LAKE CONROE LAKE REPORT

Lake Conroe Facts and Fiction

updates regarding the San Jacinto River Authority's activities on Lake Conroe.

First the FICTION:

There has been a rumor circulating that the San Jacinto River Authority intends to lower the normal pool elevation of Lake Conroe from 201' MSL to 199' MSL. This is completely false. When I first heard this rumor, I thought it was so illogical that it wouldn't gain any traction or credibility, but it has been surprisingly persistent. So let me be clear: There have been no plans, discussions, or thoughts of lowering the normal pool elevation of Lake Conroe. In fact, it would be entirely counter-productive from every possible perspective, including water storage and supply. The whole purpose of a water supply reservoir is to keep it as full as possible as much of the time as possible so that you can make it through prolonged droughts. Please spread the word that this rumor is untrue.

Another rumor that has circulated recently claimed that the SJRA has been releasing water either for sale to downstream customers or to intentionally keep the lake level below 199' MSL. Again, these statements are completely false. There have been no releases of water from the dam since the releases to the City of Houston ended back on November 30, 2011. Since that time, the lake level has simply risen and fallen in response to rainfall and evaporation. There is no logical reason why the SJRA would want to keep the lake level artificially low.

Now for a few FACTS:

Lake Conroe hit a new record low lake level (192.68' MSL) back on December 2, 2011, after almost two years of record breaking drought. Since that time, with rainfall amounts at Lake Conroe still being slightly below average for 2012, the lake has risen over 6 feet to as high as 199' MSL. However, we have still not made it back to full. In late-June and early-July, there were a couple of major rainfall events that resulted in flooding in southern Montgomery County and parts of Harris County. Many people questioned why Lake Conroe had not filled during these major rains. The simple answer is that there just wasn't enough rainfall in the RIGHT LOCATIONS. In order for rainfall to impact the level of Lake Conroe, it has to fall in Lake Conroe's watershed. Lake Conroe's watershed is located almost entirely north of the Lake Conroe dam, and most of the heavy rain and flooding during June and July occurred in Harris County and southern Montgomery County.

The good news is that the current US Seasonal Drought Outlook predicts no drought conditions for our area for the next few months. Going into the fall rainy season, we are in a good position to see continued improvement in lake level.

Recent construction activity on the lake:

You may have noticed several cranes being assembled at the west end of the Lake Conroe dam over the past few weeks. These cranes are part of the construction project to build a surface water treatment plant at Lake Conroe. Two barges have been constructed, and two of the cranes will operate from the barges to construct a raw water intake structure. The other two cranes will remain on land to off-load material and equipment from the barges. The actual on-the-water construction will all take place within the restricted area indicated by warning buoys along the dam. For more information about the treatment plant construction, including a video animation of the plant, please visit our GRP Division's website atwww.sjra.net/grp.

San Jacinto River Authority
PO Box 329

Conroe, TX 77305
(936) 588-1111
(936) 588-3043 fax

ROOKIES OF THE YEAR SQUARE OFF ON LAKE CONROE

When the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Lake Conroe kicks off on Friday morning, two young competitors will be looking to make a splash after recording successful rookie campaigns on the Walmart FLW Tour and Bassmaster Elite Series.

Montevallo, Alabama’s Clent Davis earned the 2012 FLW Tour Rookie Of the Year title with a 14th place finish in the FLW Tour Angler Of the Year standings, and Caryville, Tennessee’s Brandon Card took the 2012 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie Of the Year title with a 22nd place finish in the Bassmaster Elite Series Toyota Tundra Angler Of the Year (TTAOY) standings.

There are marked similarities between Davis and Card, but the two Rookies Of the Year have never met in person. Aside from the fact that each angler earned the ROY title on their respective tour, both are 26 years old and fished at the collegiate level. Click Here For More on Davis and Card

TOYOTA TEXAS BASS CLASSIC FIELD PREVIEW

A star-studded field of the 50 best bass fishermen in the world are practicing hard here right now for the World Championship that starts this Friday. FLW pro Dave Lefebre was crowned the TTBC champion here in 2009. The past champ caught a nine-pounder during practice here on Monday along with three other good ones.

Bassmaster Elite pro Brian Snowden, another past TTBC champion, has qualified for and fished in every TTBC event since the first in 2007 on Lake Fork. Brian won the TTBC on Conroe in 2010. He knows Lake Conroe well, having spent a lot of time here. "After a rough year on the Elite tour, I am excited to be here," says Snowden who worked hard to qualify for the TTBC this year through the PAA series. "Doing well on Conroe would be a big deal for me to finish up the year strong," hopes Snowden. "I've had some good quality fish so far in practice. It is hard to get them to bite, but when is it ever easy?"

