ON FISHING There are multiple options available for relaxing spring camping, fishing

There are multiple options available for relaxing spring camping, fishing

MICHAEL ACOSTA

As a licensed professional fishing guide, Michael Acosta shows you how to find them. He has been a licensed guide since 1998. [email protected]

Spring is a favorite time to go camping.  The weather is usually agreeable, and family outings make memories the little ones will never forget. If you’re like me, I try to make sure there is some fishing close by.  Enjoy the relaxation and leave your work at work. 

You don’t have to go far. You can camp on our own Lake Granbury, Possum Kingdom Lake, Lake Whitney and Lake Proctor as well as other lakes that are close and have excellent facilities for camping.  Of course, you can go out of state, down to the coast or visit many of our own state’s parks.  Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us for more information on available sites.

Planning your camping trip with the spring feeding/spawning efforts may be a good choice.  Spring is always good for white bass, crappie, catfish and/or black bass. The Colorado River above Lake Buchanan near Bend, Texas or the Trinity River out east are two of the many popular spots across the state for sand bass fishing in the spring.  Camping on a river/creek or the lake and running trotlines is also enjoyable this time of the year.  The kids love the anticipation on what will be on the end of the line.

Eating outdoors is some extra work, but I enjoy the good eating and fun preparing it.  A good fish fry if the fishing is good is a lot of fun.  If the fish don’t cooperate, no one I know will complain about hamburgers, hotdogs and all the fixin’s.

This may also be a good time to try one of those lakes that you’ve been telling yourself you’re going to visit one day for those lunker bass or monster striped bass.  Most every body of water will have campsites available.  This type of small vacation is relatively inexpensive and is enjoyed by many.  The Texas State Parks and the Corps of Engineers Parks generally require a reservation.  The most popular spots are typically booked solid in the spring.  Call ahead and make a reservation if necessary, to ensure you have a campsite before you head out.  Other private parks may not require a reservation, but I would call ahead and make sure.

Be prepared and be safe.  Springtime brings out the biting insects and other critters.  Keep the sunblock handy even during this time of the year and don’t forget the first-aid kit.

FISHING REPORT

This past week warmed the water some with surface temperatures closing in on the mid-60s to near 70 in the creeks.  Best reports are for crappies fished in the back of creeks and near boat docks.  Lake Granbury sand bass and striped bass are fair on live bait and slabs from in town to near DeCordova.  Catfish action for big blues and yellows continue to good on cut shad on the upper ends.  Black bass numbers are good in the back of creeks near beds.

Other reservoirs with great fishing reports include Lake Whitney for stripers to 13 pounds on live shad and Alabama Rigs fished mid-lake.  Possum Kingdom sand bass and stripers are good on slabs and jigs fished near Caddo and Cedar Creek.