Hi all,

Last year we did a 3-day float on the Devil's and loved it. We went on Memorial Day weekend, and it was fairly warm and the river was pretty low in spots. We are looking at going again this spring. The way my vacation time is working out, the best option for me would be mid-March.

Has anyone gone during this time? Is that too early? I don't mind cold temps for camping; I actually prefer it. For water temps though, will the fish be sluggish and slow to bite? Up in N. Texas where I'm at, this would be a tough time to fish, but I don't know about that far south.

Advice would be appreciated!

Can’t help you with any details but we can get some rain then. Be careful of flooding. It can come up really quick. I remember a story on THF or TFF about that happening.

Sluggish fish in North Texas winter? I learned a long time ago from some really good fishermen that is not the case because they are eating often. You’re not going to have much winter success if you use summer tactics.

For example while spider rigging for crappie at about 35 to 40 feet deep on an underwater ledge, the black bass got annoying. Kept catching more black bass than big crappie. This is while watching bass boats troll by beating the bank.

That’s the best time to go!

I backpack in Big Bend that week. It can get plenty warm. They are supposed to open a new section of the park in 2024. I hope to take a guided trip in April if we can get it organized.

I’ve done the Devils and the Pecos

Late March through early May is a good time to go.

River level can still be low but you have a better chance at good river flow in April/May

PM if you want any more details..

You’ll be good to go on Memorial Day. Think we went in April and the fish were biting like crazy.

Try a belly weighted hook with a 3-4” green pumpkin tube.

Caught my PB smallmouth on the devils several years ago.

Had a lot of success with natural color crawfish too.

Mid March should be spawn or at least pre-spawn and the fish very active. If not, target areas near rock/boulders in the shallows as they conduct heat and warm the water near them….I stumbled on that pattern on Amistad several years ago.

Good info everyone!

Sounds like mid-March will work just fine.

I should’ve pointed out that I’ll probably just take the fly rod. Last year I did pretty well, and it’s my preferred method on any river. Crawfish patterns were the ticket.

I’ve been in may, June, and October. Never March.
May get pretty nippy in March overnight.. So be prepared for that. I turtled bad in the yak in October at Indian head falls. Bout an hour before sunset. Clothes got soaked and my sleep bag and most gear got wet. Got down into high 30s or low 40s. Was a long night without any fire. So you may prepare for those conditions, just in case.

Jealous. I’d go every year if I could.

That river is full of Hellgrammites. If you have something in that pattern you should sack them up.