Sam Rayburn Reservoir offers some of the best freshwater fishing in East Texas

Sam Rayburn Reservoir sits on the Angelina River and spans parts of Angelina, Jasper, Sabine, San Augustine, Nacogdoches, and Tyler counties. The lake covers 114,500 acres with a maximum depth of 80 feet. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the dam and public facilities, while Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) oversees the fishery. The lake is widely known for largemouth bass and draws a high number of bass tournaments each year.

Crappie and catfish fisheries are also active year-round, and white bass provide good fishing in spring. The reservoir has diverse habitat including hydrilla, standing timber, and flooded vegetation. Note that TPWD maintains a consumption advisory for the reservoir; check the TPWD website for current guidance before keeping fish to eat.

Twenty-two maintained access areas ring the reservoir, operated by the Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Service, TPWD, and counties. Some ramps may be closed when lake levels are low. The minimum length limit for largemouth bass is 14 inches and the daily bag limit for all black bass is 5 combined. Check current regulations at tpwd.texas.gov before fishing.