If you're planning to hit the Rio Grande in Texas today, here’s what you need to know:

First off, the weather is looking pleasant with clear skies and a high of around 86 degrees, making it an ideal day for fishing. Sunrise was at about 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 7:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to cast your lines.

The water level is slightly below normal, but the stain is normal, which is good news for visibility. For those targeting white bass and stripers, the area around buoys 20-23 feet up the Rio Grande has been particularly productive. These fish are actively following shad bait balls, so keep an eye out for those schools. Alabama rigs, underspins, spoons, deep diving jerkbaits, and swim baits are your best bets here.

For black bass, main lake points and ledges are holding a good number of fish. Use Carolina rigged or Texas rigged creature baits in colors like Wat Red, Kudzu, pumpkinseed, gourd green, and bloodline. Topwater baits in bone and shad colors can also catch a few fish, especially early in the morning.

The tidal report isn't a major factor here since we're dealing with freshwater, but the recent drop in water temperature and the increased north winds have improved fishing conditions significantly.

Yesterday, anglers reported good catches of white bass and stripers in the deeper waters, with some black bass caught on the main lake points. The early morning shallow bite has slowed down, but the deep water bite from around 8 AM to 10:45 AM has been productive.

Hot spots include the areas around buoys 20-23 feet up the Rio Grande and the main lake points. If you're looking for a specific spot, try the section near the dam or the rock lines where channel catfish have also been biting well on cheese bait and cut bait.

Overall, it's a great day to be out on the water, so grab your gear and enjoy the fishing