Flounder staging along shorelines, ship channels
By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS
Scattered flatties
tered across our bays and marshes. They are not stacked up or concentrated in large numbers in specific areas.
With the onset of fall, many coastal anglers are turning their attention to flounder. The flatfish seem to be scat-
Outfitter anxiety
Weather scatters birds for opener
By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star outdoor newS
Dove season is back. And like clockwork, rain played a part in the opener.
Many outfitters in the North and Central zones were left stressed and frantically scrambling to shuffle hunters around to different fields the evening before the opener. Storms the day before made many properties loaded with birds before the rains arrived unhuntable.
The Haskell area received around two inches of rain the day before the season opened; however, the storms did not seem to negatively impact the hunting. The rain did
create extremely humid conditions for opening morning, and some hunters reported their glasses were fogging up at legal shooting time.
Mac Elliott of Dallas hunted with a group of buddies just south of Aspermont in a standing sunflower field. The sunflowers were 5- to
Please turn to page 21
The majority being caught have been just over the 15inch minimum, keeper-size length. Many folks are eager to take advantage of the fall bite before the flounder fishery closes later in the year on November 1.
Sabine Lake area angler Logan Mitchell said flounder are starting to stage along stretches of the ship channel and main lake shorelines near the mouths of bayous. The larger fish have been caught in the channel, while the flounder in the lake have been on the small side recently.
“The largest flounder I’ve heard of being landed recent-
ly have been in the 2.5- to 3-pound range,” Mitchell said. “They have been scattered along the edges of the channel in areas that are holding concentrations of finger mullet and clean water, and most have been in the 15- to 16-inch range.”
Mitchell said soft plastics rigged on a 1/4-ounce jig head have been drawing the most
Moving for success
Hybrid stripers on the move around Texas lakes
By Cory Byrnes For Lone Star outdoor newS
The dog days of summer are slowly coming to an end, and hybrid fishing, while tough, is picking back up across the state.
On Lake Conroe, Collin Edwards with Lake Conroe Fishing Adventures said: “It’s been pretty good. The bite has definitely slowed down with the water temperature rising.”
Edwards and his clients are still seeing good numbers, occasionally running into cruising schools of 60 to 100 hybrids.
“It’s been a weird bite right now. There’s plenty of fish, but any of them that you do catch, there’s nothing in their stomachs,” he said. Right now, the best bite has been shallow.
“Those fish that are up shallow anywhere from 4- to 18-foot range seem to sit still a little better than the deeper fish,” Edwards said. He and his clients have found the bigger schools in 18- to 25-feet of
Coastal anglers are starting to turn their attention toward flounder; however, most confirm that the flatfish are still scattered, as their fall patterns slowly gain momentum.
Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News
The temps are dropping and good hybrid striper fishing is picking up.
Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News
Dove season across Texas has begun, with hunters, like Don Weempe, left, reporting good numbers of brids. Left photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News. Top photo by James Richards, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
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Good times ahead
Archery and MLDP openers should kick off a phenomenal deer season
By Nate Skinner
For Lone Star outdoor newS
It’s hard to believe, but deer season kicks off at the tail end of this month with the opening of archery and Managed Lands Deer Program seasons across the state. Thanks to timely summer rains and backto-back years of above average fawn crops, the table is set for deer hunters to enjoy a phenomenal season.
According to the TPWD White-tailed Deer Program Leader, Blaise Korzekwa, the Texas population of white-tailed deer has
climbed to an estimated 5 million, as it continues to rebound from the effects of severe drought conditions that were experienced three years ago.
“This estimate represents a 6.6% increase from the 2023 population estimate and is largely due to above average fawn recruitment over the past two years,” Korzekwa said. “Back-to-back years of productive fawn crops not only boosted the population, it also enhanced the age structure of the population. Hunters should expect to see a solid spread across the age structure of bucks this season from their stands and blinds. There should be plenty of deer, including mature bucks, middle-age class bucks, and young bucks, across the state.”
Korzekwa said deer activity at the start of the season will largely depend on the pas-
Short but sweet
Blue-winged teal season shortened to 9 days, but conditions good
By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS
Not much beats the feeling of sitting in a mid-September duck blind enjoying the stillness, when out of nowhere, mini blue-winged fighter jets come rocketing into the decoy spread.
Blue-winged teal season opens in Texas on Sept. 20. Due to long-term population declines, hunters will see a shortened season this year from 16 to 9 days, ending on Sept. 28.
ture conditions on individual properties. Some areas have received pockets of precipitation, while others haven’t gotten any rain since earlier in the summer. Places that have been dry will likely see increased traffic around feeders and available water sources. Properties that have greened up and have more available food sources for deer, in addition to feeders, may be tougher to hunt during the early portion of the season.
“Early season activity is going to be very property specific,” Korzekwa said. “Hunters in the same county can have completely different experiences depending on how much rain the properties they are hunting have received recently. If the piece of land you are hunting is green and has a lot to offer deer in terms of food sources, then you may not see many deer around feeders when the archery
Despite the shortened season, TWPD Waterfowl Program Leader Kevin Kraai said Texas hunters should not notice a decline in the number of birds they see to hunt. “Lots of people have been asking me about the population decline,” Kraai said. “What will it mean for Texas hunters?” We will be unable to detect the difference. Texas has very good habitat, so we should have a very successful season.”
Long-term population numbers fell below a
directed
the
government.
and MLDP seasons open. The opposite can be true if the property you are hunting is dry and natural food sources are scarce.” Another factor Korzekwa said will control deer activity during the early portion of the season is weather. This is especially true in regard to hunters’ perceptions of deer activity.
“Many Texan deer hunters plan their hunting trips around the weather conditions,” Korzekwa said. “When the archery and MLDP seasons open, conditions are usually warm. Often, folks will report the deer activity was low during these conditions, because most chose not to venture out into the woods under balmy temperatures. If we get some early fall cold fronts, hunters will likely report higher amounts of deer activity. This is mostly because more
threshold during 2023 duck surveys, prompting the shorter season as
from
federal
By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS
One of the state’s finest gun shops specializing in competitive shotgunning is undergoing a massive expansion to better serve their customers.
Early season bucks are taking advantage of good forage across much of the state this season. Although property conditions may vary, hunters should expect some bigger deer this year. Photo by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Even though blue-winged teal numbers are down historically, Texas hunters may not see fewer birds this season. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
With their new expansion, Cole Fine Guns now offers competition shotgunners a full-service location at the National Shooting sports Center in San Antonio. Photo from Cole Fine Guns.
The $10 Deer Hunt
Let’s face it, Texas hunting these days can be expensive. As the old saying goes, they aren’t making any more land, and for Texas hunters, land to hunt is getting more difficult and more expensive to acquire. Same goes for guided hunts.
But there is another way – The $10 Deer Hunt raffle to support the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation – a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to giving hunters opportunity afield.
For a $10 entry fee, one lucky hunter will get the chance to go to the 3 Amigos Ranch to hunt an
8-point buck during the 2025 hunting season. The drawing will take place on Nov. 1, 2025, the opening of Texas deer season.
Just scan the QR code on the ad on Page 21 of this issue to enter. You can also call the office at (214) 3612276 or mail an entry.
Last year’s winner was Amber Kuhn. On Nov. 13, Amber, with her husband, Danny, headed from their Weatherford home to nearby Throckmorton County to the ranch.
“We saw all kinds of animals, including a scimitar-horned oryx,”
Amber said. “I wanted to shoot everything. There was one nice deer I could shoot, but Frank (Marino, one of the owners of the ranch and her guide) thought we could wait and find a better one.”
Amber was thrilled with her buck.
“He was what I was looking for — real pretty with tall antlers,” she said.
Be this year’s lucky winner while supporting a great cause!
—Staff Report
You’re invited
LSON Foundation
Wild Game Night coming Oct. 8
The tradition continues to grow, and next month will be no exception, as Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation celebrates another year with the annual Wild Game Night on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Beretta Gallery in Highland Park Village in Dallas.
The food will once again be provided by our friends at Cinnamon Creek Ranch, and attendees can expect an assortment of wild game cooked to perfection over the on-site grill. Wild boar, red deer and lots of surprises will be there for the tasting.
