As of November 21, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The water temperature is at a comfortable 72 degrees, with the water slightly stained. The lake level is currently 2.43 feet below pool, and it's expected to continue dropping slowly through the winter[2][3][4].

Today's weather forecast shows mostly cloudy skies with a high of 80 degrees and a chance of rain showers tonight. Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 5:13 PM.

### Fish Activity
Bass are quite active, particularly in the shallow waters. You can find them centered around shoreline brush, hay grass, high spots, shallow ditches, and creek channel swings. These shallow bass are feeding heavily on the abundant shad in the area and can be caught using spinnerbaits, topwater frogs, Texas rigs, wacky rigs, and shallow water crankbaits[2][3][4].

There is also a significant population of schooling bass chasing bait balls around main lake ledges in 17-22 feet, main lake drains in 10-17 feet, and main lake and secondary points. For these schooling bass, use a dropshot, Carolina rig, or deep diving crankbait.

Crappie are transitioning from main lake brush to creek channels, and they can be caught on brush piles with minnows over jigs. Blue and channel catfish are fair in 24-27 feet of water and in the river bends on cut bait and minnows[2][3][4].

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, topwater frogs, spinnerbaits, and shallow water crankbaits are excellent choices for the shallow waters. For the schooling bass, a dropshot, Carolina rig, or deep diving crankbait works well. Crappie can be caught with minnows over jigs on brush piles, while catfish are best targeted with cut bait and minnows[2][3][4].

### Hot Spots
- **Shoreline Brush and Hay Grass**: Early in the morning, target these areas with chatterbaits, swimbaits, or frogs to catch bass chasing bait.
- **Main Lake Ledges and Drains**: Look for schooling bass in 17-22 feet and 10-17 feet of water around main lake ledges and drains. Use a dropshot or Carolina rig here.
- **Creek Channels**: Crappie are transitioning to these areas, so focus on brush piles with minnows over jigs.
- **River Bends**: For blue and channel catfish, head to the river bends in 24-27 feet of water and use cut bait and minnows.

With the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you should have a productive day fishing at Lake Sam Rayburn. Remember to check the local regulations and ensure you're not spreading zebra mussels by draining water from your boat when leaving or approaching public fresh waters.