The defending champion, Elite pro Keith Combs won the TTBC here in 2011. He has a lot of experience on Conroe and other tournament waters around Texas. His practice has been extremely tough so far. Interestingly, Keith's staying out of some the holes where he caught the big fish to win in 2011. Combs says, I don't want to get burned fishing on memories. It would be so tempting to go out and try to do the same thing, fish the same places I did last year." Click here for more on the TTBC field

Houston Rockets Coach to Judge in BBQ Cook-Off

Other activities include Toyota Ride and Drive, BBQ Cook-Off and Live Music

For three years, the Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) has brought the best anglers, biggest country music stars and most exciting family fun to Conroe, and this year is no different. TTBC tournament officials are excited to announce that Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale will make an appearance at the tournament. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic will take place Sept. 28-30 at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center in Conroe.

New this year to the Toyota Texas Bass Classic is the BBQ Championship Cook-off, where teams will compete for four different categories – Chicken, Brisket, Ribs and People’s Choice, with fans voting on the People’s Choice winner. Judges will officiate in the other categories, and Coach McHale will serve as a brisket judge. After judging the competition, McHale will be available for media questions. Coach McHale won’t be the only Rockets member on hand. Members of the Rockets Power Dancers and Clutch, the mascot, will be at the expo throughout the day, interacting with fans and signing autographs.

Reliant Energy Outdoor Adventures Area - The Reliant Energy Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Adventures Area features kid-friendly activities that emphasize the TPWD’s youth fishing programs. Activities include a rock climbing wall, archery, kids casting challenge and a host of outdoor-themed educational and interactive exhibits

Sam’s Club Kids’ Zone – There are plenty of great activities for kids at TTBC. New this year in the Sam’s Club Kids’ Zone are inflatable activities, like an obstacle course, a Velcro wall, a human Hamster Ball and mechanical bull.

Angler Demonstrations - The best anglers in the world aren't only competing at the TTBC – they're teaching, too. Pro anglers will be giving out tips and techniques all weekend at the Academy Sports + Outdoors area. Work on your angling skills while talking to your favorite anglers! Skeet Reese, who finished 11th in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, will be out at the Berkley Fishing expo booth on Saturday, September 29.

Toyota Drive Center - Get up-close and personal with various Toyota makes and models at the Toyota Drive Center. The hands-on driving experience will give you the opportunity to see all that Toyota vehicles have to offer in durability, safety and quality while enjoying the unique off-road course.

Local Artists - Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan and Jake Owen aren't the only entertainers to hit the stage at TTBC! The entire weekend will be filled with music, with local artists performing during the day at the Milwaukee Tools Expo Stage located in the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Expo. Houston-based band Southern Slang will perform at 4:00 p.m. on the Main Stage. Formed in 2010, Southern Slang plays a mix of classic and southern rock and blues. They recently won the Houston Business Journal Battle of the Business Bands. Other bands include The Coleman Brothers on Friday Sept. 28, Jeremy Lamont on Saturday, Sept. 29 and the Buck Yeager Band closing out the weekend on Sunday, Sept. 30.

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. Other sponsors include: Ricoh, ATX Wheels, Coca-Cola, TXU and U.S. Reel. Corporate partnership opportunities are available for 2012. For additional information, visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com.

Limited quantities of free tickets are available this year to the three-day outdoor music festival and professional bass fishing world championship. Fans can obtain free tickets online now at toyotatexasbassclassic.com, while supplies last. Tickets are available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday individually. Fans can also pick up TTBC tickets at any Toyota dealership or Academy Sports + Outdoors location in the greater Houston area. Walk-up tickets the day of the event will require a donation towards the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and all days are subject to sell out.

The daily tickets are valid for admission into the festival grounds for angler weigh-ins and the concert on that particular day. All activities, including concerts, weigh-ins, Reliant Outdoor Adventures Area and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Expo will take place at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center’s festival grounds in Conroe. Concert headliners include Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan and Jake Owen.

Final Field for the Toyota Texas Bass Classic Set

Former champion Snowden and Texas Fishing Legend Clunn among field highlights

With the Professional Anglers Association Angler of the Year race over, Toyota Texas Bass Classic tournament officials are proud to release the final field. The final group of qualifiers comes from the 2012 Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series Presented by Carrot Stix Angler of the Year race, along with four sponsor exemptions. Notable contenders include Angler of the Year Gary Clouse and 2010 TTTBC Champion Brian Snowden. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic will take place Sept. 28-30 at the Lone Star Convention & Expo in Conroe.