Along with great food and company, a 5-Beretta gun raffle will be drawn at the conclusion of the evening, along with a fur raffle, worldwide hunts, Texas hunts and more. And don’t forget to check out the Beretta store while there – hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can always find something to ogle among the fine guns and goods.
As always, the event is free to attend and no RSVP is necessary – just show up from 6 to 9 p.m. ready to have a good time in support of a great cause. All proceeds from the event go to support the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information, call (214) 361-2276.
—Staff Report
Amber Kuhn, last year’s raffle winner with her buck from the 3 Amigos Ranch. Photo from Amber Kuhn.
Good food and good company await at the LSON Foundation Wild Game Night. Photo by Tim Sharp for Lone Star Outdoor News.
Bucks growing
Continued from page 4
chose to go hunting with the prevailing cooler temperatures, so more folks were out in their stands to observe deer move ment.”
Korzekwa said deer are out there thriving across our state in all conditions, including when it’s warm. He encourages all hunters to get out as often as they can, and expects folks to enjoy an excellent season, full of opportunities.
TPWD Wildlife Biologist for Williamson County Cullom Simpson also confirmed that things are looking really good for deer hunters as the season approaches.
“Timely summer rains have many deer herds in central Texas looking great,” Simpson said. “We are seeing plenty of fawns, and a good age class structure of bucks across the board. Hunting over corn feeders might be tough early, as there is plenty of green vegetation out there right now. That being said, I believe hunters are going to see a lot of deer this year.”
Down in Batesville, owner of the Trinity Ranch, David Sunderland, said their bucks are showing some impressive gains from last year, despite the hot and dry conditions that south Texas is currently facing.
“Feed stations and water sources have steady traffic from bucks right now,” Sunderland said. “We can’t wait to see what this season has in store here on the Trinity Ranch.”
The ranch manager for the Clawson Family Ranch, Tim Young, said both fawn numbers and buck numbers are up this year on the properties he manages in Coryell County.
“We have places that are very green right now,” Young said. “We are seeing plenty of deer on game cameras during the early morning and nighttime hours, but there’s just not a lot of daytime activity. I think it’s going to be an exciting season, but it could be slow when the season begins at the end of the month. Either way, we are excited that it’s finally here.”
Archery and MLDP seasons begin Sept. 27.
Alligator gar permit applications open
Anglers hoping to catch and keep a trophy alligator gar on the Trinity River can now apply for the tag through the end of September.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department opened its annual Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization drawing application process Sept. 1. The random drawing authorizes anglers to harvest one alligator gar over 48 inches from a section of the Trinity River.
From Sept. 1 — 30, anglers holding a valid license-year or year-from-purchase fishing license can enter the drawing through the Texas Hunt & Fish mobile app or online as an individual or part of a small group. Winners will be notified by Oct. 15, and authorizations will be valid from the date issued through Aug. 31, 2026.
Anglers can use any legal means or method to take qualifying alligator gar day or night from a section of the Trinity River from the Interstate 30 bridge in Dallas downstream to the I-10 bridge in Chambers County. This section includes Lake Livingston and the East Fork of the Trinity River upstream to the dam at Lake Ray Hubbard. This includes the following counties: Anderson, Chambers, Dallas, Ellis, Freestone, Henderson, Houston, Kaufman, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Navarro, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker.
“Fishing for alligator gar on the Trinity River is world renowned and truly a bucket list item for any angler,” said Tim Birdsong, Director of TPWD’s Inland Fisheries Division. “With this drawing system, we are able to offer 150 anglers the opportunity to harvest the fish of a lifetime while also fulfilling our resource management goal of conserving this unique resource for current and future generations of anglers.”
Duck stamp now electronic
The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 modified provisions of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as the Duck Stamp, now allowing an individual to carry an electronic stamp (E-stamp) for the entire waterfowl hunting season. A physical Federal Duck Stamp will be mailed to each E-stamp purchaser after the hunting season between March 10 – June 30, 2026.
• You will receive a valid, federally compliant Proof of Purchase upon checkout
• Includes a physical Federal E-Duck Stamp which will be mailed to each E-Duck Stamp purchaser between March 10 – June 30, of the following year
• Please note - you may purchase an E-Duck Stamp from any state, even if you are not a resident of that state —Staff Report
Bucks are packing on protein through this month to get ready for the upcoming rut. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News.
Abilene Gun Works
Abilene, TX 79601 325-704-5174
Able Sporting, Inc. Huntsville, TX 77320 936-295-5786
Ally Outdoors
Midland, TX 79705 432-203-3661
Alpine Shooting Range Fort Worth, TX 76140 817-478-6613
August M. Crocker
Austin, TX 78727
512-567-7855
Baker Outdoors Lubbock, TX 79424
806-516-5700
Berg’s Outdoors Broussard, LA 70518 504-610-4319
BPS Outfitters Sherman, TX 75090 903-892-2227
Briley Manufacturing Houston, TX 77043 800-331-5718
Cajun Gun & Gear Lafayette, LA 70508 337-999-0373
Cole Gunsmithing San Antonio, TX 78253 210-906-0857
Clay Shooters Supply San Antonio, TX 78253 210-610-2999
Defender Outdoors Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-935-8377
Dury’s Gun Shop San Antonio, TX 78223 210-533-5431
Elite Shotguns San Antonio, TX 78253 210-741-9940
Gordy & Sons Outfitters Houston, TX 77007 713-333-3474
Gray’s Shotgun Cache Amarillo, TX 79118 806-622-8142
Jeff’s Gun Shop Wichita Falls, TX 76310 940-631-2314
Joshua Creek Ranch Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-5090
KB House of Guns Boswell, OK 74727 580-566-1400
Lone Star Guns Weatherford, TX 76087 817-599-9275
Mumme’s Inc. Hondo, TX 78861 830-426-3313
Past & Blast Whitesboro, TX 76273 903-564-5444
Rocky Creek Outdoors Texarkana, AR 71854 903-278-8780
Scheels (The Colony) The Colony, TX 75056 469-854-7500
Sharp Shooters Lubbock, TX 79407 806-791-1231
Superior Outfitters Tyler, TX 75703 903-617-6141
Texas Ranch Outfitters Yantis, TX 75497 903-383-2800
Windwalker Farms Stanton, TX 79782 432-458-3324
Wilkerson’s Gun Shop Boerne, TX 78006 830-388-7205
By Cory Byrnes
For Lone Star outdoor newS
Tarpon in Texas are once again making headlines with anglers.
There was a time when everyone, including presidents, made their way down to South Texas for these prehistoric fish.
Bryan Scarberry didn’t plan to go tarpon fishing the day he went out, but he ran into a school of them in his kayak just off the jetties.
“I was out around the Port Aransas jetties, and I had recently heard that there was a lot of kingfish around first thing in the morning,” Scarberry said. He knew tarpon were around, and he had hooked up to one a couple of months ago while on another trip for kingfish. As he was making his passes looking for kings, he picked up something on his fish finder.
“I kept seeing this group of fish on my sonar, and they were just kind of sitting in one spot. They weren’t really moving,” he said.
He marked them and made a few more passes with no luck.
“Trolling wasn’t working out, so I started casting my way to that spot,” he said.
Once in position, he used his LiveScope to cast over them and watch their reactions.
“I was throwing a flutter jig. Basically, like a slowpitch kind of style. The way the current was, you had to cast up current and let your bait drift in front of them,” he said.
Putting the bait right on their nose, Scarberry was able to hook up. The first one jumped off as quickly as it got on.
“They’re a little bit more difficult to trick than most fish, but they’re monumentally more difficult to actually land,” he said.
The second fish he hooked into, he landed.
“I landed my first Texas tarpon from the kayak,”
Bigger bass out deep on South Texas lakes
By Nate Skinner Lone Star outdoor newS
Head deep
Largemouth bass across South Texas lakes have been caught in both shallow and deep water recently. But
with water temperatures still elevated, the larger fish have been staging over deep structure. Anglers and fishing guides have been able to target shallow stretches early in the morning with success before following the fish to deeper depths as the sun rises and things start to heat up.
Lake Falcon fishing guide
Jimmy Steed said there are plenty of smaller bass feeding up shallow, while the larger fish are hanging out in deeper water.
