Texas Fish Report

Water levels are down and weeds are up, but fishing remains decent. Due to lowering water, the Narciss boat ramp is not easily navigable. Fishing is still fair to good in the collection ditch for rainbow trout and tiger trout, with a few brown trout also being picked up. Fly anglers are reporting success with trout on nymphs like the copper john and gold-ribbed hare’s ear, or your favorite dry fly pattern. Small, flashy spinners like Panther Martins are the go-to for spin anglers.

The bass bite is still on. Brown Dike and Unit 21 have been producing fair to good fishing for bass, with 8-12 smalls per keeper. Keeper size fish are averaging 12 inches.

Special Regulations: Artificial lures only in the collection ditch. No wading allowed in the collection ditch. Chumming is prohibited. It is unlawful to clean or fillet fish within the boundaries of the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The possession or use of live or dead bait fish (including crayfish and amphibians) is prohibited anywhere on the refuge. The Gallagher Hatchery rearing, brood and spring ponds, and Cave Creek on the west side of the County Road are closed to fishing.

Boating Regulations: August 1 – December 31:  motorless watercraft and boats propelled with motors 10 hp or less are permitted in the South Marsh. Please be aware that you are responsible for your own safety. Ruby Lake marsh is a maze of channels, islands, and heavy vegetation. Also, many of the channel markers are missing. Do not proceed unless you have a GPS unit and know how to use it or you are very experienced in this particular marsh. Boats on trailers may be launched only at the Main Boat Landing and Narciss Boat Landing. Canoes or cartop boats may be launched ONLY at the Main Boat Landing, Narciss Boat Landing, Gravel Pit Pond, and Brown Dike. Boats may be stored at the Main Boat Landing, Narciss Boat Landing, Gravel Pit Pond and Brown Dike from June 1 through December 31. Trailers may not be stored on the refuge. Please also refer to the refuge website for additional boating regulations.