March 10, 2013
Lake Amistad is fixing to bust loose! Fishing has been up and down over the last several weeks as the bass are probably as confused as some anglers moving up and down the water column from cold fronts we have had every couple days. We have generally been catching 15+ fish per trip with some topping 20 fish. The activity of the fish changes every day. With a warming trend on its way next week for spring break it should be gearing up to be more consistent. My clients and I have been catching some great quality fish with on recently right near 10lbs! (See recent catch pics) Water temps have been in the high 50’s for nearly a month, but that will be changing very soon! The water level is currently steady at 1065.95 ft above sea level, but rumors are it will begin dropping over the next several weeks for another round of watering down the valley. At the time of this report Box Canyon, Diablo East and Rough Canyon Ramps are open and spur 454 is due to open if the water drops a few more feet.
Current Patterns -
Shallow: I have seen some spawning activity this past week but the shallow bite is tough. I have been catching some fish with fineness techniques as they move up near the spawning areas. This shallow bite will get better over the next few weeks as the spawn becomes the main behavioral pattern of the fish. I have worked shaky heads with Jr. Gila Monsters from El Grande Lures and Hatch Match Sticks in the Tilapia color. Stay slow and stealthy to be successful in this depth range. We have also caught some fish on the 5’ Optimum BLT swimbaits and my favorite color is Wagasaki. This bite is about to explode once the water temps get into the mid 60’s.
Mid-Depth: Most of our bigger fish are coming in this depth range (15-35 feet) and the Carolina Rig has been the number one producer. I believe with the pressure we have been seen on the lake has made many fish shy and the natural presentation on the C/Rig is fooling them better than other presentations. A Football jig has also been working but the fish are not really committing to eating the lure everyday... you often get short strikes… but it is producing big fish when you can get a hook in them! Points and quick drop offs have been most productive.
Deep: I have been staying in some water around 30-45 feet and catching some good fish on the same techniques mentioned in the mid-depth section of this report. Fish will be moving away from this depth range over the next several weeks… I would concentrate my efforts in the mid-depth to shallow range this time of year.
See you on the Lake!
Kurt
