Fishing Sam Rayburn Reservoir

AKA: Sam Rayburn Lake

Most Popular Fish
Sam Rayburn Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Sam Rayburn Reservoir, TX

Popular Fish Species Sam Rayburn Reservoir, TX

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

As a popular bass fishing tournament lake, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is home to local, state and national bass fishing tournaments. Both weekend and tournament anglers have been catching bass in good numbers, and fish over 4 pounds are not uncommon. The lake record largemouth is over 16 pounds. Anglers can also catch spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Fishing for largemouth bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being caught. In Sam Rayburn Reservoir, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Decades of careful fisheries management by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery here.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Popular Fish - Crappie

Crappie Fishing

Sam Rayburn Reservoir is home to both black and white crappie, with white crappie the more dominant species. When fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. With a history of good crappie fishing, Sam Rayburn Reservoir continues to deliver good quantities of nice, fat slabs. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Popular Fish - Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish Fishing

Blue catfish are running big in Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The lake record blue catfish is over 80 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. Blue catfish are primarily found in large rivers, along the main channels, in and around tributaries flowing into impoundments of major river systems. They tend to move upstream in the summer in search of cooler temperatures, and downstream in the winter in order to find warmer water.The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Channel and flathead catfish are also available here for anglers to pursue.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, hybrid striped bass, alligator gar, bowfin, longnose gar and spotted gar at Sam Rayburn Lake in East Texas.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Fishing Video

Known for exceptional largemouth bass fishing, Sam Rayburn Reservoir (Lake Sam Rayburn, Sam Rayburn Lake) is a 115,000-acre lake in the east-central part of the state, at Broaddus. Over 740 miles of shoreline invite anglers to fish for bass, crappie, catfish, hybrid stripers, white bass, gar, bowfin and several species of sunfish.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir, located in East Texas, is a legendary destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable angling experience. The reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from across the country. Largemouth bass is the prized target for many fishermen at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. With its submerged structure, grassy areas, and abundant cover, the reservoir provides an ideal habitat for bass, making it a favored spot for bass fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can also target other popular species such as crappie, catfish, and sunfish, ensuring a diverse and thrilling fishing adventure.

The lake is virtually surrounded by parks and campgrounds, most of which allow access to the shoreline for fishing from the bank. Big and small boats are welcome here. For launching of pleasure boats, ski boats, sailboats, pontoons, jet skis, bass boats and other fishing boats there are more than twenty boat launch ramps scattered around the lake. Fishing for bass, crappie and catfish is popular year round. Spring, and again in Fall, is a good time to chase white bass and hybrid stripers. Bluegill and other sunfish are plentiful which makes for good fishing opportunities for beginners - summer is the best time. Aquatic vegetation, standing timber and brush are primary cover for fish and baitfish alike, and are good places to target at various depths - depending on the season.

Primary fish species residing in Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a favored activity on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, as the reservoir's vast waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal setting for water-based fun. Whether it's leisurely cruising, water skiing, or fishing from a boat, there is ample space for boaters to enjoy their preferred activities. Sam Rayburn Reservoir features multiple boat ramps, marinas, and even boat rentals, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. The calm waters and picturesque landscapes of the reservoir create a delightful environment for boating adventures.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Caney Creek Park Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, in Caney Creek Recreation Area, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with plenty of paved parking.

Cassels-Boykin Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, in Cassels-Boykin Park, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and great, paved parking.

Etoile Park Public Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, north side, off Etoile Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Ewing Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, south side, at the west end of the Highway 103 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Hanks Creek Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, south side, at Hanks Creek Park, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Jackson Hill Marina Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off FM 2851, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marion Ferry Public Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, south side, off Marions Ferry Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Mill Creek Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Mill Creek Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Monterey Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, in Monterey Park, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with great, paved parking.

Powell Park Boat Launch
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off FM 705, this is a two, two-lane, concrete ramps with a dock and paved parking.

Ralph McAllister Park
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, in Prarie Creek, off Highway 103, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

San Augustine Boat Ramp
Located on the east side of Miller Creek, in the northeast corner of the lake, in San Augustine Park, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sandy Creek Public Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, off County Road 352A, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Twin Dikes
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Sam Rayburn Parkway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Umphrey Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, at the east end of the dam, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.

Marinas

Jackson Hill Marina
1705 FM 2851
Broaddus, TX 75929
936 872-9266

Sam Rayburn Marina Resort
4404 Recreation Rd 255
Brookeland, TX 75931
409 698-2696

Fishing Guides On Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Lake Sam Rayburn Fishing Guides - crappie, bass, catfish

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Texas Fishing License.

Camping is a popular pastime at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area and enjoy a peaceful retreat. The reservoir provides several campgrounds, accommodating both tent and RV campers. Campers can relax amidst the serene ambiance, enjoy nature walks, and spend evenings by campfires beneath the starry sky. Camping at Sam Rayburn Reservoir allows visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the tranquility of the outdoors.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Double Heart RV Park - 409 489-1515

Ebenezer Park Campground - 409 384-5716

Jackson Hill Park Campground - 936 872-9266

Twin Dikes Park Campground - 877 444-6777

Sam Rayburn Marina Resort Campground - 409 698-2696

Rayburn RV Hideout - 409 698-3137

Brookeland-Lake Sam Rayburn KOA Campground - 409 698-3422

Shirley Creek Park Campground - 936 854-2233

Hanks Creek Campground - 409 384-5716

Cassells-Boykin Campground - 936 632-5531

Caney Creek Campground - 936 897-1068