“There are solid numbers of bass on Falcon in the 1to 2.5-pound range up shallow in 1- to 3-feet of water along rocky points and banks,” Steed said. “These fish have been willing to
Texas tarpon
strike top-waters, however, the best bite up shallow has been on square-billed crankbaits.”
Steed said the heavier bass on Falcon have been holding tight to brush piles in 12- to 18-feet of water. His anglers have been catching fish from 3 to 7 pounds in these deeper areas, with a few larger bass
Fishing for Hope
By Tony Vindell utdoor newS
Quite a few fishing tournaments are held every year along the Texas
Some are open to anyone willing to participate in these sporting events. Others are invitational in which an organizer gets together with a group of friends to compete against each other.
Fishing for Hope, however, is a one-of-a-kind tourney.
It’s one of the oldest and largest events held every year to raise funds for the Hope Family Care Center, a non-profit organization helping thousands of uninsured people throughout the Rio Grande Valley. It’s a brainchild of DHR Health, a hospital company based in Edinburg. This was the tournament’s 19th year.
At its recent tournament, held
Aug. 9, close to 200 boats registered for the event, with each angler tasked to bring in a redfish and a speckled trout for the weigh in.
Some anglers, like George Davis, expressed surprise to learn the rules.
“This was new for us,” he said. “Two fish only and the sizes were different, so it was more challenging.”
The tournament slot-size for redfish was 20 to 27 inches in length, whereas the legal-size slot limit goes from 20 up to 28 inches.
For seatrout, the tournament slot was 15 to 19 in inches, also down by one inch in maximum length.
San Isidro resident Mando Reyes said the four anglers on their boat caught their limits of trout but not one redfish as they fished around Port Mansfield where some of
bay’s best fishing spots are located.
“We went everywhere,” he said.
“None of the trout we checked in placed, though.”
Another angler, 11-year-old Ivy Butzke of Dallas, caught what appeared to be the winning redfish using a ribbon fish, but during the weigh-in, the fish measured 28 inches in length, just over the slot limit for the tournament.
Although not a legal tournament fish, it was Butzke’s first time fishing and she said she had a lot of fun reeling in the big one.
The goal to raise $500,000 for the non-profit was met through a combination of donations, other events and the tournament. The organizers said the tournament keeps growing year after year, as the recent numbers went from about 100 boat entries back in 2006 to almost 200 in 2025.
The largest bass being caught across South Texas lakes right now are coming from deeper structure, like brush piles, rock piles, ledges, and drop-offs.
Photo by Jimmy Steed.
Capt Brian Barrera with a huge Texas Tarpon on a recent outing. Photo from Capt. Brian Barrera.
Ivy Butzke with her redfish caught during the Fishing for Hope tourney.
Photo by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News
species — each weigh an average of 30 to 60 pounds.
Four others went on a different trip and both boats left from the South Padre Island docks.
One boat netted six monsters; the other two.
“What a day,” remarked SPI resident Troy Wright. “We usually catch two or three, but not six.”
The other five were as pleased as they could be but for one, San Antonio resident
“The first time I went offshore was about 10 years ago,” he said. “But it was for red snapper and nothing this far.”
The boat, captained by Todd Lohry, went 35 miles for the 10-hour trip.
After nearly 1 1/2 hours, deck hand Fernando Romero started setting small Sabiki rigs with tiny lures used for fly-fishing to catch bait for the group before targeting the bigger fish.
As the boat stopped, he told all six anglers to drop lines and to give a soft jerk at
Please turn to page 19
Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame nominations
Applications for nominations to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame will be accepted Nominees can be either individuals or organizations who’ve made important contributions to fishing in Texas. The nominees will be evaluated by the hall of fame committee, which is made up of anglers, industry professionals, fisheries biologists and organizations involved in Texas freshwater fishing. The committee will choose the inductee based on the following criteria: ethics, leadership and commitment, unselfish contributions to the sport, scope of impact on freshwater fishing, fishing/fisheries management expertise and overall impact.
The honoree will be announced in spring 2026 and officially inducted during a special ceremony and banquet in the fall.
“The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is made up of a growing list of 41 individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on freshwater fishing in the state,” said Kelly Jordon, Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee chairman. “Whether it’s an outdoor writer, pro angler, fishing club or industry leader, we look forward to continuing to honor and recognize everyone helping to make Texas fishing the best it can be.”
—TPWD
B.A.S.S. forward-facing sonar rule changes
Beginning in 2026, forward-facing live sonar will only be permitted in up to five of the nine regular-season Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series events. Which events allow the technology will be determined randomly. The remaining events will prohibit its use entirely, including during official practice. Restrictions implemented for 2025 — limiting anglers to one live sonar transducer and a maximum of 55 total screen inches — will remain in place. The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour will allow FFS, since all qualifiers earned their spot under the 2025 rules.
The four non-FFS events, drawn through a random selection, will be Lake Guntersville, Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Santee Cooper Lakes and Lake Champlain.
“B.A.S.S. was intentional last year in scheduling diverse fisheries to balance FFS use,” said Davy Hite, former Bassmaster Classic champion and Elite Series pro. “But the technology still impacted the results in nearly every event. This new rule is exactly what the majority of the anglers voted for — it creates amazing opportunities for fans to watch different skills shine, and it ensures our next Angler of the Year will be the most versatile angler on the planet. Whoever wins in 2026 will have to excel both with and without live sonar.”
—B.A.S.S.
Deckhand Fernando Romero, left, and angler Tony Wright hold a big amberjack. Photo from Tony Vindell for Lone Star Outdoor News.
TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT
ALAN HENRY: 83 degrees; 2.26’ low. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.
AMISTAD: Water very stained 81 degrees; 60.90’ low. Largemouth bass are slow.
ARLINGTON: Water slightly stained; 86 degrees; 2.17’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, crankbaits, worms, creature baits, and jigs.
ARROWHEAD: Water stained; 84 degrees; 1.28’ low. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on fresh cut shad.
ATHENS: Water stained; 84 degrees; 0.01’ high. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged worms, wacky rigged Senkos, and crankbaits. Crappie are slow.
AUSTIN: Water clarity good; 82 degrees; 0.56’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged worms and frogs.
B A STEINHAGEN: Water stained; 87 degrees; 0.19’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics.
BASTROP: Water stained; 93 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on frogs, wake baits, swimbaits, and Carolina-rigged flukes.
BELTON: Water stained; 87 degrees; 0.13’ high. White bass are slow. Catfish are good on fresh cut bait and punch bait.
BENBROOK: Water stained; 88 degrees; 1.99’ low. Crappie are good on live minnows. Hybrid striped bass are fair on live bait. Catfish are good on cut bait and stink bait.
BOB SANDLIN: Water stained; 89 degrees; 0.82’ low. Largemouth bass and crappie are fair on dock knockers and small clousers.
BOIS D’ARC: Water stained; 88 degrees; 1.03’ low. Largemouth bass are good on frogs, flukes, shaky heads, square bills, and chatterbaits.
BRAUNIG: Water stained; 90 degrees; Redfish are slow. Catfish are slow.
BRIDGEPORT: Water clear; 86 degrees; 1.99’ low. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, jigs, crankbaits, and Texas-rigged baits. White bass and hybrids are good on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait and live bait.
BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 85 degrees; 0.85’ low. Largemouth bass are good on shaky heads, dropshot rigs, whopper ploppers, and square bill crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad.
BRYAN: Water stained; 85 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, and deep-diving crankbaits.
BUCHANAN: Water slightly stain; 87 degrees; 0.65’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits.
CADDO: Water stained; 88 degrees; Largemouth bass are good on flukes, Pop-Rs, buzzbaits, frogs, and Texas rigs.
CALAVERAS: Water stained; 94 degrees; Redfish are good on spoons and soft plastics. Catfish are fair on stink bait and tilapia.
CANYON LAKE: Water stained; 87 degrees; 16.76’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics.
CEDAR CREEK: Water slightly stained; 87 degrees; 0.98’ low. Catfish are good on shrimp, cut bait, and prepared baits. White bass and hybrid stripers are good on slabs, spinners, and pet spoons.
