Some general guidelines for Fayette County Lake.

There are two public launch spots on Fayette County Lake, both of which are located just off Hwy 159. There are signs clearly marking the entrance to the parks for each. If we are facing typical PACK outing winds, the most protected of the two ramps is at Oak Thicket Park (N 29-56'29"W 96-43'39"). This location should work well for SE winds and will most likely be Plan A launch spot. There are a number of coves, submerged grass beds, and timber to fish from this launch. Most of the boat traffic launching here will run across the lake to the power plant discharge and may leave this area less crowded. If we are lucky enough to have very light winds, and the fog is not too thick, we have the option to also launch at Park Prairie Park. If winds are from the NW, this would be a good location as there are protected coves within easy paddle.

As this is a power plant cooling facility the water will be warmer than other lakes. In winter, grass is the primary cover used by bass. This time of year, running spinner baits or crank baits along the grass edges, or just above the tops of the grass may entice strikes. Topwaters early may also bring fish up out of their grass beds. Later in the day, carolina rigged or wacky worms are good strategies. The stand-by Texas rigged worm is always an option. On cloudy days, red rattletraps can be effective and gold colored baits are good on bright days. Watermelon colored worms and red/green combinations seem to be effective on this lake. My best results have been slowing working carolina rigged worms of the points in 10-15 feet of water, or just letting a wacky worm sit on the grass. Often you wont feel the bite, the bait will just start swimming away, so watch you line carefully as the bite can be subtle this time of year.

There are also fairly good numbers of catfish in the lake, as well as sunfish and tilapia. I've never fished for those species, but I'm sure those interested and having experience fishing for cats or panfish could do well.

I plan on being at Oak Thicket boat ramp before daylight. My cell phone is 281-687-1480. I will have lake maps with me and be glad to share information prior to a dawn launch, fog permitting. I will post weather related updates to the PACK forums if cancellation due to weather appears to be a possibility. I will most likely fish until early afternoon and head back to Houston before dark.

If anyone wants a little longer trip, if you can score one of the cabins or screened shelters, they are generally well kept and this is a very nice camping destination. Spaces are limited so I'd call ahead for availability. There are some bed and breakfast acommodations in the town of Fayetteville for anyone wanting an overnight stay.

ONE WORD OF CAUTION, THIS LAKE IS REGULARLY PATROLLED BY TPWD. BE SURE OF THE SLOT LIMIT ON BASS AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE FOLLOWING THE NECESSARY RULES FOR SAFETY GEAR. THAT WOULD INCLUDE WEARING YOUR PFD, HAVE A SAFETY WHISTLE OR OTHER SOUND DEVICE, AND UP TO DATE FISHING LICENSE. IF YOU ARE ON THE WATER BEFORE DAYLIGHT, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER LIGHT FOR NIGHT BOATING.

ITS A LITTLE DIFFERENT PADDLING AND FISHING IN WATER 10-20 FEET DEEP OR DEEPER. IF YOU HAVE PADDLE FLOATS AND RESCUE GEAR FOR YOUR YAK, BRING IT AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT. IF YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCED AT DEEP WATER REENTRY, BE SURE YOU FISH WITH A BUDDY WHO IS AND IF YOU FALL OUT OF YOUR YAK, WAIT FOR HELP. ITS A LOT EASIER TO REENTER WITH A HELPER.

I look forward to seeing all of you bass hunters Saturday Dec 13.

Ron

CLICK THIS LINK FOR PICTURES OF THE CABINS  www.fayettecountybassfishing.com/Cabins_Camping/cabins_camping.html

FEES

 Entry Fee To Park Per Day:
$4.00 Per Adult (14 or older)
$3.00 Per Senior (65 or older)

Improved Camping or RV Sites:
30 AMP Electric Hook-Ups $16.00 Per Night
50 AMP Electric Hook-Ups $17.00 Per Night

Screened Shelters $33.00 + tax Per Night

Efficiency Cozy Cabins $94.00+ tax Per Night

1 Bedroom with Full Kitchen & Bath $125.00 + tax Per Night
2 Bedroom with Full Kitchen & Bath $157.00 + tax Per Night
Bunkhouse with Full Kitchen & Bath $169.00 + tax Per Night.