Water temps at Black Butte have climbed into the 80s, water levels are dropping, and the lake is in full summer mode. With the heat, mornings and late evenings are your best bet right now... especially for bass. Bright-colored crankbaits ripped near steep banks and hard structure are producing excellent action, particularly in stained water. In clearer areas, dropshots and Senkos are out-fishing everything else. Bass are looking healthy, most with nice bellies.

Catfish anglers doing well too. Big cats are coming off rip-rap shorelines on long casts through midday, with garlic shrimp and chicken livers. Crappie reports are thin so far, but a handful of photos circulating this month show slabs in the 2–3 lb range.