A mild summer so far

The lake level recently stabilized to around the 288.19-foot level ( 13.01 feet low) while wind gusts continue to average in the 30 mph range. Water clarity is still good and lake temperature is averaging in the mid-80s to slightly higher in afternoons when the sun is high. Ambient temperatures have ranged from mid-70s early mornings to highs in the upper 90s, but we have not had any 100-degree temps since June 22 and so far this summer, temperatures have reached the 100-degree mark only five times. As summers go, this one has been extremely mild so far.

The average size of fish has been improving for some of the local anglers who have figured out the secret to reaching the back of the coves without spooking the fish. Techniques include downsizing boats and launching from areas that are near coves that fish are using to feed on shad and other baitfish. There has been a good late-day bite emerging from about 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and several of the local youth anglers have been scoring big on small pearl Bandits and white 2A/3A Bombers. The roundhead Jo-Baby Spinnerbait with nickel double willows and a white lumaflex skirt has been working well for another local-angler/customer. He has downsized to a 12 ft ., 2-man Coleman Rig with a small motor. This enables him to get back into the brush easier than if he was in a big bass rig. Early morning action on points and rocky shorelines is still producing some topwater action, and deepwater structure is still the best bet for afternoon fish on either Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged watermelon-anything plastics. Club Tournaments and fishermen from the bass clubs have been largely absent from Falcon so far this summer, and even the 4th of July holiday brought very limited fishermen.We have a few clubs that have indicated they are coming to Falcon during July or August, but the fish are getting a pretty good rest.

There are still several floating water lines being reported around the lake, and we received a new report of one in the river floating on the US side about halfway between the mouth of the veleno and Beacon Lodge. Caution on your first pass up River or down the lake is a good way to avoid trouble. Most of the reports have been coming from marker 7 down to marker 5 on the US side and primarily of the rivers and creeks. Mexican netting activity has been noticeably absent from many of the previously favored US-side lake areas, and it appears many commercial fishermen have transferred the majority of their operations to the river areas.

Catfishermen continue to report an overwhelming number of nets and traps up the river with no evident enforcement activity by game wardens. Several fishermen report they have called the cell phone numbers to request action. We are seeing very few of the larger cats being caught, and if this pillage of river fish continues unabated, large catfish on Falcon may be doomed to the same fate as our large bass. Netting below the Dam also continues to go forward without significant control or enforcement. Some of the fishermen who fished below the Dam routinely have abandoned the river because of the extent of illegal netting. Fishing in the Río Grande below the Falcon Dam varies from day to day based on a number of factors. The amount of water being released has a direct impact on the fishing (and launching) below the Dam. No credible fishing results have been reported recently.

Gar have not been sighted in the veleno this week based on reports from some bass fishermen, but we have really not had anyone here hunting gar. We had two Canadians drive down and spend last week hunting the big fish, and they shot some hogs even though they were unsuccessful at landing some of them. Below the Dam on the river several big fish were shot at night by gar hunters.

The white bass and crappie species no longer exist in adequate numbers in Falcon Lake to constitute a fishery. However, reports of small fingerlings of both these species being seen in cast nets are encouraging and they may both be poised for a rebound.

Launching at Falcon is no problem at this level. The State Park and Zapata County Ramps are both working, as are most of the lodge and RV park ramps. In order to launch in the river, conditions have to be right, so check it out before you make your plans.

In order to legally fish in Mexico , Mexican licenses and boat permits are required for boats that carry fishing equipment into Mexican waters and are available locally from Falcon Lake Tackle in Zapata or by mail (call 956-765-4866 or e-mail lbridgeman@starband.net). Everyone in the boat must have a Mexico fishing license whether fishing or not.

Make your plans now to fish the OPEC Legacy Tournament this October. The forms are being printed now. The lake will be off limits October 18-20. Activities start October 21 and 22 with prefishing and continue through the 23rd and 24th for this two-day tournament. Registration/Calcutta is the evening of the 22nd at the State Park Rec Hall. You must pre-pay and complete a registration form before prefishing (drop off either at the State park or Falcon Lake Tackle). This 11th Annual Tournament is being dedicated to the memory of Jim Murray, so let's make it the best one ever. There has never been a weight of under 30 pounds for six fish win OPEC Heavy Stringer, and it has typically taken over eight pounds to win big bass. If you can only fish one tournament this year, make sure it is OPEC.

For all your tackle and marine supplies, check out the Falcon Lake Tackle On-Line store at www.tackleandrods.com. We have thousands of items listed available for immediate shipping, including a unique selection of hunting and fishing theme gifts. We appreciate receiving orders for tackle from those of you who enjoy reading current condition and fishing reports from Falcon and Northern Mexico lakes.

To post your Falcon fishing reports and view boats for sale or enter a free listing of a boat you have for sale, visit our sister website at www.falconlake.com.

(Larry E. Bridgeman is the owner of Falcon Lake Tackle in Zapata, TX. Visit the Falcon Lake Tackle website at www.tackleandrods.com.)