Lake Conroe Fishing Report: September Brings a Change

Cooling water and moving shad should improve bass, crappie, hybrid and catfish action as summer begins to loosen its grip.

By Butch Terpe | Stow-A-Way Marina & RV Park

September brings the first signs of a seasonal change on Lake Conroe. The heat may still linger, but cooler water and moving baitfish should improve the action in the weeks ahead.

Black Bass

Keep an eye on the shad. As they begin moving toward shallower water in the backs of creeks and coves, bass should not be far behind. Early in the morning, work spinnerbaits, plastic worms and topwater lures around boat docks, rocks and mats of grass.

Later in the day, move away from the shallows and concentrate on deeper structure. Pond dams and main-lake points in roughly 8 to 15 feet of water should be productive places to look.

Alyssa holds a memorable catch with the Lake Conroe lighthouse in the background.

Crappie

Crappie action should gradually improve, especially toward the end of the month as water temperatures begin to cool. Minnows and small jigs are good choices along bridge pilings and around submerged brush in 12 to 20 feet of water.

White Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass

Start by trolling Pet Spoons over the tops of main-lake humps and points in 15 to 25 feet of water. Once a school is located, stay with it until the bite begins to slow, then move on and search for another group of fish.

Shrimp, shad and minnows are also dependable baits for white bass and hybrid striped bass.

Andrew points to a strong day’s catch at the cleaning table.

Catfish

Catfish action remained fair through the summer, and it should improve in the weeks ahead. Butch recommends fishing baited holes along creek and river channels in about 15 to 25 feet of water. Dip baits, shrimp and shad are all good choices.

Do not overlook the pilings under the FM 1097 bridge. It is a productive area, and the shade can make it a little more comfortable during the lingering September heat.

The Whellis family gathers around a full cleaning table after a successful outing.

The Month Ahead

September is a transition month. Summer patterns do not disappear overnight, but the first cooler mornings and gradual drop in water temperature can begin moving baitfish and game fish into more active fall patterns. Fish early, watch for shad, and be ready to change depth as the day warms.

Local report supplied by Butch Terpe of Stow-A-Way Marina & RV Park. Photographs supplied to Dock Line Magazine.