Morning Catfish Lake Trip Rowlett TX Wild One

Half Day Lake Ray Hubbard Catfish Trip - AM

Captain William's sunrise catfish fishing trip on Lake Ray Hubbard is one of those authentic Texas fishing experiences that gets you back to the basics. At 7:00 AM sharp, you're heading out on his 21-foot Yamaha to chase channel cats and blues in some of the most productive waters around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This isn't just another charter – it's four hours of genuine catfish hunting with a guide who knows every underwater structure, creek channel, and honey hole on this 22,000-acre reservoir. You'll cover serious water, rotate between proven spots, and learn techniques that work consistently on Ray Hubbard's unique fishery.

What to Expect on the Water

Lake Ray Hubbard sits just east of Dallas, and at sunrise, it transforms into something special. The early morning bite is legendary here, especially during summer months when catfish move shallow to feed before the heat sets in. Captain William's approach is methodical – he'll position you over creek channels, around bridge pilings, and near the dam structure where catfish congregate. The 21-foot Yamaha gets you there fast and comfortable, covering miles of water to stay on active fish. You're not stuck in one spot hoping something happens. This is mobile catfishing at its finest, adjusting locations based on what the fish are telling you. The captain provides all tackle, from heavy-action rods to circle hooks and fresh cut bait. Your job is simple: hang on when those big blues decide to make a run.

Techniques That Produce Fish

Ray Hubbard catfishing is all about reading the electronics and understanding seasonal patterns. Captain William runs quality sonar to locate fish holding in 15 to 25 feet of water, typically around submerged timber and creek channel drops. The technique varies by conditions – some days it's drift fishing with cut shad over flats, other mornings it's anchoring tight to structure with live bait. Circle hooks are standard here, making catch and release cleaner while reducing gut-hooked fish. The captain rotates between multiple proven locations during your four hours, from the upper lake creek arms to the main lake points near the dam. When fish are finicky, he'll switch from cut bait to live perch or adjust sinker weights to match current flow. This isn't chuck-and-wait fishing – it's active catfishing where small adjustments make huge differences in your catch rate.

Top Catches This Season

Ray Hubbard consistently produces quality channel catfish in the 2 to 8-pound range, with occasional monsters pushing double digits. The lake's healthy population of blue catfish adds excitement, especially fish in the 10 to 20-pound class that can test your drag system. Spring and early summer are prime time, when catfish move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively in warming water. The diverse forage base – including gizzard shad, threadfin shad, and small bluegill – keeps catfish fat and healthy. Recent trips have produced limits of eating-size channels along with several trophy-class blues. The lake record blue catfish weighed over 60 pounds, though most anglers are thrilled with anything over 15 pounds. What makes Ray Hubbard special is consistency – you're rarely blanked, and there's always potential for that fish of a lifetime lurking in the deeper holes.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Channel catfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and Ray Hubbard grows them thick and healthy. These fish typically run 2 to 6 pounds, with occasional specimens reaching 8 to 10 pounds. Channel cats are most active during dawn and dusk, making this early morning trip perfectly timed. They're aggressive feeders that hit cut bait hard, and their fighting ability pound-for-pound is impressive. What anglers love about channel catfish is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – these are the fish you actually want to take home for dinner.

Blue catfish represent the true trophy potential on Lake Ray Hubbard. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and provide the kind of battles that make your arms ache. Blues prefer deeper water and larger baits, often holding around creek channel bends and submerged timber. They're more selective than channel cats but when they bite, you know it. The lake's population of blues has been steadily improving, with fish in the 10 to 15-pound range becoming increasingly common. What makes blue catfish special is their size potential – every cast could connect with a genuine trophy that'll have you talking for years.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain William's sunrise catfish trips book quickly, especially during peak season from April through October. This four-hour morning adventure gives you the best bite times while avoiding afternoon heat and boat traffic. All tackle and bait are provided, but bring your Texas fishing license, sunscreen, and snacks for the trip. The 21-foot Yamaha accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, making it perfect for family trips or groups of friends. Ray Hubbard's catfish population is healthy and productive, offering consistent action for anglers of all experience levels. Whether you're after a cooler full of eating-size channels or hoping to tangle with a trophy blue catfish, this trip delivers the authentic Texas catfishing experience you're looking for.