“We have a strong mix of former champions, fishing legends and up-and-comers,” Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur said. “It’s going to be a very exciting World Championship. In addition to, we’re providing fans with a weekend full of free family entertainment, and it’ll be a great time”

PAA Angler of the Year Gary Clouse competed in all four tournaments in the Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series this year, with his best finish at the PAA Tour Team Challenge at Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Fla., coming in second place. Brian Snowden, the 2010 TTBC Champion, is looking for his first victory of the season, with his highest finish of the year seventh at the PAA Tour Team Challenge.

Toyota angler Mike Iaconelli declined the sponsor exemption, with his wife due to give birth soon. Takahiro Omori will take his place. The other sponsor exemptions are Gerald Swindle, Kelly Jordon and Rick Clunn. Clunn grew up in Texas and spent a large amount of time around Lake Conroe, also serving as a guide on Lake Conroe. He is a Legends member of the PAA and has won four Bassmaster Classic titles throughout his storied career.

Swindle, a Toyota Angler, Omori and Jordon are TTBC veterans. Omori, who has competed at every Toyota Texas Bass Classic, saw his best finish in 2010, when he finished third. Toyota Pro Team member, Swindle finished tied for 21st last year and 25th in 2010. In 2008, Jordon’s team won the TTBC, and he finished ninth in 2009.

Other field updates: Jay Yelas, the 2002 & 2007 FLW Angler of the Year, 2003 Bassmaster Angler of the Year and 2002 Bassmaster Classic champion will replace Andy Morgan. Brandon Card, the 2012 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year, will replace Dean Rojas. In his rookie season, Card finished 22nd in the Angler of the Year Race, and bested the next rookie by 20 points.

Steve Kennedy, Mark Rose, Greg Vinson, Mike McClelland, Gary Yamamoto, Matt Reed, Russ Lane, Mark Menendez, David Hendrick, Keith Caka, Guy Eaker, Sr., Harold Allen and Fred Roumbanis are the remaining qualifiers from the PAA Tournament Series.

Defending Champion:

KEITH COMBS

HUNTINGTON, TX

Walmart FLW Tour:

DAVID DUDLEY	LYNCHBURG, VA
JACOB POWROZNIK	PRINCE GEORGE, VA
RON SHUFFIELD	BISMARCK, AR
JIM MOYNAGH	CARVER, MN
CODY MEYER	AUBURN, CAR
LUKE CLAUSEN	SPOKANE, WA
BRYAN THRIFT	SHELBY, NC
JT KENNEY	PALM BAY, FL
MATT AREY	SHELBY, NC
DAVE LEFEBRE	ERIE, PA
CLIFFORD PIRCH	PAYSON, AZ
WESLEY STRADER	SPRING CITY, TN
CLENT DAVIS	MONTEVALLO, AL
JIM TUTT	LONGVIEW, TX
JAY YELAS	CORVALLIS, OR

Bassmaster Elite Series:

OTT DEFOE	KNOXVILLE, TN
TERRY SCROGGINS	SAN MATEO, FL
TODD FAIRCLOTH	JASPER, TX
RANDY HOWELL	SPRINGVILLE, AL
MATT HERREN	TRUSSVILLE, AL
EDWIN EVERS	TALALA, OK
BILL LOWEN	BROOKVILLE, IN
AARON MARTENS	LEEDS, AL
BOBBY LANE	LAKELAND, FL
GREG HACKNEY	GONZALES, LA
CHRIS LANE	GUNTERSVILLE, AL
DAVID WALKER	SEVIERVILLE, TN
CLIFF PACE	PETAL, MS
JOHN CREWS	SALEM, VA
BRANDON CARD	CARYVILLE, TN

Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series:

GARY CLOUSE	LAVERGNE, TN
STEVE KENNEDY	AUBURN, AL
MARK ROSE	WEST MEMPHIS, AR
GREG VINSON	WETUMPKA, AL
MIKE MCCLELLAND	BELLA VISTA, AR
GARY YAMAMOTE	PALESTINE, TX
MATT REED	MADISIONVILLE, TX
RUSS LANE	PRATTVILLE, AL
MARK MENENDEZ	PADUCAH, KY
DAVID HENDRICK	CHERRYVILLE, NC
KEITH CAKA	MONTGOMERY, TX
GUY EAKER, SR.	CHERRYVILLE, NC
HAROLD ALLEN	SHELBYVILLE, TX
BRIAN SNOWDEN	REEDS SPRING, MO
FRED ROUMBANIS	BIXBY, OK

Sponsor Exemptions:

