Houston, Texas

What's biting

• Largemouth Bass

  Where: Bayous, reservoirs, and canal systems throughout the metro area; structure-heavy spots like fallen timber and hyacinth mats.

  Early fall transition means bass are moving from deep summer haunts to shallower feeding zones. Work topwater early morning and late evening, or throw soft plastics (4–5 inch worms, creature baits) around structure in 1–2 m (3–6 ft) of water. Cloudy conditions this week favor all-day shallow presentations.

  Caution: Watch for submerged cypress knees and stumps that can snag lures.

• Catfish (Channel & Blue)

  Where: Main bayou channels, deeper holes in Buffalo Bayou, Brazos River, and San Jacinto River; also reservoirs like Lake Houston.

  Catfish feed aggressively in warm water; use cut mullet, chicken liver, or stink baits fished on the bottom in 2–4 m (6–13 ft). The incoming rain on Sept 8 will stir up the bayous and trigger feeding—fish the first 24 hours after the front passes.

  Caution: Catfish spines are venomous; handle with care and use a wet rag to grip safely.

• Spotted Seatrout

  Where: Galveston Bay system and coastal bays within 30 km (19 mi) of Houston; shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds.

  Early fall cooling (still 25–32°C / 77–90°F this week) keeps trout in shallow water. Fish dawn and dusk with small shrimp patterns (3–4 inch soft plastics) or live shrimp under a popping cork in 0.5–1.5 m (1.5–5 ft). Waning crescent moon means lower light—excellent for sight-casting.

  Caution: Oyster shells cut line and hands; wear gloves and use 20 lb (9 kg) fluorocarbon leader.

• Redfish (Red Drum)

  Where: Galveston Bay flats, marsh edges, and tidal creeks; also found in upper bayous near freshwater influence.

  Reds hunt in shallow water year-round; sight-cast to tailing fish in 0.3–1 m (1–3 ft) with live mullet or shrimp, or blind-cast topwater along marsh grass at dawn. Incoming rain will push fresh water and baitfish—fish the bayou mouths and tidal transitions.

  Caution: Redfish are strong; use 12–15 lb (5–7 kg) test minimum and keep drag set loose to avoid break-offs.

• Crappie (Black & White)

  Where: Reservoirs (Lake Houston, Lake Conroe) and deeper bayou holes; structure-rich areas with fallen trees and brush.

  Crappie are still deep in the heat; fish 3–5 m (10–16 ft) around submerged timber with small jigs (1/8–1/4 oz) tipped with live minnows or soft plastics. Early morning and late evening produce best; the waning moon means less light penetration, so fish slightly shallower than mid-summer.

  Caution: Crappie are delicate; use light tackle (4–6 lb / 2–3 kg test) and handle gently if catch-and-release.