Van Alystene and Weston came up about a foot. My guess is that Tom Beam did as well. It usually takes 4 to 5 days after a big rain to see the full impact.  I will find out in a few days and post what I find out.

Anyone got a word on the lake level?  I just booked a trip for February and I sure hope it got some rain or I’ll have trouble getting over that first ridge to the main lake.  I’ve got a friend coming in from Illinois who said he would prefer a chance at size over numbers for the day.  On the Outdoor Channel this morning they had a guy from up north who said…..  “You know….  I want a chance at a fish of a lifetime….  Like an eight and a half pound largemouth bass.”  Oh how spoiled we are! 

Lake came up 10 inches and is about 5 to 6 feet low. The lake is now at a level it was in late November. It will be difficult to get any thing but a small boat across the ridge unless you can pole your way across. I would not recommend a large fiberglass boat at this time. If you have a low draft aluminum boat or buster boat it should be OK. I am not sure of the depth through the channel/ridge but it is probably less than 2 feet.
As you know this is subject to change and change quickly, but the rain we had a couple of weeks ago was a great rain for the farmers, but created very little runoff for our lakes. The good news is that the ground is saturated, so the next rains stand a better chance of creating runoff.

If you are looking for a single big bite I would try Longbranch, Gilmer or San Saba. However, my experience has been, that after catching zero fish or only a few fish, most fisherman just want to catch something. But, many start out with the comment; “I just want to catch one big fish’...and then change their mind by mid day. As you know fishing for that one big bite can be a different way of fishing, which does not always lead to beating the banks to catch numbers of fish, especially in February. If your friends real goal is to catch a fish over 8.5 lbs, which by the way, is still a huge fish, I would make sure you try one or two of the lakes mentioned above. I have caught more than a hundred fish over 7 lbs, but less than 20 fish over 8 lbs. An 8 lb fish is a trophy in my book. There is a huge difference between a 7 lb and 8 lb fish.

Thanks for the update on the water level.  I think my buster should be fine but it’s over 11 feet and really loaded with gear.  I’ll keep my fingers crossed and keep the trip booked.

The only thing keeping me from booking San Saba or Yates is that this one is on my nickel.  My upcoming trip to Longbranch is a special occasion and I can’t wait.  Too many trips of that caliber and I think the wife may blow a gasket.

The reason I’m thinking 9G for my yankee friend is that my first trip there did yield multiple fish over 5 pounds.  To him, that will be a really big fish.  I was also contemplating Julian just because of the number of fish we boated last time but we are after all in the dead of winter so I don’t have my hopes up too high.  I just spent all day Friday on Lake Fork with the best guide on the lake and didn’t get a bite.  That’s just how it goes. 

Thanks again guys.

My least favorite way to fish is a deep sea charter. you troll all day waiting for that one big bite. If you get it there is plenty of excitement for an hour. In all my deep sea adventures I bet I can count on one hand the number of times we caught 5 or more fish and only 3 times that we caught 2 or more marlins in the same trip. Give me numbers and give me Deer Trail, Julian or Northeast. I have more fun catching Bass on ultra light than I ever had deep sea fishing. Plus I never have to fight being sea sick in East Texas.

Julian is an excellent winter lake.  The water is dark and the lake is shallow.  Throw red or white spinners or watermelon or red shad plastics and you will catch them.  We’ve only caught a 6 pounder one time.  But a lot of 2 pounders.  Every time we are coming home on I30 and we pass boats being trailered I say to my partner I bet we caught more fish than them today. 

Just fished Julian on 2-2-13 didn’t catch a fish. I did break my trolling motor prop within first 15min maybe spooked fish or maybe because of recent cool front. I tried everything I could think of. Spinnerbaits chatterbait red rattletraps several colors of senkos Texas rigged worms. Read reports everyone posted guess lakes and fisherman can have bad day I guess had one light strike. Liked property may try again in month or so. Anyone’s insight would be appreciated. Noticed lake was very shallow mostly could vibration from broken prop spook fish I will carry spare prop from now on.

Jay you were throwing all the right stuff.  I don’t think it was your broken prop.  We will have to get a report on the next group that fishes Julian.  Just a question but why didn’t you use the available boat and trolling motor on site.  The lake is shallow but up to now very productive.  The lake isn’t that large so I’m sure you fished the entire lake.  This is a mystery.  I was going to give Julian a try here shortly but now I’ll wait until a good report comes back . 
There once was a fisherman named Jay.
Who went to Julian’s to slay.
The Bass wouldn’t bite.
So he had nothing to fight.
But a single broken prop today.

Jay you were throwing all the right stuff.  I don’t think it was your broken prop.  We will have to get a report on the next group that fishes Julian.  Just a question but why didn’t you use the available boat and trolling motor on site.  The lake is shallow but up to now very productive.  The lake isn’t that large so I’m sure you fished the entire lake.  This is a mystery.  I was going to give Julian a try here shortly but now I’ll wait until a good report comes back . 
There once was a fisherman named Jay.
Who went to Julian’s to slay.
The Bass wouldn’t bite.
So he had nothing to fight.
But a single broken prop today.

I like my boat because has livewell don’t want to mess with stringer when harvesting fish also one of seats had fallen in water on the boat on site and my wife was with me. Cool front probably most of it plus fishing with my wife helping her etc she’s beginner but actually improving each time out just a bad day. I will redeem myself caught a few fish in my lifetime lol. I had a bad day at triple j in ferris last year too only one small one usually get em there also