Bill Lowen is fishing in his fourth Bassmaster Classic. His second Classic was here on the Red River in 2009. After one day of practice, the differences between then and now are rather stark.
"The water is a lot dirtier, and the water is colder," said the North Bend, Ohio, resident. "The warmest water I found today was about 55 degrees. I want to say it was about 60 degrees during practice (in 2009)."
However, Lowen isn't discouraged about the present conditions in the Red River near Shreveport-Bossier City.
"It doesn't look like there are any more major weather (cold) fronts coming through here in the next 10 days," Lowen said. "I think fishing is going to do nothing but get better."
Lowen finished 23rd in 2009 with 36 pounds, 11 ounces.