Fishing in Central Texas is heating up this October as fall patterns settle in. Cooler temperatures have brought more activity in various lakes across the region:
Lake Buchanan: Striped bass fishing has been productive with bucktail jigs, especially in the mornings and afternoons around shallow sandbars. Catfish and white bass are also biting, with good action around deeper rock piles using shad baits. Captain Exp
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
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Lake Travis: The water has cooled down slightly, bringing in schools of shad and making crankbaits in shad colors effective for bass. Largemouth bass are transitioning to fall spots, and topwater lures and swimbaits are working well, especially near coves.Freshwater Weekly Fishing Report
Granger Lake: Black bass are fair, biting on topwater lures and crankbaits in shallow waters. Crappie are performing well with jigs over brush piles, and catfish have been consistent with live bait. Freshwater Weekly Fishing Report
Stillhouse Hollow Lake fishing in Central Texas is currently fair as of late October 2024. The water temperature is around 78°F, and the lake is slightly below full pool by about half a foot. The best success is being reported during the early morning and late evening hours, particularly around areas with sparse natural cover. After flooding in May wiped out much of the hydrilla, bass are now spread out in limited patches of cover. Anglers are having some success using Texas- and Carolina-rigged soft plastics, especially darker colors. Patience is key—once you land a fish, fishing the area thoroughly may yield more bites. Freshwater Weekly Fishing Report
Stillhouse Hollow Report.
If you're targeting largemouth bass, working shallow areas with rocky cover has been productive. Keep in mind that recent cool fronts have stabilized conditions, but the fish are still transitioning into their fall patterns.
As we move further into the season, expect more fish moving toward shallower areas, particularly early in the day. Topwater action has been fantastic across multiple lakes as fish take advantage of the cooler weather and increased baitfish activity.
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Here’s a more detailed look at the top fishing stories in the USA as of August 30, 2024:
1. Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone
One of the most concerning environmental issues in the U.S. fishing industry right now is the Gulf of Mexico's "dead zone." This hypoxic area, where oxygen levels are so low that most marine life cannot survive, has expanded to cover approximately 3,058 square miles. This year’s dead zone is particularly troubling as it represents nearly two million acres of habitat that are potentially unavailable to fish and bottom-dwelling species. The dead zone is primarily caused by nutrient pollution, which leads to excessive algae growth that depletes oxygen levels when the algae decompose. This situation poses a significant threat to the local fishing industry, especially for those relying on species that inhabit these bottom areas...READ MORE2. Chesapeake Bay Fishing Conditions
Chesapeake Bay is seeing a mix of fishing conditions this summer. In the Upper Bay, the striped bass (rockfish) bite has slowed down, which is a disappointment for many anglers. However, as the season progresses, there is hope that the reduction in boat traffic, following the seasonal closure, will lead to an improvement in the fishery. The Middle Bay is showing better activity with Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and ribbonfish, making it an exciting time for anglers in the area. In the Lower Bay, cobia fishing remains a highlight, with many fishers heading to Windmill Point, which has been a hotspot for cobia catches. Additionally, big red drum are also being targeted, and there are reports of decent catches...READ MORE3. Flounder Dispute in North Carolina
In North Carolina, a significant dispute is ongoing between recreational and commercial fishermen regarding the flounder fishery. The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) and the Wildlife Resource Commission (WRC) have been at odds over the management of this key species. The debate centers around the allocation of flounder stocks between commercial and recreational fishers, with both sides presenting strong arguments. This conflict is emblematic of the broader challenges facing fishery management in the region, where balancing ecological sustainability with economic interests is increasingly difficult...READ MORE4. Coastal and Offshore Fishing Highlights
Coastal and offshore fishing on the Atlantic side is offering some exciting opportunities, particularly for those targeting yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi. These species are keeping offshore anglers busy as they provide a reliable bite during the dog days of summer. Inshore, flounder fishing remains a steady option, especially at wreck and reef sites, although the summer heat has driven many fish into deeper waters. For those fishing from the beach, surf fishing is providing action with panfish and the occasional flounder, though the bite can be inconsistent...READ MORE5. Freshwater Fishing Challenges
