For anglers heading to the Rio Grande in Texas on September 30, 2024, here’s what you can expect for a productive and enjoyable day of fishing.

**Weather and Tidal Conditions:**
The day is forecasted to be pleasant with temperatures ranging from 69°F to 83°F, making it ideal for both boat and shore fishing. Expect light to moderate winds around 10-15 mph, with a slight chance of precipitation. The water level is slightly above normal due to recent rainfall but is slowly receding. Water temperatures are around 85-88 degrees, and the clarity is slightly stained, especially in areas with recent flooding.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at approximately 7:23 AM, and sunset will be around 7:23 PM, providing ample daylight for your fishing trip.

**Fish Activity:**
Speckled trout and redfish are active in the early morning and late afternoon. These fish are often found in the same areas they have been for months, despite the high water levels. Redfish are scattered but will start to gather on shorelines as the water temperatures drop. Look for areas with good concentrations of bait and pelicans diving, as these are indicators of active fish.

**Catch Reports:**
Yesterday saw good catches of speckled trout and redfish. Anglers reported success using live natural baits such as live shrimp and finger mullet. For those using artificial lures, larger paddle tails in purple and chartreuse, as well as straight tail lures like Coastal Brew’s 6-inch darts in purple and orange crush, were effective. MirrOLure Little John’s in dark colors and Custom Corky SoftDines in dark colors with chartreuse also yielded good results.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
Live shrimp and finger mullet are top choices for speckled trout and redfish. If you prefer artificial lures, consider using topwaters, plastics, or free-lining mullet. Larger paddle tails and straight tail lures in purple and chartreuse are highly recommended.

**Hot Spots:**
For targeting speckled trout and redfish, the far west side of San Luis Pass and areas around the jetties are highly recommended. These spots have been producing consistent catches, especially during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Additionally, areas up the Rio Grande around buoys 20-23 feet, where shad bait balls are present, are good for white bass and stripers.

**Local Tips:**
Captain David Dillman from Galveston Bay Charter Fishing advises anglers to focus on shallow areas with positive qualities such as baitfish and diving pelicans. Fish these areas deliberately and safely, and be mindful of the daily bag limits and size restrictions for speckled trout and redfish.

With these conditions and tips in mind, you're set for a productive and enjoyable day of fishing on the Rio Grande. Always remember to stay safe, be courteous to other anglers, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Tight lines