Intro

What a strange couple of months! December is here and the leaves are still on the trees. We’ve had a few cool nights, but fall is still holding on and the fishing is still pretty good. Usually this time of year is when the water temps drop and fishing slows way down. Christmas is typically a better time for duck hunting, but with warmer than average days, we might still have good bass fishing the rest of the year.

The staff at Tailwaters have been busy getting on the water and have had some success on a couple of the local lakes. Comanche Creek (formally Squaw Creek) near Grandbury has been a literal hot spot for bass. This power plant lake stays warm year around and the winter will see water temps in the 70s and 80s. The bass have been shallow and the super clear water is great for fly fishing. 

Lake Texoma is still producing for stripers and bass. If you can pick your days, you can get some good topwater action. Cloudy days and super light winds will keep the stripers shallow and the birds will point to where the fish are. Early mornings and late afternoons are your best bets, but look for action throughout the day when boat traffic is light and the skies are overcast.

Cedar Creek dock lights are still on fire and a sure thing for catching good numbers of fish. The hybrids and sand bass are on green lights and super bright white lights. When you pull up to a good looking dock, make a few casts on the shadow lines before you zero in on the water lit up by the lights. You’ll know within a few casts if the fish are there.

If you’re interested in trying any of the above, reach out to Sean Polk at the shop for guide availability and info.

Guide Trip Highlight

Comanche Creek Lake (Squaw Creek)

One of the best spots for winter bass fishing is less than two hours from Dallas. Comanche Creek Lake, formerly Squaw Creek, is a 4,000 acre power plant lake owned by Luminant Energy.  The lake is the cooling reservoir for the nuclear power plant and the warm water  discharge keeps the temps above 70 year round. Stocked with large mouth bass and tilapia, this lake shines when the temps drop and the other lakes slow down. 

The lake boasts clear water and lots of rocky shoreline mixed with timber. Cedar trees dot the banks and provide hiding spots for bass. There are several creek arms that provide shelter from north winds and can be productive for fly fishing. 

We’ve had success with baitfish patterns such as white Game Changers and olive/tan deceivers. The abundant tilapia population provides a forage base for the bass along with numerous panfish species. Expect some topwater action in the early part of the day.

Comanche Peak is open Thursday through Sunday and requires a reservation. You can launch your boat or kayak 30 mins before official sunrise using the six lane ramp. Weekends can be crowded, especially as there are several Saturday tournaments. The cost to launch a boat is $30 cash payable at the gate. 

If you'd like to fish Squaw Creek, contact Sean at the shop or contact him directly by clicking HERE

Lake and river reports

Private Water Fishing Properties

The lakes are still fishing good and should still produce for the rest of the month. Water temps are hovering around 55-60, so expect fish to still swim in the shallows. Afternoons have been best with warmer water temps make the fish more active.

Lake Fork

• Water temp 55-60 degrees
• Lake Level - 2.5 feet low

Look for action in the mouths and back of creeks. The Bass are corralling shad in the warm waters. Some bigger fish are still staying shallow in 4-6 feet of water. White baitfish patterns are working well.

Lake Texoma

• Water temp 58 degrees
• Lake Level - 1.5 feet above pool

Stripers are still good on topwaters at dawn and dusk. Look for birds working schools of bait. Bass are still good on the cliffs. Fast moving streamers and crayfish are your best bets.

Cedar Creek

• Water temp 63
• Lake Level - 3.5 feet low

Green lights and bright white lights are still producing at night. Look for nervous water and herons to find which docks are holding fish. Expect good fishing until water temps hit 45 and the shad move deep.

Fly of the Month

The "What the Fouke" Fly

In Arkansas folklore, the Fouke Monster /ˈfaʊk/, also known as the Boggy Creek Monster and the Swamp Stalker, is purported to be a humanoid creature, similar to descriptions of Bigfoot, that was allegedly sighted in the rural town of Fouke, Arkansas during the early 1970s. This is a versatile streamer pattern that can be easily adapted to match any type of baitfish. Using a zonker strip tail and dubbed head, mix and match colors to find the best fly for your home water. 

Hook: Gamakatsu B10S #2

Tail: Barred Zonker Strip

Underwing: Bucktail/Flash/Angel Wing Fiber

Head: Laser Dub/Cohen’s Carp Dub/Prism Eyes

Join us for our next Dallas Tyers Club on December 19 at 6:30 PM.