Texas Rig Fishing on Squaw Creek Reservoir
Squaw Creek Reservoir · Texas · South Central
This unique Texas fishery is characterized by its consistent warm water temperatures, maintained by the adjacent power plant. It features a diverse mix of structure, including submerged timber, rock ledges, humps, and extensive hydrilla beds, all contributing to an active bass population even through colder months.
A bullet sinker slides freely on the line ahead of a wide-gap hook with a weedless-rigged soft plastic. The rig is completely snag-resistant, making it the go-to choice for grass, timber, and heavy cover. Works with virtually any soft plastic — worms, craws, creatures, lizards.
Texas Rig Setup for Squaw Creek Reservoir
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 or faster baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon or 30–50 lb braid in heavy cover |
| Weight | 3/16–1/2 oz tungsten bullet weight (peg it in heavy cover) |
| Hook | 3/0–5/0 EWG wide gap hook sized to plastic |
Seasonal Tactics on Squaw Creek Reservoir
Lake: The stable warm water triggers an earlier and often prolonged spawn, with bass frequenting shallow hydrilla and riprap in 3-8 feet of water. Spinnerbaits and soft plastics are effective.
Texas Rig: Slow drag through spawning flats and around beds. Lizards and creature baits in crawfish colors.
Lake: Unlike most Texas lakes where bass move ultra-deep, Squaw Creek's warm water keeps fish active in 10-25 feet on main lake humps, ledges, and deep grass lines. Deep diving crankbaits and heavy Texas rigs are productive.
Texas Rig: Pitch into shade — docks, mats, and laydowns. Pegged weight for matted grass punching.
Lake: Bass follow migrating shad in the warmer water, often schooling in open water or along creek channels. Topwater baits, jerkbaits, and swimbaits become highly effective during this period.
Texas Rig: Cover water quickly on points and along weed lines. Faster retrieve with a reaction element.
Lake: The thermal discharge areas maintain water temperatures in the 60s, keeping bass active and aggressive. Lipless crankbaits, ChatterBaits, and jigs fished around warm water discharges and submerged timber produce bites.
Texas Rig: Slow drag on deep structure, 15–30 feet. Finesse Texas rig with 1/4 oz and 6" worm.
Best Conditions
Heavy cover — grass, timber, laydowns, docks; murky to stained water; any season; pre-spawn and post-spawn periods
Peg the weight with a rubber toothpick when fishing grass. A sliding weight catches weeds; a pegged weight punches through clean.
More Techniques for Squaw Creek Reservoir
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