. 29, and green fields continue to produce. Snow geese were more cooperative this week with foggy conditions and southerly winds. The Light Goose Conservation Order begins Jan. 30. Prospects are good.
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LAKE LEVELS
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TOLEDO BEND: Normal Pool Level: 172.0 Current Pool Level: 162.92 Was 162.57
RAYBURN LAKE: Normal Pool Level: 164 Current Pool Level: 154.26 Was: 153.91
B.A. STEIN HAGEN: Normal Pool Level: 85 Current Pool Level: 82.85 Was: 82.67
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