Lake Amistad Fishing Report for July 2009
As of July 10th, the current lake level was 1117.83 feet.  That is still above pool level, but it is beginning to drop again.  We really would like to see the lake level to drop even more so that the deeper grass will start to grow better.  It also means that there would be less water to cover to look for fish.
There are still quite a few different ways to catch fish here on Amistad.  The biggest fish seem to be coming from Carolina Rigged and Texas rigged worms.  Also, big crank baits have still been catching them.  The best bait for a Carolina rig is a 7” Fluke or a Strike King Space Monkey.  The Space Monkey really swims well at slow speeds.  The best Texas rigged bait is the Strike King Anaconda worm in green pumpkin.  Both styles are working best on the outside edge of the grass in 30-35 feet. The rod of choice for these styles would be the PG104 or the PT04 7’6”.
If you are cranking, use a DD22 or a Strike King Series 6 XD and crank down to 17- 20 feet. Use the PGC170 or the PTC70.
For numbers of fish you can still catch them on a drop shot or a trick worm on the same outside edge of the grass in 30-35 feet.
For an early and late bite, in 2-6 feet new growth of pepper grass or duck weed, there is a Frog and top water bite starting to happen.
Some grass fishing is good, though the good grass is scarce.  When you do find it, drop a 1 ½ oz. Oldham jig with a beaver.  Use your PG105 or PT05 7’6” or the shorter GM5 7’3”. You can go a long time without a bite, but when one does hit you it could be a big one!
Amistad has been a bit frustrating for everyone the past year, but with the lake level fluctuating so much, it has caused the fish to scatter and seemingly disappear, but I do believe it is just going through a natural phase and will again soon become one of the most exciting lakes to fish.  In the meantime, you can enjoy the beauty of this lake in the desert setting!

Til next time,
Tim Reneau