CISCO: Water stained; 87 degrees; 14.65’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
COLEMAN: Water stained; 85 degrees; 1.65’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on scope minnows and shaky heads. Crappie are good on minnows. Hybrid bass are slow. Catfish are good on prepared bait, nightcrawlers, and chicken livers.
COLETO CREEK: Water slightly stained; 91 degrees; 0.99’ high. Largemouth bass are slow.
CONROE: Water stained; 90.1 degrees; 0.32’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows. Hybrids and white bass are good on slabs, spoons, and shad. Bream are good on nightcrawlers. Catfish are fair on punch bait.
COOPER: Water stained; 78 degrees; 1.37’ low. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on cut bait.
CORPUS CHRISTI LAKE: Water stained; 88 degrees; 15.21’ low. Largemouth bass are slow.
CYPRESS SPRINGS: Water stained; 89 degrees; 0.66’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters and soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on stink bait.
EAGLE MOUNTAIN: Water stained; 85 degrees; 1.71’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters baits. Sand bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Perch are good on nightcrawlers. Catfish are good on cut bait.
FALCON: Water stained; 86 degrees; 47.13’ low. Gar are good on cut bait. Catfish are good on fresh cut bait.
FAYETTE: Water slightly stained; 90 degrees; full pool. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, shaky heads, and Carolina rigs. Perch are fair on nightcrawlers.
FORK: Water cloudy to clear; 88 degrees; 0.74’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, chatterbaits, square bills, and Carolina rigs.
mouth bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Sand bass and hybrids are good on slabs and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad.
GRANBURY: Water good clarity; 87 degrees; 0.27’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Striped bass are fair on live shad. Catfish are good on cut shad.
GRANGER: Water stained; 85 degrees; 0.25’ high. Largemouth bass are good on worms and crankbaits. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are good on slab spoons. Catfish are good on shad.
GRAPEVINE: Water clear to slightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.60’ low. White bass are fair on jigging spoons.
GREENBELT: Water stained; 85 degrees; 49.01’ low. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie. are slow.
HAWKINS: Water slightly stained; 88 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters. Bream are fair on nightcrawlers.
HOUSTON: Water clear; 90 degrees; 0.13’ high. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good jigs and minnows. White bass are good on pet spoons. Catfish are good on fresh caught shad.
HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 86 degrees; 0.07’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs.
HUBBARD CREEK: Water stained; 80 degrees; 12.28’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs.
INKS: Water stained; 86-90 degrees; 0.88’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, dropshots, Texasrigged craws, and football jigs.
JACKSONVILLE: Water clear; 90 degrees; 0.12’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters, traps, swimbaits, and soft plastics.
LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water stained; 86 degrees; 0.95’ high. Largemouth bass are good on lipless crankbaits, square bill crankbaits, and top-waters. Crappie are good on slip cork minnows and jigs.
FT PHANTOM HILL: Water stained; 3.98 feet below pool. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs.
GEORGETOWN: normal stain; 82 degrees; 1.66’ high. Largemouth bass are good on shaky heads and soft plastics.
GRAHAM: Water stained; 80 degrees; 1.81’ low. Large-
LAVON: Water stained; 86 degrees; 1.90’ low. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.
Largemouth bass are good on spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on punch bait.
LBJ: Water stained; 92 degrees; 0.30’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on worms, jigs, flukes, and top-waters. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.
LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 87-90 degrees; 1.62’ low. Crappie are slow. White bass are fair on slabs, spoons, spinners, and live bait. Hybrid
stripers are slow. Catfish are fair on cut shad and punch bait.
LIMESTONE: Water clear; 89 degrees; 1.42’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, chatterbaits, and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait.
LIVINGSTON: Normal stain; 87 degrees; 0.26’ high. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on shad. Largemouth bass are good on swim jigs and square-billed crankbaits.
MARBLE FALLS: normal stain; 87 degrees; 0.60’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and paddle tail swimbaits.
MARTIN CREEK: Water slightly stained; 93 degrees; 0.98’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged worms and swimbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on cut bait and nightcrawlers.
MEREDITH: Water stained; 79 degrees; 43.36’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics, crankbaits, and shad. Crappie are fair on minnows. Perch and bluegill are good on small worms and corn. Walleye are fair on minnows, bottom bouncers with floating worm harnesses, and paddle grubs. Trout are slow. Catfish are good on frozen shrimp, punch bait, and cut bait.
81 degrees; 0.39’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass and hybrids are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on punch bait. around brush and timber.
PALO PINTO: Water clear; 89 degrees; 1.19’ low. Crappie are fair on minnows. Carp and drum are fair on worms. Catfish are fair on shad and cut bait.
PINKSTON: Water clear; 89 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on dropshots and swimbaits. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are slow.
POSSUM KINGDOM: Water stained; 86-89 degrees; 0.50’ low. Stripers are slow. Sand bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on punch bait.
PROCTOR: Water stained; 87 degrees; 0.70’ low. Stripers are fair on live bait. White bass are fair on slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on cut bait and live bait.
RAVEN: Water slightly stained; 90 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on plastic worms. Bluegill are good on hotdogs and worms under a bobber.
RAY HUBBARD: Water clear; 86-89 degrees; 1.26’ low. White bass are fair on swimbaits, tail spinners, and rattle traps. Catfish are slow.
MILLERS CREEK: Water stained; 85 degrees; 2.14’ low. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are slow. Largemouth bass are good on creature baits and plastic worms.
NACOGDOCHES: Water stained; 88 degrees; 0.98’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Carolina-rigged worms and ribbon tail Texas worms. Crappie are good on jigs. Catfish are fair on cut shad and live minnows.
NACONICHE: Water clearing; 87 degrees; full pool. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, underspins, and soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are slow.
NASWORTHY: Water slightly stained; 87 degrees; 0.99’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on jigs. Catfish are fair on cut bait and stink bait.
NAVARRO MILLS: 89 degrees; 0.16’ low. White bass are fair on spoons. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on whole or cut perch and goldfish.
O H IVIE: Water stained; 85 degrees; 17.13’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters frogs, whopper ploppers and soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and stink bait.
PALESTINE: Water stained;
RAY ROBERTS: Water slightly stained; 82 degrees; 0.82’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on punch bait.
RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water stained; 80 degrees; 0.27’ low. Largemouth bass are are slow. White bass are fair on slabs. Hybrids are good on live bait.
SAM RAYBURN: Water stained; 90 degrees; 7.08’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on top-waters frogs, Senkos, crankbaits, jigs, and Carolina rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait.
SOMERVILLE: Water stained; 85 degrees; 0.28’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and soft plastics. White bass are fair on spoons. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Hybrids are fair on jigs and cut bait. Catfish are fair on cut shad and punch bait.
SPENCE: Water stained; 86 degrees; 48.98’ low. Catfish are good on punch bait and fresh cut bait.
STAMFORD: Water stained; 87 degrees; full pool. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics.
STILLHOUSE: Water stained; 87-88 degrees; 0.58’ high. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged worms and craws. White bass are fair on pet spoons.
TAWAKONI: Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.66’ low. Largemouth bass are
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good on frogs, crankbaits, and shaky heads. Hybrid stripers, stripers, and white bass are good on slab spoons, downriggers, and swimbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on prepared baits.
TEXANA: Water stained; 78 degrees; 1.73’ low. Catfish are good on cut bait.
TEXOMA: Water stained; 83-84 degrees; 0.38’ high. Stripers are good on slabs, top-waters, and swimbaits. Catfish are good on cut shad.
TOLEDO BEND: 90 degrees; 2.71’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on soft plastics. Crappie are slow.
TRAVIS: Water stained; 82 degrees; 7.11’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on swimbaits, Texas-rigged creature baits, craws, and worms.
TWIN BUTTES: Water stained; 86-87 degrees; 32.60’ low. Catfish are good on punch bait.
TYLER: Water stained; 90 degrees; 0.58’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits. Bream are fair on red worms. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on liver, nightcrawlers, and cut bait.
WACO: Water stained; 90 degrees; 0.11’ high. Crappie are good on minnows.
WALTER E LONG: 88 degrees; good clarity. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, chatterbaits, Texasrigged soft plastics, and wacky worms.
WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 88 degrees; 4.26’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and shad. Catfish are fair on cut bait and shad.
