January 15, 2014
Well the first report for 2014 is the worst I have ever had to write. Although I have not been on the lake as much over the past month or so, I may have been better off. The lake is fishing as tough as I have ever seen it. Bites are hard to get and the size is much smaller then folks are accustomed to catching here at Amistad. The lake level continues to rise slowly as it has for several months. The current water level is 1081.53ft above sea level or 35.47 feet low. Water temp is now in the low 50’s. I believe the lake still has lots of fish in it but they seem to be suspended out in very deep water. Hopefully once the spring begins the bite will improve. I also believe if the water authority would move some current through the lake the bite will see an improvement as well.
Current Patterns -
Shallow: Flipping at any trees or brush in the water can produce a bite every now and then. Keep your presentation slow as the fish seem to be very lethargic. Square bill cranks are producing some bites… be prepared to fish long stretches before catching a fish.
Mid-Depth: Cranking in the mid-depth will produce an occasional bite, making contact with the bottom and then slowing your retrieve is critical for success. Some fish are relating to grass but seem to be few and far between. This should change as the water begins to warm heading into late Jan. and early Feb.
Deep: Drop shotting, football jigs and Carolina rigs are producing some of the bigger fish being caught. It is very difficult to find any concentrations but catching a good fish in this depth zone seems to by an angler’s best bet.
Sorry for the somber report… but we tell it like it is!
Hope to see ya out on the lake,
Kurt
