Submitted by Jeff Buchanan, Insider's Maps

Date Fished: 9/21/2008
Water Temperature: 80
Water Clarity: 2-3 feet

LAKE SAM RAYBURN UPDATE The weather is feeling great as the fish move into their fall patterns. I love this time of the year because there are fish both shallow and deep--and everywhere in between. Yesterday I found several big schools of fish in open water that were busting shad, and if you could get a rattle-trap or top water bait close to the bust it was an automatic fish. There are schools of shad swimming through the hydrilla, and periodically you will see a bass “blow up” after them around that grass. The deeper ledges and brush piles also have fish in them, and if you find the “sweet spot” you can load the boat. Rayburn has more grass in it now than it has in years, and the fall fishing is going to be awesome. It is my favorite time of the year!!!

The early and late shallow bite is easy--just stay close to the grass. Right now there are lots of shad along main lake and open water flats. Lots of different baits work great including pop-r’s, buzz baits, frogs, flukes, Senko’s, wacky worm, and TX rigged baits. The key here is finding the grass that has fish in it--be sure to cover lots of water because they will be there one day and not the next. Another popular fall shallow pattern is fishing lily pads. In 2003 Cliff Pace from Mississippi won the BASS Open on Rayburn by blowing everyone away fishing a frog over the lily pads. This pattern was not popular with Rayburn fishermen at the time, but now this technique is a staple for many Rayburn fishermen in the fall. If you have a Rayburn INSIDER’S MAPS you can find great pad fishing in areas 9, 36, 38, and 39. The lily pads aren’t everywhere on the lake, but these areas have plenty and are a great place to start.

The deeper bite along the outside grass continues on Rayburn with a heavy jig and TX- rigged worms or craw worms flipped along the deeper edges. Since the lake levels continue to fall the northern grass beds are getting pretty shallow, but the more mid to south lake grass beds are still good. I have been doing the best by flipping a brown or green pumpkin jig along with a big TX rigged worm. Some areas to look at on the INSIDER’S MAP are 12,14,19, 26,27, and 41. If the lake continues to fall and the outside edge gets too shallow, then back off and cast a worm into the same grass.

Structure fishing on Rayburn will be awesome for the next month or two. For some reason on Rayburn this time of the year fish will bunch up on deep structure. We have been catching multiple fish off one small piece of deep cover such as a bridge, road bed, or brush pile. We set on one bridge last week and caught fish every cast for about 30 minutes. On the INSIDER’S MAPS check out these spots: 2, 5, 8, 27, 30, 34, 42, and 43. You will find bridges, brush, or deep structure on these spots, and it is best to throw a deep crank bait or Carolina rig on these spots. My favorite baits are a centipede, baby brush hog, or a Fluke rigged with a 3/4 ounce to 1 ounce weight.

If you need more info on our INSIDER’S MAPS you can go to our web site at www.insidersmaps.com. We continue to help fishermen catch fish and are working on the water and off to produce a product that will not only help you catch more fish, but to save you time and money in learning different bodies of water. We now have maps for many different lakes including SAM RAYBURN, LAKE FORK, TOLEDO BEND NORTH AND SOUTH, CEDAR CREEK, RICHLAND CHAMBERS, LAKE AMISTAD EAST AND WEST, RED RIVER (pools 4&5), LAKE TEXOMA, and more. To learn more about the maps feel free to call or email at the numbers below.

Lake Real Estate: Please remember us on your next trip to Lake Sam Rayburn. We have lots of great lodging available for you and your family. From a authentic log cabin to beautiful waterfront homes, we have lots of options in several different locations around the lake. Our cabins and waterfront homes have amenities that you won’t find other places around the lake. You can check out more on our lodging by going to www.jeffbuchananrealty.com and then click on JBR RENTALS.

If you are looking for a place to call your own at Lake Sam Rayburn go to our site and click on HOMES FOR SALE and you can see what is on the market at the lake. There are several new developments that have some great waterfront land if you want to build a dream home or cabin. We also have lots of great homes waiting for new owners that we would love to show. you. We would be honored to have the chance to help make your dreams at the lake come true.

Hope to see you at the lake soon! God bless and good fishing,

Jeff Buchanan

INSIDERS MAPS - www.insidersmaps.com

JEFF BUCHANAN REALTY - www.jeffbuchananrealty.com

Office 936-897-1099 cell 936-240-1700

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