Freshwater anglers across the country are facing the challenges of summer heat, which has driven many species into deeper, cooler waters. In reservoirs, early morning, late evening, or night fishing are the most effective strategies, particularly for species like snakehead, which are more likely to strike topwater lures during these cooler periods. River fishing is heavily dependent on water levels, which can fluctuate widely in the summer, affecting fish behavior and availability. Despite these challenges, there are still opportunities for dedicated anglers to have productive outings by adapting their strategies to the current conditions...READ MORE
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Here’s a more detailed look at the top fishing stories in the USA as of August 12, 2024:
White Marlin Open Tournament - A High-Stakes Finale:
The White Marlin Open in the Mid-Atlantic is one of the most anticipated fishing tournaments of the year, drawing anglers from across the country. This year’s event has been particularly challenging due to the rough offshore conditions caused by the remnants of Hurricane Debbie. Despite this, impressive catches have been made, including a massive 897.5-pound blue marlin and a 220.5-pound tuna. As the tournament nears its conclusion, there’s intense anticipation as the final day could see even bigger catches brought to the docks. This competition not only showcases the skill and determination of the anglers but also the unpredictability of deep-sea fishing, especially in such challenging weather conditions...Read More..
Exceptional Trout Fishing on Oregon’s Lower Deschutes River:
The Lower Deschutes River in Oregon continues to deliver exceptional fishing experiences, even amid the summer heat. The river is known for its healthy population of redside trout, and recent reports indicate that anglers are having great success. One standout story is of an 11-year-old angler who managed to land eight large redside trout in a single morning, all while fishing with Perdigons, a popular fly pattern. The river’s consistent productivity, even in warmer weather, bodes well for the upcoming steelhead season, with experts predicting a robust run later in the year...Read More..
King Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario - A Mixed Bag:
Lake Ontario has been a hotspot for king salmon fishing this summer, though anglers have had to adapt to changing conditions. Fluctuating water temperatures have made the salmon’s behavior somewhat unpredictable, requiring anglers to adjust their strategies frequently. Some captains have found success by targeting warmer waters where the kings are feeding actively. As the fall season approaches, the salmon will begin to stage for their spawning runs, which should lead to even more exciting fishing opportunities. The anticipation of catching these powerful fish during their peak season adds to the allure of fishing on Lake Ontario...Read More..
Bull Red Drum Frenzy at Assateague Island:
Anglers surf fishing at Assateague Island have been treated to an unexpected but thrilling bull red drum bite. These large, powerful fish, ranging from 34 to 45 inches, have been particularly active during evening hours, providing anglers with a rare summer opportunity to catch trophy-sized reds. The bite has been consistent, with fishfinder rigs proving to be the most effective setup. This unexpected surge in bull red activity has made Assateague a must-visit location for surf anglers this summer 2024..Read More..
Salmon and Trout Fishing Peaks in Michigan’s Great Lakes:
Michigan’s Great Lakes are currently offering some of the best salmon and trout fishing of the year. As the summer season reaches its peak, the salmon and trout are moving into deeper waters, where they are more concentrated and easier to target. Anglers have reported excellent results, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings when the fish are most active. The Great Lakes’ reputation as a premier fishing destination is reinforced by the current abundance of these prized species, making it a prime time for anglers to hit the water..Read More..
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About the Author: Earnest Sherrill
Earnest Sherrill is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and writer who resides in the warm and breezy state of Texas. With a deep love for nature, Earnest enjoys exploring the great outdoors and sharing his experiences through his writing. He writes about various aspects of outdoor life and the intriguing happenings of everyday experiences. When not writing, Earnest cherishes spending time with his youngest grandchildren, who bring vibrant energy and robust attitudes to his life. Stay connected with Earnest to discover more about the wonders of the outdoors and the joys of life's adventures.
