If you're planning to hit Lake Sam Rayburn today, here's what you need to know. As of November 15, 2024, the lake is slightly stained with a water temperature of around 72 degrees, and the lake level is currently about 2.43 feet below pool.

The weather is expected to be mostly cloudy with a high of 78 degrees and a chance of rain showers, so be prepared for changing conditions. Sunrise was at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 5:15 PM.

Bass activity is quite strong, especially in the mornings when they are schooling more actively. You can expect topwater action on grass edges and points, making lures like chatterbaits, swimbaits, and frogs highly effective. Shallow bass are centered around shoreline brush, hay grass, high spots, shallow ditches, and creek channel swings. These fish can be caught using Texas rigs, wacky rigs, shallow water crankbaits, and topwaters.

For deeper bass, target the mouth of creeks and offshore flats where they are chasing bait; Carolina rigs, dropshots, and shaky heads are working well here. There is an abundance of shad in shallow water, and shallow bass are feeding aggressively on them, making spinnerbaits and topwater frogs excellent choices.

Crappie are transitioning from main lake brush to creek channels and can be caught on standing timber in about 27 feet of water on brush piles using 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.

Hot spots include the areas around shoreline brush, hay grass, and high spots like shallow ditches and creek channel swings. The mouth of creeks and offshore flats where bass are suspended and chasing bait are also highly productive.

Given the lake's current conditions, navigating with caution is advised, especially with the lake level expected to drop slowly through the winter for dam maintenance. So, grab your gear and head out early to catch those schooling bass and crappie. It's going to be a great day on Lake Sam Rayburn.