Local anglers are reminded amberjack fishing in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico is closed.
Officials with The National Marine Fisheries Service closed recreational amberjack fishing on Oct. 24 after announcing the recreational quota of 1.368 million pounds had been reached. The closure will remain in effect through the end of the year.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department officials report that although amberjack fishing remains open in state waters, anglers holding federal permits for amberjack are required to adhere to the federal closure, according to TPWD officials.
Now onto the report…
North Sabine---Run-off is affecting the north end of the lake but there are some specks, reds and black drum in the channel and on the intake and outflow side of the Entergy Canal. Flounder are fair along the Louisiana shoreline on outgoing tides on jigs tipped with shrimp and live bait.
South Sabine---Capt. Phillip Samuels reports fair action for trout and reds under the birds for anglers able to find patches of clear water. The bayous on the Louisiana side of the lake are fair to good reds and flounder on live bait and Gulp.
Sabine Pass---The jetties are good for reds on croaker and mullet around the boat cuts and deep holes. Flounder are fair to good around drop-offs in the channel and Keith Lake.
Sabine River---Black drum and redfish are good on dead shrimp fished around in Blacks Bayou and East Pass. Very few reports of trout. Flounder are fair around drop-offs on live bait.
Calcasieu (Big Lake )---The Hackberry Rod and Gun Club reports trout and reds are good over shell and under the birds on live bait and chartreuse and green colored plastics. Flounder are good in the channel on live mud minnows.
Sam Rayburn---Texas Parks & Wildlife Department officials report largemouths are good on topwaters, soft plastic worms, and spinnerbaits early. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Bream are fair on worms. Catfish are good on punchbait.
Toledo Bend---Holly Park Marina reports anglers are taking few fish. Largemouths are fair on Rat-L-Traps fished around creek mouths and along the edge of grass. Catfish are fair on cheese bait fished in the creeks.
Lake Livingston---Texas Parks & Wildlife Department officials report largemouths are fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Striped bass are slow. White bass are good on pet spoons, slabs, and hellbenders. Crappie are fair on minnows. Blue catfish are good on shad and cut bait. Yellow catfish are slow.
Hunting---State waterfowl managers report he coastal prairies and marshes have benefitted tremendously from the rain, and waterfowl will reap the rewards this winter. Some outfitters are reporting more teal now than during the special September season. Pintails, gadwalls, wigeons and shovelers are the species most abundant along with greenwings and bluewings. Snow geese should show en masse sometime this week with back-to-back cold fronts and a bright moon forecasted.
Specklebellies should be solid for opening day
#
TOLEDO BEND: Normal Pool Level: 172.0 Current Pool Level: 171.92 Was 169.76
RAYBURN LAKE: Normal Pool Level: 164 Current Pool Level: 161.09 Was: 159.64
B.A. STEINHAGEN: Normal Pool Level: 85 Current Pool Level: 82.76 Was: 82.70
Chester Moore, Jr. is The News Outdoors Editor
