As of December 21, 2024, Lake Sam Rayburn in East Texas is offering some promising fishing conditions despite the colder weather. Here’s what you need to know:

### Weather and Water Conditions
The water temperature is around 58 degrees, and the lake is slightly stained. It's currently 2.32 feet below pool level. The forecasted cold will initially slow the bite, but as the fish adjust, they should start feeding more actively.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at about 7:10 AM, and sunset will be around 5:10 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially since fish activity tends to peak during early morning, late evening, and at night.

### Fish Activity
Bass are actively chasing shad in the shallows and off points. If you can find grass on the south end of the lake, there's usually a bass waiting to be caught on crankbaits. Crappie and white bass are moving in the river channel, while catfish are doing well in 15-26 feet of water.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a fair number of bass, particularly in areas where shad are present. Crappie were caught on brush piles using minnows over jigs, and catfish were plentiful in deeper waters on cut bait and minnows.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are good choices, especially in shallow water. As the sun rises, switch to plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs to target bass around vegetation edges, deep ledges, and creek channels. For crappie, jigs and minnows are excellent year-round, with a focus on shallow areas during the spring spawn and deeper waters around brush piles and creek channels at other times. Catfish are biting well on cut bait and minnows in 15-26 feet of water.

### Hot Spots
- The south end of the lake, where you can find grass, is a hot spot for bass using crankbaits.
- The river channel is a good place to target crappie and white bass.
- Deeper waters around brush piles and creek channels are ideal for crappie and catfish.

Given the current conditions, it's a good idea to start your day early, targeting bass in shallow waters with crankbaits and spinnerbaits. As the day progresses, move to deeper areas for crappie and catfish. The cold weather might slow the bite initially, but as the fish adjust, you should see increased activity. Good luck out there

As of December 20, 2024, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some promising fishing conditions despite the cooler temperatures. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The water level at Lake Sam Rayburn is currently at 89.6% full, with the lake sitting 2.02 feet below pool[1][4]. The water temperature is around 58 degrees, and it's slightly stained. The forecasted cold will initially slow the bite, but as fish adjust, they will start to feed more actively.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:14 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trip, especially since fish activity tends to peak during early morning and late evening.

### Fish Activity
Bass are currently active in shallow waters, chasing shad in the shallows and off points. You can find them around grassy areas on the south end of the lake, where crankbaits are particularly effective[1][2].

Crappie and white bass are moving along the river channel. Crappie fishing remains excellent year-round, with jigs and minnows being the go-to baits. During this time, they are typically found in deeper water around brush piles and creek channels[2][5].

Catfish are good in 15-26 feet of water, with cut bait and minnows working well. Keep an eye out for areas with submerged aquatic vegetation, standing timber, and flooded terrestrial vegetation, as these provide excellent habitat for various game fish[1][5].

### Best Lures and Bait
For largemouth bass, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are preferred choices during the cooler months. As the sun rises, switch to plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs, especially around vegetation edges and man-made brush piles[2].

For crappie, jigs and minnows are the best bets. Target shallow areas around vegetation during the spring spawn, and deeper water around brush piles and creek channels during other times of the year[2][5].

For catfish, stick with cut bait and minnows, focusing on areas near the river channel and around brush piles[1][5].

### Hot Spots
Some of the best areas to fish include Veach Basin, Caney Creek, Harvey Creek, Farmers Flats, and Needmore Point. These spots offer a mix of shallow and deep water habitats that attract a variety of game fish[5].

Additionally, the lower part of the reservoir, where the water is relatively clear, is good for targeting fish around vegetation edges, flats, humps, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, look for timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels[2].

With the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you should have a productive day fishing at Lake Sam Rayburn. Just remember to check local fishing regulations and be mindful of any seasonal changes in habitat conditions.

As of December 19, 2024, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some promising fishing conditions, despite the cooler temperatures.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The water level at Lake Sam Rayburn is currently at 89.6% full, and the water is slightly stained. The temperature is around 58 degrees, which is typical for this time of year. There are no significant tidal changes to note, as Lake Sam Rayburn is a freshwater lake.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:00 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially for early morning and late evening bites.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been consistent, with bass, crappie, and catfish all active in various parts of the lake. Bass are schooling more in the morning, particularly around grass edges and points, making topwater baits effective during these times. As the day progresses, bass tend to concentrate in or around vegetation edges, man-made brush piles, and deep ledges and creek channels. Crappie are fair on standing timber in 27 feet of water, using minnows and jigs. Blue and channel catfish are also fair in 24-27 feet of water, especially in the river bends, on cut bait and minnows.