GERALD SWINDLE	WARRIOR, AL
KELLY JORDON	MINEOLA, TX
RICK CLUNN	AVA, MO
TAKAHIRO OMORI	EMORY, TX

Toyota Texas Bass Classic 2012 schedule

FRIDAY, SEPT. 28	*1st Round (50 anglers)*
7:00 a.m.	Boat Launch Free and Open to the Public Waterpoint Plaza on Lake Conroe 15256 Highway 105W (between County Line BBQ and SAM’S Boat)
2:00 p.m.	Event Gates Open (Ticket Required) Lone Star Convention & Expo Center Sponsor Expo & Reliant Energy Outdoor Adventures Area open
6:00 p.m.	Angler Weigh-in and Live Concert headlining Dierks Bentley Lone Star Convention & Expo Center

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29	*2nd Round (50 anglers)*
7:00 a.m.	Boat Launch Free and Open to the Public Waterpoint Plaza on Lake Conroe 15256 Highway 105W (between County Line BBQ and SAM’S Boat)
12:00 p.m.	Event Gates Open (Ticket Required) Lone Star Convention & Expo Center Sponsor Expo & Reliant Energy Outdoor Adventures Area open
3:00 p.m.	People's Choice Award, public BBQ tasting and judging (limited quantity) Live concert with Southern Slang Lone Star Convention & Expo Center
6:00 p.m.	Angler Weigh-in and Live Concert headlining Gary Allan Lone Star Convention & Expo Center Field cut to final 10 anglers


SUNDAY, SEPT. 30	*Final Round (10 anglers)*
7:00 a.m.	Boat Launch Free and Open to the Public Waterpoint Plaza on Lake Conroe 15256 Highway 105W (between County Line BBQ and SAM’S Boat)
12:00 p.m.	Event Gates Open (Ticket Required) Lone Star Convention & Expo Center Sponsor Expo & Reliant Energy Outdoor Adventures Area open
4:00 p.m.	Angler Weigh-in & Awards Ceremony, Live Concert headling Jake Owen Lone Star Convention & Expo Center

$100,000 Up For Grabs at Lake Conroe

$100,000 Up For Grabs in Toyota Texas Bass Classic ShareLunker Club Tournament
Participants Will Compete for $100,000 prize at Lake Conroe

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) is proud to welcome back the ShareLunker Club Tournament (SCT) on Lake Conroe, Oct. 1 – 21, 2012. Once again, members will have the opportunity to compete for $100,000, and this year, participants will also be competing against the world’s top anglers.

To participate in the tournament, anglers will need to first register and become a SCT member, and then fish on Lake Conroe between Oct. 1 – 21, 2012 (the “Tournament Period”). A $100 fee is required to become a member and only pre-registered members will be eligible for the $100,000 prize. The member that catches the largest Toyota ShareLunker from Lake Conroe during the Tournament Period will win a cash prize of $100,000. A portion of the program proceeds will benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s youth outreach programs.

A new component has been added to this year’s tournament, adding more competition to the field of anglers. Professionals fishing in the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, Sept. 28-30, 2012, will be able to participate in the ShareLunker Club Tournament (during TTBC official rounds only). In order to be eligible, they will also need to pay the $100 fee to become an SCT member.

“The ShareLunker Club Tournament is a great way for anglers of all skill levels to reel in a fish (& payday) of a lifetime!” said Toyota Texas Bass Classic Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur. “We know there are $100,000 fish swimming around in Lake Conroe and someone’s life could change in just one cast. It’s going to be an exciting Tournament.”

A Toyota ShareLunker, as defined by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is considered any legally-caught largemouth bass that weighs over 13.00 pounds and is accepted into Toyota ShareLunker Program. The contest will be limited to the first 1,000 anglers signed up and anyone who signs up after Sept. 29 will be subject to a 48-hour grace period before they are eligible to participate. Visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com to download a registration form and submit the membership fee. Additionally, interested anglers can sign up at Stow A Way Marina & RV Park, located on Lake Conroe at 13988 Calvary Rd, Willis, TX 77318.

The ShareLunker Club Tournament is the perfect way to cap-off the Toyota Texas Bass Classic and continue the excitement from the event, which will be held on Lake Conroe, Sept. 28-30. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic will feature 50 of the best professional anglers in the world along with three days of concerts and expos, with the anglers battling it out to claim the title of the world’s best.

The 2012 SCT will kick off the annual Toyota ShareLunker Program across the state of Texas. The Toyota ShareLunker Program runs Oct. 1 through April 30 with the mission of promoting the catch-and-release of large fish and selectively breeding trophy largemouth bass.

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