WELSH: Water stained. 94 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on crankbaits and Carolina rigs.
WHITE RIVER: Water stained; 78 degrees; 17.09’ low. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on live bait.
WHITNEY: Water clear; 88 degrees; 0.10’ low. Largemouth bass are good on soft plastics. Catfish are fair on cut bait. Striped bass are fair on live bait. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass are slow.
WORTH: Water stained; 86 degrees; 0.81’ low. Carp are fair on bait balls. Catfish are fair on punch bait.
WRIGHT PATMAN: Water stained; 80 degrees; 5.10’ high. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs.
Larry Haines dies
Well-known South Texas artist and angler Larry Haines, 76, passed away on Sept. 5.
Originally from Harlingen, Haines was drafted in the 1960’s and went to Vietnam. Back home, and on the GI Bill for some financial help, Larry went to the University of Houston studying art, according to Texasflycaster.com.
His well-known art style depicting saltwater fishing scenes, wildlife and landscapes was very popular.
Condolences poured in online when the news was announced.
“No one captured the style of the Lower Laguna Madre any better than Larry Haines - with his flyfishing skills, in his fly shop and on his canvases,” said Phil Shook. “He leaves a rich legacy.”
Texas hunters face new rules in Oklahoma
New this year, Texas residents accessing certain public hunting and fishing areas for any reason must check in and out of the area, and most nonresidents hunting game birds on a WMA (this includes any GMA, PHA, WRP, WDU, or WMU) must possess a game bird permit. The game bird permit costs $100 and is available through the Go Outdoors Oklahoma license system.
Nonresidents who hold an Oklahoma resident lifetime hunting license or lifetime combination fishing & hunting license are not required to purchase a game bird permit, but they are still required to check in if using a WMA.
The new check-in rules are in effect to help the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation better understand how public hunting and fishing areas are used. More information, including a list of required areas, is available now at wildlifedepartment.com/check-in.
The new check-in rules do not apply to Oklahoma residents.
—Outdoor Wire
Dept. of Interior makes updates
The Department of the Interior recently announced new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Two Texas areas are impacted: Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
The Service is committed to ensuring that all hunting and fishing opportunities align with state fish and wildlife regulations.
The Service also is making administrative changes to existing station-specific regulations to improve the clarity and accuracy of regulations, reduce the regulatory burden on the public and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain-language standards. This supports President Trump’s Executive Order 14192 of Jan. 31, 2025, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” to reduce federal regulations, and is further supported by Secretary’s Order 3356 Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation Opportunities and Coordination with States, Tribes, and Territories.
“We are pleased to offer these new hunting and fishing opportunities that are compatible with our conservation mission,” said Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Brian Nesvik. “Hunting and fishing significantly benefit the outdoors by helping manage wildlife populations, promote outdoor stewardship and contribute to local economies. These refuges and hatcheries provide incredible opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen and their families across the country to pass on a fishing and hunting heritage to future generations.”
Hybrids
Continued from page 1
water, but they are moving, and it is hard to stay over them. He has seen the start of some fall top-water action.
“Whenever we see them on top, we’ve been using casting spoons,” Edwards said. “It’s better to be able to cover water and cast at them.”
Live bait, as always, is a great way to catch them. He has also had success with Rattle Traps.
Edwards is looking forward to a break from the summer heat. Right now, a rain and light wind, which helps oxygenate the water and gets the fish moving better, are key. Keep an eye on the weather and watch for cool downs, wind, and barometric pressure drops as the fronts start coming in for the best bite, he recommended.
On Lake Lewisville, it has “been pretty good for August,” according to Wes Cambell with Bendarod Fishing Guide Service. “It’s been pretty steady. We have been finding them, but they are moving fast. Moving around is key. Kind of stick and move if we get on a group of fish that doesn’t want to stay; give it five minutes, and we move and find another group,” he said.
Campbell and his clients have been finding fish anywhere from 18- to 35-feet of water.
“It kinda depends on the day,” he said. “The best bite has been better shallow in the morning and look deeper as the day goes on. “Live bait is king on Lewisville.”
Flounder
Continued from page 1
strikes from the flatfish. Slow-rolling spinner baits has also been a proven tactic.
East Matagorda Bay fishing guide Capt. Drew Hymel said flounder have been scattered at best in the areas he’s been fishing.
“They just really aren’t stacked up or concentrated in specific spots just yet,” Hymel said. “We have been catching them here and there along the mouths of marsh drains and grassy banks.”
Hymel said most of the flounder he and his anglers have been catching have been striking paddletail soft plastics bounced along the bottom in about 2- to 3-feet of water. The majority of these fish have been between 15 and 17 inches.
“Occasionally, we are hooking into some larger fish,” he said. “But for the most part, we are not seeing concentrations of hefty flounder right now.”
Further south, Lower Laguna Madre fishing guide Capt. James Hagan said flounder have been scattered across the edges of drop-offs in 3- to 4-feet of water or more from South Padre Island to the mouth of the Arroyo.
He and his clients are having most of their success finding fish around humps, points, and drop-off ledges. As summer ends, Campbell is hoping for some cooler temperatures and for the birds to come back. He predicts the bite will pick up.
On Lake Tawakoni, the fishing has been really good.
“We have had one of the better years this year on live bait and artificial,” said Michael Littlejohn with Tawakoni Guide Service.
Littlejohn and his clients are about to transition from pulling down riggers and trolling to throwing lures and live bait.
“Every year from the second week of August to the second week of September is our trolling time,” he said.
Right now, the fish are sitting on the themocline anywhere between 19- and 22-feet of water.
“You kinda got to move around until you find the fish,” he said. “They are looking for those conditions they like and are constantly moving.
He has been keying on the end of dropoffs and humps. “It seems like the fish are nearby those sharp drop-offs,” he added. Littlejohn also reported they have been seeing early top-water action. This time of year, the birds aren’t betraying the hybrids, so it’s important that you have a good set of binoculars onboard. “We need a good cold front. It will bring back the birds and turn on the fish,” he said.
“The edges of channels and the Intracoastal Waterway have been producing some nice flounder,” Hagan said. “Soft plastics rigged on 1/8-ounce jig heads have been the ticket.”
Hagan said he’s been focusing on areas holding plenty of mullet and other bait fish. Most of the fish his anglers have been catching have been staging along the edges of deeper sea grass beds.
—USFWS
Regan Miller, left, shows a hefty flounder she caught with her husband, Kenny. Photo by Capt. James Hagan.
GRIP & GRIN
Vernon native Blaine Bond secured his first confirmed archery harvest via spot n’ stalk on this nice blue wildebeest bull.
Finnley Thompson with a bass he caught in a creek while visiting his family’s Hill County ranch this summer.
Craig Wilson was out looking for red snapper when he found this 11-pounder.
Kaelyn Rivera-Cook submitted her catch of a Rio Grande Cichlid for the pending waterbody record for Spring Creek. Caught near Mertzon, the fish weighed 0.6 pounds and was 9 inches long.
Stephen Sonnenberg caught an 8.8-pound bass from Twin Buttes Reservoir on Aug. 1.
Short season
“That has hap pened two years in a row,” he said. “The Canadian prairie/pothole region, where many blue-winged teal breed have been going through a 10-year drought. Teal are like bobwhite quail of the waterfowl world – they decline quickly in drought but respond quickly to good conditions.”
Kraai said blue-winged teal hunters could be in danger of having no season in the coming years if things don’t improve in Canada.
North Dakota is also a big blue-winged teal producing state, and reports again weren’t promising.
“The number of breeding ducks in North Dakota — the most important state for midcontinent duck populations — declined again during Spring 2025,” according to a Ducks Unlimited report. “During its annual survey, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department estimated the state held about 2.66 million breeding ducks, a 9% decrease from 2024. Blue-winged teal were down “significantly” when the survey was conducted in May.”
The nine-day statewide 2025 early teal season in Texas will run Sept. 20 - 28. The daily bag limit on teal is six, with a possession limit of 18.
Kraai reminds migratory bird hunters that they need to make sure they are Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified and confirm the HIP questions are answered correctly. HIP surveys allow biologists to get an accurate sample of migratory game bird hunters so the USFWS can deliver harvest surveys to selected participants later in the year.
