Fishing: proposed changes and survey




The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is proposing fishing regulation changes that will affect both salt and freshwater anglers. Some of the most noteworthy include changes to harvest regulations for flounder and speckled trout, the rainbow trout fishery on the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake dam, and additional restrictions on the harvest of alligator gar during critical periods of spawning. Also on the calendar, TPWD is asking Lake Tawakoni catfish anglers to participate in a brief survey to determine opinions, characteristics and experiences of catfish anglers with emphasis on the blue catfish fishery. Signs and laminated posters promoting the survey have been distributed at boat ramps and businesses at Lake Tawakoni. The survey can be accessed online at: https://survey.tpwd.state.tx.us/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=ll13988. A printed copy of the survey is also available upon request. The survey will remain open through June 2014. Information from the survey will supplement sampling techniques designed to collect information on blue catfish in the lake and on the anglers who target them for recreation and consumption. Input from a broad spectrum of catfish anglers will help TPWD make informed management decisions for Lake Tawakoni's blue catfish fishery. Lake Tawakoni is renowned for the quality of its blue catfish fishery, attracting anglers in large numbers. In 2001, the Texas Legislature declared West Tawakoni the "Catfish Capital of Texas." Texas' catfish fisheries have been receiving greater attention from the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division as biologists work to develop a statewide catfish management plan. Results from this survey will help shape catfish management throughout Texas. A printed copy of the survey can be obtained by contacting Kevin Storey, 2122 Old Henderson Highway, Tyler, TX 75702; (903) 593-5077; [email protected]. The proposed regulation changes to Texas fishing can be found in the Feb. 21 edition of the Texas Register and on the TPWD website. Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted by phone or e-mail to Robert Macdonald (512) 389-4775; e-mail: [email protected], Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744. Comments may also be submitted through the department's internet web site after February 21 and at the following upcoming public meetings scheduled around the state. A listing of the public meetings can be found at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/




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Lake Sam Rayburn Weather Forecast

Saturday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 84

Saturday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 66

Sunday

Thunderstorms

Hi: 79

Sunday Night

Slight Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 64

Monday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 86

Monday Night

Mostly Cloudy

Lo: 71

Tuesday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 89

Tuesday Night

Mostly Cloudy

Lo: 71


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Water Level on 5/4: 162.96 (-1.44)



Lake Sam Rayburn

Fishing Report from TPWD (May 1)

GOOD. Water stained; 72 degrees; 3.29 feet below pool. Bass are in 8 feet or less with some in the lily pads on topwater frogs, or with Carolina rigs and jigs on harder bottoms and structures off points and humps. Crappie are transitioning to brush piles using minnows and jigs. Catfish are in deeper water flats and creek channels on cut bait. White bass are transitioning to points and down the river with some schooling activity hitting jigging spoons and crankbaits. Fishing patterns are still behind what is typical for this time of year. Navigate with caution to avoid sandbars and stumps. Report by Captain Lynn Atkinson, Reel Um N Guide Service. Shad spawn is in full swing. Bass are good keying on hard clay points, grass edges and flooded timber with swim jigs, chatterbaits, topwater spooks or pop-r’s. Offshore bite is 10-20 feet on hard spots and flats, points and creek channel swings using crankbaits, Carolina rigs, shaky heads and dropshots. Crappie have finished spawning in 12-20 feet of water on brush piles and standing timber. Report by Captain Hank Harrison, Double H Precision Fishing.

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