Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Size: 114,500
Age: Impounded 1965
Location: Between Lufkin and Hemphill just northeast of U.S. Highway 69 near
Broaddus, 10 miles northwest of Jasper. The dam is in Jasper County.
Description: Dam impounds the Angelina River, creating the largest reservoir
located wholly within Texas' borders. It has 560 miles of shoreline spilling
into five counties, with a maximum depth of 90 feet and average depth of 12
feet. The water is usually moderately clear to stained. Standing or fallen
timber in uncleared areas provide prime fish habitat. Hydrilla beds now cover
broad areas, offering more cover for fish.
Controlling Authority: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (409) 384-5716.
TPWD Fisheries Office: 638 E. Crockett, Jasper, TX 75951, (409) 384-9572.
Fishing Regulations: Same as statewide.
Stocking History:
Largemouth bass -- 1965, 66
Florida bass -- 1974, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 83, 87
Channel catfish -- 1965, 66, 73
Hybrid striped bass -- 1979, 81, 82, 85, 87, 88, 89, 91
Blue catfish -- 1966, 87
Striped bass -- 1976, 77, 78, 79, 83
Walleye -- 1973, 74, 75, 76
White crappie -- 1965
Paddlefish -- 1991
Comments: Surveys show this to be one of the top bass lakes in Texas, probably
in the nation. After a fishing slump in the 1970s, the reservoir has rebounded,
thanks to a combination of factors -- higher water levels and emerging
hydrilla provided new cover and nutrients and, more restrictive bag limits
gave the fish added protection. Catch-and-release is a widespread practice
here.
Lake Records:
| Species | Pounds | Inches | Angler |
| Blue catfish | 30.47 | 38.00 | Betty Brooks |
| Largemouth bass | 12.75 | 26.50 | Orville Lee |
| Largemouth buffalo | 50.00 | 34.00 | Linda K. Wilson |
| Spotted bass | 5.50 | 27.25 | Curt E. Smith |
Fishing Tips: Spring and summer bass fishing can be excellent, often with jigs and spinnerbaits. Concentrate on the outer edges of flooded weed beds lying near deep creek channels. In cold weather, look for crappie gathering next to bridge pilings
in deep water.
Fishing Quality:
Largemouth bass -- 
Catfish -- 
Crappie --
White bass --
Sunfish --
Facilities: Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service offer excellent camp
grounds and launch ramps. Also, the lake features many commercial marinas,
motels, RV facilities and restaurants.