January Lake Livingston Fishing Report

Well, I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I am new to writing the Honey Hole fishing reports and will do my best to help you put more fish in your boat on Lake Livingston. I asked Debra Dean if I could write this report because Lake Livingston is one of my favorite lakes to fish. I love the shallow water fishing pattern and the number of bass that can be caught here.

In January, the water temperature should be in the 50’s for the most part. The colder water should drive these fish a little deeper and slow their metabolism. The water is usually muddy at this time of year, so it will take several casts and a slow presentation to get these fish to bite. A good choice of baits this time of year would be a Strike King 3/8 ounce black/blue or black/chartreuse jig tipped with a matching pork trailer. Bass seem to like a pork trailer better in the colder water and will hold it longer. The pork also gives the bait more buoyancy and bulk. This will help slow the fall of the bait. If you are fishing behind someone or the fish won’t hit a jig try flipping a black/blue or black neon tube with a 3/16-ounce weight. I like to fish these baits on a Castaway HG40 Jig Worm Rod.

Another good bait to use this time of year is a slow rolled spinnerbait with a pork trailer. When the sun warms the water in the afternoons and also, towards the end of the month you will be able to work this bait a little faster. I prefer a Strike King 3/8 ounce spinnerbait with double Colorado blades on Livingston. I throw this bait on a Castaway SB3 Spinnerbait Rod. Colors to use are chartreuse for muddy water, chartreuse and white in stained water and white for clear water. If the water isn’t to muddy a good place to start would probably be in the creeks north of the Hwy 190 bridge.

The north end is shallower than the south end and the water tends to warm more quickly here. Some good creeks to try up north will be White Rock, Palmetto and Carolina. Mid lake creeks to try would be Penwaugh Slough and Kickapoo. On the south end try Indian Creek. I would start near the mouths of these creeks in about 5-6 feet of water and work my way to the back of the creek focusing on standing timber and lay downs in the creek channels. Make sure you fish the creek bends really well as sometimes the fish will stack up there and you can catch several out of one spot.

Make sure you are very careful of the many stumps while running this lake and dress very warmly. Wear your life jacket at all times if possible. I wear a Sospenders Inflatable life vest that is very light, comfortable and easy to fish in. For your safety let someone know where you will be fishing and when you will be back. The Boat Show starts this month and I will be working at the new Reliant Center January 3^rd through the 12^th you can find me either at the Skeeter Boats or Castaway Rods booth. Stop by if you have a chance and say “Hello”. If would like additional information on the lake or would like to book a fishing trip please call me at 713-254-7594 or E-mail Abasspro2000@aol.com.