Shooting Sports Complex in San Antonio.
“We are doubling the square footage to add rooms for gunsmithing, warehouse space, shipping and woodworking,” said Manager Andre Gorjup. “It will also enable us to add to our team and greatly expand our gunsmithing services.”
The company specializes in competitive shotguns, guns firing between 30,000 and 50,000 shells annually.
“This gives us the ability to do more custom jobs by order,” Gorjup said. “if someone wants a custom gun, we can handle that process from start to finish. In competition shotguns, quality is paramount due to the volume being shot. A big box store will only have a shotgun to sell you. We only sell shotguns we can provide support for here.”
Youth competition shooting is on the rise in Texas, and Gorjup said Cole Fine Guns specializes in fitting guns to youth shooters that are fully adjustable, so the gun grows with the person.
“They might have an old gun that is going to need a stock adjustment,” he said. “We offer systems that allow for them to grow. We can adjust through those systems, so a young hunter will always have a gun that fits.”
Cole Fine Guns don’t just sell shotguns – it’s the art and gunsmithing that sets them apart.
“Gunsmithing is in our DNA,” Gorjup said. “If you come in looking for a gun, we can make it fit. We can do everything — fit, advise, solution, custom build.”
Photo by LSON.
Photo from Cole Fine Guns.
Texas tarpon
little lighter than what you want to target tarpon.
“I had hooked it on a mediumheavy spinning rod with a 2500 spinning reel and 15-pound braid,” he said.
Although he had a steel leader, and they took it just fine, he acknowledged most use a heavy fluorocarbon leader for tarpon, though.
“When I went, it was a pretty strong incoming tide,” Scarberry said. “As the current moves from the deeper water over the jetty, it speeds up. It’s a big funnel for these fish, and so they were sitting right on the front side of those rocks,” he added.
The tarpon were holding in 20- to 40-feet of water with clear skies and calm surf.
“I noticed that if you go early in the morning or if you have cloud cover and some good wind to kind of keep that light penetration down, I’ve seen those tarpon kind of get up, and that’s when I hooked one the last time,” he said. “When they come up to the surface, they get more aggressive. I actually saw a couple of boats catching them on live shrimp with popping corks.”
South Padre is another hot Texas tarpon fishery.
“We are back on a rise. The fish are on the rise. The popularity of tarpon fishing is on the rise as well, especially with younger anglers,” said Capt. Brian Barrera.
Here there are opportunities for both conventional tackle and fly fishermen.
“There is a lot of opportunities for fly-fishermen. There are a lot of fly-fishermen who catch good tarpon. They tend to look for clear water,” Barrera said. “The tarpon I chase are really, really big ones, so I am not getting into huge schools of them, and I am fishing murkier water.”
He and his clients generally find them in 30- to 60-feet of water.
“Bait changes everything,” he said. “The fish will do things they have never done before based on the bait.”
He and his clients do a lot of bait fishing with live mullet.
“I tend to land a lot more fish on live bait,” he said.
He will also throw artificial baits.
“I probably hook more fish on artificial because you can throw at them. I see the fish on my electronics and can tell my clients where to throw and we can cover ground,” he said.
The calm seas along the Texas coast have been a theme this year.
“We have been getting a lot of rain and there has been thunderclouds every day but the seas have been flat. That’s the main thing we are looking for,” Barrera added. “A little bit of chop always seems to make them bite better.”
There will continue to be good fishing late in the summer with the mullet run, but the big migratory tarpon (50 or more pounds) traditionally will be moving on.
“As soon as the first few cold fronts happen, those guys are getting a little chilly and they’re heading out of here,” Barrera said. “The juveniles will stick around and can be caught year-round.”
South Texas bass
Continued from page 8
mixed in. Texas-rigged soft plastics and quarter-ounce shaky head presentations have been producing the most strikes over brush piles.
“Deeper rock piles, drop-offs, and ledges in 10- to 20-feet of water are also producing some hefty bass right now,” Steed said. “I have just had more success catching the larger fish over brush lately.”
On Lake Amistad, fishing guide Kurt Dove said the bass bite has been somewhat tough. The best action has been early in the mornings and late in the evenings. The fish have been more lethargic during the hottest period of the day when the sun is high overhead in the sky.
“Chunking top-water baits during the first couple of hours of the day has been producing some bites,” Dove said. “Covering water with walking-style surface baits along the banks has been the best tactic. Bluff banks adjacent to deeper water have been holding the most bass.”
Once the top-water bite dies off, Dove said moving out deep has been the ticket. Drop-shot rigs and swimbaits worked slowly along the bottom in 20- to 35-feet of water near drop-offs have been drawing the most strikes during the midday hours.
“Finding steep ledges and quick drop-offs has been the key out deep,” Dove said. “Shallow sloping points and gradual drop-offs just don’t have many fish on them right now. You need to focus on areas that have quick access to deep water.”
Dove said that most of the bass being caught on top-water baits along the banks have been in the 1.5- to 2-pound range. The fish in deeper water have been as big as 4 or 5 pounds recently.
“There are some bass in the 5- to 6-pound range being caught by anglers using forward facing sonar,” Dove said. “These fish are just roaming around in deep, open water. Folks have been chasing them using forward facing sonar until they are able to trigger them to bite.”
According to fishing guide Manny Martinez, anglers fishing from the bank on Choke Canyon Reservoir have been able to catch decent numbers of bass in the 1- to 3-pound range using a variety of soft plastic lures.
“All of the boat ramps on Choke are closed right now due to low water levels, but those willing to fish from the bank are still catching fish,” he said. “Most of the action is taking place during the early morning hours.”
Bryan Scarberry with a Texas tarpon from a kayak. Photo from Bryan Scarberry.
Good fish are still being caught in deep South Texas, despite the heat. Photo by Jimmy Steed.
TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT
REDFISH BAY: 87 degrees. Redfish are good on cut mullet and live mullet. Speckled trout are good on piggies and croaker. Black drum are good on dead shrimp.
SAN ANTONIO BAY: 87 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are good on live croaker and live shrimp. Tripletail are good on live shrimp.
SABINE LAKE: 89 degrees. Speckled trout are good on soft plastics. Tripletail are good on live shrimp. Sheepshead and black drum are good on live shrimp on Carolina rigs.
BOLIVAR: 85 degrees. Redfish and speckled trout are good on live croaker, live shrimp, and soft plastics. Black drum, sand trout, and sheepshead are good on live shrimp.
TRINITY BAY: 89 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp and soft plastics. Redfish are good on crankbaits, spinner baits, and live shrimp. Black drum are good on live and dead shrimp under a popping cork.
EAST GALVESTON BAY: 90 degrees. Redfish are good on live shrimp and soft plastics. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics and live shrimp.
GALVESTON BAY: 90 degrees. Speckled trout, redfish, and black drum are good on live shrimp.
WEST GALVESTON BAY: 90 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are good on live shrimp and soft plastics. Black drum are good on live shrimp.
TEXAS CITY: Speckled trout, redfish, and black drum are good on live shrimp and finger mullet. Sand trout, gafftop, flounder, and mangrove snapper are fair on live shrimp.
FREEPORT: 88 degrees. Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder are good on live shrimp and live mullet. Mangrove snapper and sheepshead are good on live shrimp.
EAST MATAGORDA BAY: 88 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are good on live croaker, live shrimp, and soft plastics. Floun-
Rig donkeys
der are fair on soft plastics and live finger mullet.
WEST MATAGORDA BAY: 88 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are good on live croaker, live shrimp, and soft plastics. Flounder are fair on soft plastics and live finger mullet.
PORT O’CONNOR: 85 degrees. Speckled trout are fair on live croaker. Tarpon and sharks are fair on live croaker. Slot redfish are fair on Spanish sardines. Black drum are fair on dead shrimp.
ROCKPORT: 85 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp, piggy perch, and croaker. Redfish are good on shrimp, mullet, and piggy perch. Black drum are good on live and dead shrimp.
PORT ARANSAS: 85 degrees. Redfish are good on live shrimp and cut mullet. Oversized redfish are good on cut crab and mullet. Speckled trout are good on croaker and shrimp. Kingfish are good on ribbon fish or trolling lures. Pompano are fair on spoons.
