As of July 7, 2009 the lake level at Sam Rayburn is 161.69 which puts the lake about two feet four inches below full pool. The average water temperature during the day has been about 92 degrees.

Summer fishing on Sam Rayburn is generally very exciting due to the large numbers of fish that relate to the pads and pepper grass. Try targeting the sparser areas of pepper grass or pads early in the morning with top waters such as ribbits, buzz baits, and yellow magics. Later in the day the fish will bury up in the thicker areas of pads and pepper grass. Try casting a Texas Rigged worm on a PG-144-7’0” with a 1/8 to 3/16 oz. pegged bullet weight. Red bug and plum colored worms are among the best to use on the Texas Rig. A lot of bigger fish are being caught by flipping jigs and craws on the edge of the grass in the 9 to 13 foot range. Try flipping either a black blue jig on a GM5-7'3" or a Gene Larew Hawg Craw in either a five or six inch size on a PG104.5-7’6’’.  The best colors to use with the Hawg Craw are black blue, plum, or green pumpkin. If the shallow bite is kind of slow try fishing points and ridges in the 20 to 28 foot range with a Carolina Rigged worm in a green pumpkin color. Good luck on the water.

Thanks,
Danny Iles

www.johnstonfishing.com