Howdy folks, this is Artificial Lure with your daily fishing report for Lake Sam Rayburn on Thursday, December 4th, 2025.

We're looking at excellent winter bass conditions out here on the lake right now. Water temperatures have settled in around 59 to 63 degrees, and that cold front that came through has fish positioning perfectly for anglers willing to put in the work.

Bass activity has been solid across the lake. We're seeing largemouth and smallmouth bass responding well to chatterbaits and spinnerbaits along the banks and shallow rocky points. If you're working the deeper structure, Carolina rigs and jigs are your bread and butter in 10 to 20 feet of water. The fish are schooling up and preparing for the heart of winter, so focus on areas where shad are congregating.

The crappie bite continues to improve as we head deeper into December. Target standing timber and brush piles in 15 to 25 feet of water with small jigs and minnows. Early morning and late afternoon have been most productive, but don't overlook the mid-day window either.

For catfish, you can't beat cut shad and punch bait around the main lake drop-offs and river channel bends. The bite has been fair to good depending on your location, with both channel and blue catfish responding well.

If you want trophy action, work topwaters and crankbaits near Sexy Cove and Bugbee areas early in the day. The shallow banks around boat docks are holding some solid fish right now too.

Pro tip: slow down your retrieve during these winter months—the fish are more lethargic in the cold water, and a patient presentation will put more fish in your boat.

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