### Recent Catches
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a good number of largemouth bass, with several in the 5- to 7-pound range. Crappie catches were also strong, with many fish in the 12- to 14-inch range. Catfish, including both blue and channel catfish, were caught in decent numbers, particularly around brush piles and creek channels.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, Texas rigs, wacky rigs, shallow water crankbaits, and topwaters are highly effective. In deeper waters, Carolina rigs, dropshots, and ½-¾ ounce jigs work well. For crappie, minnows and jigs are the go-to choices, especially around standing timber and brush piles. For catfish, cut bait and minnows are recommended.

### Hot Spots
Some of the best areas to fish include Veach Basin, Caney Creek, Harvey Creek, Farmers Flats, and Needmore Point. These areas offer a mix of shallow and deep fishing opportunities, with abundant vegetation and structure that attract a variety of fish species. The lower part of the reservoir, with its clear water, is particularly good for targeting fish around vegetation edges, flats, humps, and creek channels.

Overall, Lake Sam Rayburn continues to provide excellent fishing opportunities despite the cooler weather. Make sure to adjust your tactics according to the time of day and the specific fish you're targeting.

As of December 14, 2024, Lake Sam Rayburn is sitting at about 91.8% full, with the water level at 2.13 feet below the conservation pool elevation of 164.40 feet[2].

The water is slightly stained, and the temperature is around 58 degrees, which is a bit chilly due to the forecasted cold snap[1][5].

Sunrise today is at about 7:00 AM, and sunset will be around 5:00 PM. Given the cooler weather, fish activity is expected to be slower initially but will pick up as the fish adjust.

Bass are improving in shallow water, particularly where they are chasing bait into pockets. Target areas with brush and grass, and use lures like Texas rigs, wacky rigs, shallow water crankbaits, and topwaters. For deeper bass, look to main lake ledges in 17-22 feet and main lake drains in 10-17 feet, using dropshots, Carolina rigs, or deep diving crankbaits[1][5].

Crappie are slowly moving up the river and can be found on standing timber and brush piles in 15-27 feet of water. Jigs and minnows are the best baits for crappie. Catfish are good in 15-26 feet of water on cut bait and minnows[1][5].

For hot spots, consider the areas around the Angelina River and the Sabine River, where the fish tend to congregate around submerged timber, brush, and creek channels. The lower part of the reservoir, with its clearer waters, is also a good spot, especially around vegetation edges, flats, and humps[3].

Overall, it's a good time to fish Lake Sam Rayburn, especially if you're targeting bass, crappie, and catfish. Just be patient as the fish adjust to the cooler temperatures.

As of December 13, 2024, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some promising fishing conditions. The water is slightly stained, with a temperature of around 62 degrees, and the lake is currently 2.70 feet below the conservation pool elevation.

For those planning to head out, sunrise is at about 6:57 AM, and sunset will be around 5:06 PM. There are no significant tidal changes to worry about on this freshwater lake.

Fish activity has been improving, especially for bass, which are moving into shallow water as they chase bait into pockets. Target areas with brush and grass, and use your favorite lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or flip into these areas with plastic worms or jigs.

Crappie are slowly moving up the river and can be caught using jigs and minnows, particularly in deeper waters around creek channels and brush piles. Catfish are active in 15-26 feet of water and are biting well on cut bait and minnows.

For hot spots, consider the lower part of the reservoir where the water is clearer, and game fish tend to hold around vegetation edges, flats, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, focus on standing timber, brush, and laydowns.

Be cautious of the many sandbars and stumps, especially with the current water level. If you're after bass, early mornings and late evenings are good times to use topwater baits, while deeper points can be targeted with rattletraps and shallow-running spinnerbaits.

Overall, it's a fair to good time for fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn, with a variety of species active and ready to be caught. Just remember to drain your boat's water and onboard receptacles to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

As of December 12, 2024, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some promising fishing conditions. The water level is at 89.6% full, with the lake sitting at 161.79 feet, which is slightly below the full pool but still favorable for fishing.

The weather today is partly sunny with a high of 66 degrees and a low of 57 degrees tonight. Sunrise was at around 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:06 PM. The water is slightly stained with a temperature of about 62 degrees, making it ideal for various fish species.