CORPUS CHRISTI: 87 degrees. Redfish are good on cut mullet. Speckled trout are fair on piggies. Black drum are fair on shrimp.
BAFFIN BAY: 88 degrees. Redfish are good on top-waters, soft plastics, and spoons. Speckled trout are fair on soft plastics.
PORT MANSFIELD: 90 degrees. Speckled trout and redfish are good on soft plastics and top-waters. Flounder are fair on soft plastics.
SOUTH PADRE: 88 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp and soft plastics. Black drum are fair on live and dead shrimp. Redfish are fair on soft plastics and cut bait.
PORT ISABEL: 88 degrees. Speckled trout are good on live shrimp and soft plastics. Black drum are fair on live and dead shrimp. Redfish are fair on soft plastics and cut bait.
the slightest movement.
After a while, a few blue runners where brought up and put into a large plastic container used as a livewell.
A while later, a live blue runner was dropped in the water and within minutes it was, “Fish on!”
Four amberjacks were hooked in less than an hour and the routine to try to catch more blue runners was repeated.
It was an epic trip for the six anglers on the boat.
On the way back, two stops were made for red snapper. The group quickly caught their limit of two fish each. Then it was home for the celebration.
The other vessel docked later with a couple of amberjacks and a good number of red snapper.
“It was a good day for us,” Harlingen resident Richard Gonzalez, said, while pointing at the amberjacks. “We caught our limits of red snapper, but we were after those guys.”
The recent catch from a group of six offshore anglers out of South Padre Island.
Photo by Tony Vindell, for Lone Star Outdoor News.
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TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES
19 Fri 3:57 10:09 4:20 10:31 07:07 07:22 5:01a 6:20p
20 Sat 4:38 10:49 5:00 11:10 07:07 07:20 6:00a 6:48p
21 Sun 5:19 11:29 5:39 11:49 07:08 07:19 6:56a 7:15p
22 Mon 6:00 ----- 6:20 12:30 07:08 07:18 7:51a 7:42p
23 Tue 6:43 12:33 7:04 12:53 07:09 07:17 8:46a 8:09p
24 Wed 7:29 1:18 7:50 1:40 07:09 07:15 9:42a 8:39p
25 Thu 8:18 2:06 8:40 2:29 07:10 07:14 10:39a 9:12p
26 Fri 9:09 2:57 9:32 3:20 07:10 07:13 11:36a 9:50p
11:36 PM 1.06L
Sept 23 5:02 AM 1.60H 11:23 AM 0.61L 6:26 PM 1.83H
Sept 24 12:15 AM 1.27L 4:58 AM 1.60H 11:51 AM 0.46L 7:31 PM 1.85H
Sept 25 12:58 AM 1.47L 4:55 AM 1.63H 12:22 PM 0.35L 8:51 PM 1.88H
Sept 26 2:28 AM 1.64L 4:46 AM 1.67H 12:58
Sabine Pass, north
Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty
Freeport Harbor
Port O’Connor
Nueces Bay
East Matagorda
Port Aransas
South Padre Island
Dove opener
8-feet tall, and wide strips had been mowed through portions of the field.
“The birds didn’t start flying until about 10 minutes after legal shooting time,” Elliott said. “There were a few white-wings scattered here and there, but the majority of birds in the air were mourning doves. Half of the hunters in our field harvested their limits by 8:30, and the rest finished off their limits shortly after.”
One hunter in the Haskell area reported the birds were flying fast in all directions and only offering up passing shots. He said as soon as he put out a Mojo decoy, the doves started coming in to land within shooting range, giving him better shot opportunities.
Austin Collins hunted on opening day, and the following two days, in the Lubbock area with Final Descent Guide Services over milo fields.
“On opening day, I was able to harvest my limit in the morning,” Collins said. “I think some of the birds were pushed out of the area by the small front and rain that came through the day before, but there were still decent numbers flying. There were roughly 200 hunters with the outfitter hunting on the properties we were on, and about half of them harvested full limits.”
Collins said day two of the season was a little slower, but she was able to move to an area in the field the birds were favoring to fill her limit of dove.
“On day three, the birds were flying really well,” she said. “Many of them were flying high, though, so the shots were more difficult. I had to take mostly passing shots, as most of the dove were not interested in decoys.”
Over the course of her 3-day hunt, Collins harvested a fairly even mix of mourning dove and white-wings, and she was able to bag her limit on two out of the three days.
Harrison Facundo hunted near New Baden in Robertson County on opening day with family and friends. He said they were set up on the edge of tilled fields with Mojo dove decoys.
“The birds seemed to be somewhat scattered, but we had dove in pairs flying into the Mojos most of the morning,” Facundo said. “There were a lot of birds we did not get shot opportunities at. Most were landing in some dead trees to loaf later in the morning.”
Facundo said they only saw mourning dove.
“We weren’t just covered up in birds, but the action was fairly steady,” he said.
Uvalde area outfitter Mark Roberts reported excellent shoots for all his dove hunters over sunflower fields in the central zone, north of Highway 90. He said most of his hunters were able to harvest their limits fairly easily.
Texas Dove Hunters Association President Charlotte Schuster hunted with some friends and family in the Converse area over a pasture with some tanks that were nearly empty on opening day. She said the rain had the birds a little scattered, but overall they enjoyed good hunts.
“We did not shoot full limits, but there were plenty of birds to keep us busy,” Schuster said. “The wing shooting action was best during the morning hours. We had a solid mix of mourning and white-winged dove. Most of the mourning doves seemed to be small, hatch-year birds.”
Also offering over 25 Species of Exotic Game, Quail and Upland Game Birds over pointers and Executive Dove Hunts
MICHIGAN
NATIONAL
First confirmed EHD case of year
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reporting Michigan’s first detected cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in 2025.
The DNR Wildlife Health Section, Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study confirmed the EHD virus in free-ranging white-tailed deer from Eaton, Jackson, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties.
Although EHD outbreaks have not been shown to have a significant long-term effect on deer populations in Michigan, deer mortality can be intense in small geographic areas and local impact may persist for a few years.
—MDNR
For-Hire red snapper season opening earlier
After hearing a summary of public comments received, the council took final action on a Framework Action that considers opening the federal for-hire red snapper season earlier in the year. The council selected to open the federal for-hire red snapper season on the Friday before Memorial Day each year.
The duration of the for-hire season has doubled since the implementation of the June 1 season opener in 2015. Fishermen have indicated that opening the season earlier is preferred over extending the season further into the fall, which is typically a lower demand time of year for for-hire fishing.
—Gulf
Council
NEBRASKA Upland bird hunting prospects
Statewide pheasant counts during April’s rural mail carrier survey increased 83% compared to 2024 and saw increases in all six pheasant management regions. The Panhandle and Southwest pheasant management regions should support some of the higher pheasant densities this fall.
The recent mild winter benefited northern bobwhite populations across much of the state, and results from spring and summer surveys show similar or increased numbers across the quail range. Statewide, whistle count surveys were higher compared to counts in 2024 and above the 5-year average, with increases in five of six management areas.
—Outdoor Nebraska
UTAH
State offers solid bird hunting
The majority of the upland game hunts in Utah are open to anyone with a Utah hunting license and don’t require an additional permit. Utah offers a variety of upland game species, including:
• Five different species of grouse
• Two species of partridge
• Cottontail rabbits
• Snowshoe hares
• Quail
• Pheasant
There are also several migratory dove and pigeon species in Utah available to hunt, including:
• Two species of doves
• Band-tailed pigeons —UDNR
LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER
Solution on Page 26
ACROSS
1. Common dove
8. Opposite of lowfence
10. Palmated exotic deer
12. Early-season deer food
14. Texas Indian tribe
17. San Antonio-based hunting org
18. Winter Texas visitor
19. Stealthy way to fish
20. Shot for ducks
22. Poor man’s tarpon
25. Male pig
27. Nicknamed the Silver King
29. Hunting tool to gain elevation
31. Texas national forest
32. Required for western hunts
34. Historical waterfowl area
36. Winter surf fishing target
37. Hill Country native fish
1 lb. duck breast, stripped
1 bottle Worcestershire sauce
1 bottle Italian dressing
1 lb. cream cheese
Cajun or wild game seasoning
10 jalapenos, halved and seeded
1 lb. bacon
Another name for a mallard
Texas coastal city
Adrenaline high from seeing a deer
Young male deer
Required for youth hunters
Type of turkey
Texas bears
Invasive lake dweller 13. Group of quail
West Texas WMA
Texas/Louisiana waterbody
Young male elk 20. Young angler’s tool 21. Type of bow 23. Common bass bait 24. Another name for a gobbler
25. Type of common rifle
26. Necessary practice on managed lands
28. Largest elk species
30. Early hunting season
33. Common duck
35. South Texas county
KastKing in Texas
KastKing, a fishing tackle company, has moved its headquarters from New York to Lewisville, Texas.
