The Paris News

Invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have been confirmed to have spread from Lake Texoma into the head waters of Lake Lavon, and experts fear they could eventually spread throughout the Red River and Trinity River watersheds.

Zebra mussels multiply rapidly and can block water treatment plant intakes and pipes as well as attach themselves to boats, ropes or anything else left in the water. They can cause declines in fish populations, native mussels and birds. They can also restrict water flow in pipes, foul swimming beaches, damage boat engine cooling systems and cause navigation buoys to sink. The financial cost of controlling and removing zebra mussels from fouled water intake structures can be significant.

Since 2006, there have been five documented cases of zebra mussels being found on boats at Lake Texoma that were trailered in from other states. All five boats were quarantined and cleaned of all mussels prior to being allowed to launch into Lake Texoma. However, April 3 of this year marked the first time that an adult zebra mussel was documented as living in Texas waters. Since that time, additional live specimens have been reported in Lake Texoma and are now believed to be well established.

Basic Fishing Part 2

As you begin to learn to fish, it is important things that you catch fish. Be careful to plan your first few fishing trips to places where you will catch fish. Don’t worry too much, though, because this is easier than you think. For success on your first few trips, target one or two species of fish, such as sunfish or perch, sometimes called bream. I know this may not be like the fish the pros catch on TV, but believe me it is exciting. By choosing bream or sunfish, it is almost a sure thing you will catch fish and numbers of them, too.

Your equipment is simple — a few number 6 or number 8 hooks, light action rob (limber), a few split shot weights, about the size of a BB), a few small bobbers about the size of a nickel or dime and box of live worms. I also recommend a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the hooks from the fish, a hand towel and — most importantly — some snacks.

Once you’re ready, select a place to go. Most of the time, sunfish or perch will be found in 1 to 5 feet of water where shelter or cover is available. Docks, boat ramps, brush or weeds in their depth range are prime areas for these fish.

Targeting these fish accomplishes two things — you gain experience catching fish and you learn some of their habits, which is important, because these fish are also baitfish. Larger fish such as bass and catfish eat these smaller fish and knowing where the baitfish live will aid you when you start bass fishing or catfishing.

Speaking of eating — did I tell you that these bream taste great and, in my book, they rank right at the top of the list for table-fare? Another fact about these fish is there is no limit for size or numbers you can catch or keep.

Some of my best fishing trips as a young angler were bream fishing on Lake Crockett, north of Honey Grove. Once you have been bream fishing a few times, you too will never forget it and maybe, if you are like me, you will enjoy it almost as much as bass fishing. No type of fishing is more simple than bream fishing or as much fun for the entire family.

Next week, we will discuss the second target fish — catfish.

FISHING REPORTS:

Pat Mayse Lake — Lake levels are still good, the water is clear and water temps are low for this time of year. All that means the fish are a little confused, but they are adapting. I feel that from now until winter, fishing is going to get a lot better. We should see some big fish coming in very soon. For now, I recommend staying in the shallows.

Lake Fork — Water levels are above average here, too. The topwater bite is improving; as a matter of fact, it is good right now. When the bite slows or the sun pops out, stay pretty much in the same area, but go to crankbaits (medium to shallow) or soft plastics. I recommend working these baits from the 4 to 17 feet range. Jigs and minnows are working on the crappie under and around the bridges or columns.

Caddo Lake — Water levels are above normal here also, and the fishing has been excellent. Watermelon flukes, chartruese/white chatterbait, shad-colored shallow running crankbaits (square-bill), Yellow Magics (topwater) and plastic frogs have all been producing numbers of bass. Crappie have been slow, but sandies have been good on Tooster Tails and Road Runner jigs. Bream are excellent on red wigglers (live worms) and live crickets.

Most of our area lakes are above normal levels for this time of year, because of the recent rainfall and run-offs. Now that we are having cooler weather, this has kept the bass — and most fish — shallower than normal, so whatever fish you are after, think shallow. Next month the temps should drop into the fall temps and you can bet your best spinnerbait the fish will be getting ready for the pre-winter feed.

Fish smart, be safe and I’ll see you in the lake.

Jim Blassingame is a Paris resident and an avid angler.

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