### 1. THE CALL
The thermal relief and solunar window make today the best shot this week.
BOX BUTTE RESERVOIR – FISHING REPORT
Today, July 13 – Pattern: Western inflow channel catfish on stink bait during the midday solunar window; backup white bass on wind-blown points.
1. THE CALL
Fish the western arm inflow/cove section starting at 11:50 AM with a heavy stink bait or cut bait on a bottom rig. This is the only zone on the lake that combines the coolest water (83°F surface), nutrient-rich sediment, and the day’s best feeding window. If the catfish are slow, switch to a chartreuse/white spinnerbait and work the wind-blown north bank for white bass.
2. WHY IT WINS
- Coolest water on the lake – The thermal analysis shows a 4–5°F drop from the eastern basin (87°F) to the western coves (83°F). At 76°F lake-wide average, fish are seeking thermal relief, and the western arm gives them that plus oxygen from the inflow.
- Channel catfish are peaking – Water temp is 76°F, right in their optimum zone (65–85°F). Species behavior analysis rates them as very active today.
- Solunar + wind alignment – Major feeding period runs 11:50 AM – 2:20 PM. Winds are 17 mph from the south, which will push bait into the western shallows and stir up sediment, triggering catfish and white bass to feed.
- Stained water = vibration/scent bite – The March clarity imagery shows heavy suspended sediment in the western half. Fish must rely on lateral line and smell, so a strong-scented bait or high-vibration lure is non-negotiable.
3. START HERE
Western arm inflow – Drive to the far left (west) end of the reservoir. You’ll see a narrow, shallow section where the water turns tan/green from sediment. The shoreline is irregular with shallow flats. Anchor or drift just inside the first major channel bend where the dirty water meets the darker main-lake water. That seam is the feeding corridor.
Backup spot – If the west end is flat, move to the north bank about halfway down the lake. The 17 mph south wind will hammer that shore, creating a 1–2 mph current and pushing plankton into the rocks. That’s where white bass and walleye will chase.
4. THROW THIS
Primary – Channel catfish
- Bait: Cut shad, chicken liver, or commercial stink bait (e.g., Catfish Charlie).
- Rig: 1/2–3/4 oz slip sinker, size 2/0 circle hook, 18–24” leader.
- Presentation: Cast into the stained water, let it sit on bottom. No movement – just wait. If you’re in a boat, anchor and toss three rods at different angles.
Backup – White bass / mixed predators
- Lure: 3/8 oz white/chartreuse spinnerbait with a Colorado blade (thump for stained water).
- Retrieve: Slow-roll just below the surface, or let it sink and reel steadily.
- If they follow but don’t commit: Downsize to a 1/4 oz vibrating jig (Z-Man ChatterBait in white) and burn it, then kill it. The erratic stop triggers strikes in low-visibility.
5. BEST WINDOW
11:50 AM – 2:20 PM (today’s major solunar).
The hourly analysis gives this window an 85/100 score due to 8–11 mph wind overlap with the moon phase. Be on the water by 11:30 AM to set up. The bite should peak around 12:30–1:30 PM. If you’re fishing tomorrow, the major window shifts to 12:54–3:24 PM – same western spot, same plan.
6. NEXT MOVE
If the inflow is dead after 45 minutes (no bumps, no runs):
- Slide to the wind-blown north bank – halfway down the lake, where the 17 mph south wind is crashing into the steep shore. Pitch a 1/2 oz blue/black jig with a craw trailer into the wave wash. White bass and walleye will be pinned to the rocks, feeding on disoriented shad.
- If that also fails – Go deep. The center-east basin drop-off (dark blue line in satellite imagery) holds 76°F stable water. Drop a 3/8 oz jigging spoon or a deep-diving crankbait (shad pattern) straight down and yo-yo it. This is your last resort for suspended white bass or even a walleye.
Quick adjustment notes:
- Wind spikes above 20 mph: Move to the western coves – they’re protected. Use a 1 oz jig head with a big plastic to punch through the chop.
- Sun overhead / bright: Fish become tight to cover. Switch to a Texas-rigged worm (plum or black) and pitch it into any wood or rock you can find along the western shore.
- Pressure change: Stable now, but if it drops (pre-front), speed up. Throw a 1/2 oz lipless crankbait (red/chartreuse) and burn it across the flats.
Bottom line: Start with catfish on the western inflow, 11:50 AM, stink bait. If that’s slow, pound the wind-blown north bank with a spinnerbait. The thermal relief and solunar window make today the best shot this week.