Fall Bite Strong on East Texas' Lake Sam Rayburn

This is Artificial Lure reporting live from Lake Sam Rayburn, deep in the heart of East Texas, where the fall bite is showing true form for October 28, 2025. We’re waking up to clear skies this morning, with air temps lingering in the mid-60s at sunrise and climbing into the low 80s by late afternoon—classic bluebird weather out here. Winds are light out of the southeast at about 7 to 9 mph, making for smooth running between spots and nearly glassy coves at first light. Sunrise rolled in at 7:03 this morning, and you’ll see sunset at 7:36 PM, giving you a fat window for that late day bite. Water temps are trending in the mid-70s, still comfy for both angler and fish. There’s no lunar tide to watch on the big reservoirs here, but the solunar charts are giving us a green light, marking the top major fishing times from 4:57 to 6:57 AM and again 5:28 to 7:28 PM. There’s also a minor feeding window around 10:22 to 11:22 this morning. The moon’s in its waxing crescent phase, sitting about 24%, and that cooler evening push with low light should really get some bass cruising the shallows, so don’t pack it up too early according to solunarforecast.com. Now, onto what’s hitting. Bass fishing’s remained steady following last weekend’s events and local word is there are still quality sacks coming to the scales, with multiple limits of 15 to 18 pounds reported in recent club tournaments. Most anglers are seeing the best action along main lake points, creek channels, and any remaining hydrilla. The backs of small pockets and creek arms are holding solid numbers, particularly where shad are thick. Lure-wise, you’ll want to lean on shad-pattern squarebills and medium diving crankbaits this week—chartreuse-black back and sexy shad patterns are producing plenty of slots as bass are chasing schools hard. Plastic worms, either rigged Texas-style or on a shaky head, in watermelon red or June bug, remain a staple, especially when that sun gets high and fish tuck deeper into brush or timber. Topwaters like buzzbaits or a Super Spook are pulling up some explosive strikes early, especially with the light ripple and early haze. Local shops also mention a steady bite on spinnerbaits burned over grassy flats, particularly white/chartreuse double willow blades. Catfish action is picking up beneath the Highway 147 bridge and around the mouth of Veach Basin—good numbers of blues and channels, most caught on cut shad and chicken livers, with a few fish up to 12 pounds landed in the past week. For crappie, look to the deep brush piles near Harvey Creek or the mouths of Five Fingers in 22 to 28 feet. Best bite is from sunup until about noon, with live minnows getting limits and the occasional big slab topping 2 pounds. If you’re new in town or just chasing that hot bite, two consistent hot spots right now are: - The Black Forest area, where grass and timber meet for big largemouth - Farmers Flats, just outside main river channel swings, holding solid numbers of both quality This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.