BANISH partners with H&G Outdoors
BANISH Suppressors announced its partnership with H&G Outdoors to lead commercial sales activities. Through this partnership, H&G Outdoors will represent the BANISH line of suppressors to dealers and distributors.
Nosler announces death of Chairman
Nosler Inc. announced the passing of Robert “Bob” Nosler, Chairman, on Sept. 2, at the age of 79. Bob dedicated his life to carrying forward the innovation and spirit that defined Nosler from its beginning, a company founded by his father, John A. Nosler.
Hodgdon names Mike Stock as President and CEO
Hodgdon Powder Company announced the appointment of Mike Stock as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Stock becomes only the fifth leader in the company’s distinguished 78-year history.
DSC announces Texas Gulf Coast Chapter
Dallas Safari Club announced the formation of its newest chapter, the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter.
Kent Cartridge introduces
‘Bag
Limits, Save Bucks’ rebate
Kent Cartridge is proud to introduce our “Bag Limits, Save Bucks” rebate promotion, created specifically for upland hunters. Through Oct. 31, customers can receive up to $75 cash back on qualifying purchases of Ultimate FastLead upland shotshells.
your favorite recipe to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
duck
Marinate duck strips in Worcestershire and Italian dressing overnight. Soften cream cheese, add a dash of Worcestershire and seasoning; mix well. Fill each pepper half with cream cheese mixture. Put a slice of duck on the cream cheese and wrap with a half a slice of bacon; fasten with a toothpick. Bake in a glass dish at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes or grill indirectly until peppers have softened and bacon has cooked.
1 1/2 lbs. venison loin or other steaks (4–6 small steaks about 1-inch thick) Salt
2 garlic cloves smashed to a paste
1/2 tsp. coriander seeds, lightly toasted and ground
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds, lightly toasted and ground
2 tsps. coarsely crushed black peppercorns
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. butter
2 shallots, minced
1/2 c. red wine
2 c. chicken or beef broth
2 Tbs. butter
Season steaks with salt. Sprinkle with garlic, coriander, fennel, and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Rub to coat evenly with spices on both sides. Let marinate at room Temperature for 15 minutes
(or refrigerate for up to 4 hours and bring to room temperature before cooking). Make the red wine sauce: Melt butter over medium-high heat and add shallots. Cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add wine and simmer until reduced by half. Add broth and reduce until 1 cup sauce remains, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat and swirl in remaining butter to thicken. Season with salt, set aside and keep warm.
Set a wide cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (or use 2 smaller pans). When hot, lay in steaks and sear for 2 minutes, until nicely browned. Flip and cook 1 minute more for rare, 2 minutes for medium rare. Arrange steaks on a platter or individual plates. Spoon wine sauce over each steak. Serve with mashed potatoes. —MWFP
Puzzle by Conor Harrison, Lone Star Outdoor News
HUNTING
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RIO GRANDE PIPE/ RENO EQUIPMENT
Our companies specialize in High Quality,clean, easily paintable, structural tubulars for fencing and construction from 1” to 36”. We have heavy weight and thick wall pipe in a variety of sizes, pre-cut posts, posts cut-toorder, and rods. Some other items we stock are 8400 gallon steel storage tanks (12’ wide x 7’ tall), pre-built H-braces, fence crossing ladder/ stairs, and culverts. Contact Josh Brown at (505)-366-3428, or Cody Hudson at (575)-441-1186
CLASSIFIEDS
RURAL REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
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AFRICA
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DUVAL COUNTY
South Texas Dove Hunting 65 acres, Lodging, RV Power Available Huntershilton.com For more info (361) 244-0544 OR (361) 443-9330
TEXANS ARCHERY CLUB Network of Archery Ranges For One Membership! TEXASARCHERY.INFO
CATTLE MARKET IS HOT
Cash out every Tuesday @10 am Atascosa Livestock Exchange Pleasanton Hauling Available Call (210) 289-7698
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced on Aug. 25 the U.S. Department of Agriculture has taken the next step in the rulemaking process for rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule by opening a public comment period.
The USDA Forest Service is publishing a notice seeking public comment on its intention to develop an environmental impact statement for the proposed rescission of the rule. The notice details the reasons for rescinding the rule, the potential effects on people and resources, and how national forests and grasslands are managed.
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BANDERA TEXAS DAY HUNTS Whitetail, Axis, Hogs, Dove (830) 353-2311
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ADVERTISE YOUR HUNTING LEASE HERE
Only $1 per word. Email editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com or call (214) 361-2276
DATEBOOK PUBLIC NOTICE
The USDA Forest Service published the notice in the Federal Register on Friday, Aug. 29.
The public is invited to comment on the potential effects of the proposal to guide the development of the environmental impact statement no later than Sept. 19. Public comments will be considered during the development of the draft environmental impact statement. Go to fs.usda.gov for more information.
SEPTEMBER 12
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL
Brazos Valley Chapter 1st Annual Clay Shot Boswell Porter 4H Range President.scibv@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 13
DALLAS SAFARI CLUB
Hunter Education taught by Game Warden DSC Pavilion, Dallas (972) 980-9800 biggame.org
SEPTEMBER 18
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION East Texas Chapter Banquet Tyler Rose Garden Center (254) 707-0081 events.rmef.org
DUCKS UNLIMITED Paris Annual Dinner Banquet Paris Elks Lodge (903) 782-2172 ducks.org
DALLAS SAFARI CLUB
Speaker Series Event Gleneagles Country Club, Plano (972) 980-9800 biggame.org
COASTAL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
Bellville Fish Fry Bee County Exposition Center (361) 362-4403 ccatexas.org
SEPTEMBER 20
MERCY CLINIC OF FORT WORTH
Shoot for Mercy 2025
Clay Sports Ranch, Fort Worth alylayman@mercy-clinic.org mercy-clinic.org
SEPTEMBER 25
DUCKS UNLIMITED 55th Annual Rice Belt Dinner El Campo Civic Center (979) 578-1470 ducks.org
DUCKS UNLIMITED Legacy Gala (Houston) Lakeside Country Club (225) 262-9905 ducks.org
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION Texas City Gun Fest Texas City Police Association Building (832) 655-3180 events.rmef.org
SEPTEMBER 30
DUCKS UNLIMITED Midland Dinner Bush Convention Center (432) 664-9559 ducks.org
OCTOBER 2
COASTAL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
Heart Of The Hills Annual Banquet Enchanted Springs Ranch, Boerne (210) 669-3732 ccatexas.org
OCTOBER 4
BLANCO COUNTY
Blanco County Wild Game Dinner
Blanco County Fair Grounds, Blanco (830) 833-4138 facebook.com/wildgamedinner
OCTOBER 8
LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS FOUNDATION Wild Game Night Beretta Gallery, Dallas (214) 360-2276 lsonews.com
For home or office delivery, go to LSONews.com, or call (214) 361-2276, or send a check or money order to the address below. Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 2162-8300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A mailed subscription is $35 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $3, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2025 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/ or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355 or email them to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
Experience one of the largest hunting, fishing and outdoors events in the U.S. Start things off with our Conservation Kickoff Banquet & Auction on Thursday, then continue the fun at this massive, 3-day expo featuring top outfitters, gear manufacturers and conservation partners – plus banquets, auctions and special events, like the Conservation Champions Breakfast and the Ladies Luncheon & Auction. Bring the whole family, 1-Day passes start at just $35 and kids (16 and under) are FREE! Register now to be a part of the future of hunting and conservation.