Bass activity is improving, particularly in shallow water where they are chasing bait into pockets. Target areas with brush and grass, and use lures such as Texas rigs, wacky rigs, shallow water crankbaits, and topwaters. For deeper bass, consider using Carolina rigs, dropshots, and shaky heads around main lake ledges, drains, and points.

Crappie are slowly moving up the river and can be caught using jigs and minnows. During this time, they tend to concentrate in deeper water around brush piles and creek channels. Catfish are good in 15-26 feet of water on cut bait and minnows.

For hot spots, focus on the lower part of the reservoir where the water is relatively clear, and game fish are typically found around vegetation edges, flats, humps, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels provide good habitat.

Given the current conditions, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are good choices for daytime fishing, while topwater baits are effective during early morning, late evening, and night. For crappie, jigs and minnows are excellent year-round, especially during their spring spawn in shallow areas around vegetation.

If you're looking for specific locations, Buck Bay and Coleman Bay are worth checking out, especially during twilight times when they coincide with major or minor fishing times.

Overall, Lake Sam Rayburn is in great shape for fishing right now, so grab your gear and head out to take advantage of these favorable conditions.

If you're planning to hit Lake Sam Rayburn today, here’s what you need to know:

First off, the weather is looking a bit chilly, with a high of 60 degrees and a low of 33 tonight, so make sure to bundle up. The water temperature is at 62 degrees, and the lake is slightly stained, sitting 2.70 feet below pool level.

For those early risers, sunrise is at 6:56 AM, and sunset will be at 5:15 PM. There’s no tidal report to worry about since this is a freshwater lake.

Bass fishing is improving, especially in shallow water where fish are chasing bait into pockets. Target areas with brush and grass, and flip your favorite lure into these spots. Shallow water crankbaits, Texas rigs, wacky rigs, and topwaters are your best bets. There’s also a large population of schooling bass chasing bait balls around main lake ledges in 17-22 feet and main lake drains in 10-17 feet.

Crappie are slowly moving up the river and can be found in deeper water around creek channels and brush piles. Use jigs and minnows for the best results.

Catfish are good in 15-26 feet of water on cut bait and minnows. Blue and channel catfish are particularly active in the river bends.

As for hot spots, consider areas like Buck Bay and Coleman Bay, which are known for their shallow waters and clear conditions. The points on either side of these bays and any irregularities in the shoreline can be productive spots.

Remember to check local fishing regulations and to drain water from your boat to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

Good luck out there, and stay warm

As of December 8, 2024, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some promising fishing conditions. The water level is at 89.6% full, with the lake sitting at 161.79 feet, which is 2.61 feet below the conservation pool elevation.

The weather today is partly sunny with a high of 66 degrees and a low of 57 degrees tonight. Sunrise was at around 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:06 PM.

The water is slightly stained, with a temperature of about 62 degrees. This condition is favorable for several species of fish. Bass are improving in shallow water, particularly where they are chasing bait into pockets. Target areas with brush and grass, and use your favorite lures such as Texas rigs, wacky rigs, shallow water crankbaits, and topwaters. For deeper bass, consider using Carolina rigs, dropshots, and shaky heads around main lake ledges, drains, and points.

Crappie are slowly moving up the river and can be found in deeper waters around creek channels and brush piles. Jigs and minnows are effective for crappie. Catfish are good in 15-26 feet of water on cut bait and minnows, especially in the river bends.

For hot spots, focus on the lower part of the reservoir where the water is clearer, and fish tend to hold around vegetation edges, flats, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, target timber, brush, and laydowns.

Given the current conditions, it's a good time to hit the water early in the morning to catch bass chasing bait using chatterbaits, swimbaits, or frogs. As the day progresses, switch to deeper presentations for both bass and crappie.

Remember to check the local regulations for any special bag and size limits on certain fish species before you head out. Enjoy your day on Lake Sam Rayburn

As of December 7, 2024, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some exciting fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Conditions
The water is slightly stained with a temperature of 62 degrees, and the lake is currently 2.70 feet below pool level. There are no significant tidal changes to worry about on this freshwater lake.

### Weather and Time
Sunrise today is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:05 PM. The weather is mild, making it a great day to be out on the lake.

### Fish Activity
Bass fishing is improving, particularly in shallow water where bass are actively chasing bait into pockets. Target areas with brush and grass, and use your favorite lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater frogs. For deeper fishing, bass are schooling around main lake ledges in 17-22 feet and main lake drains in 10-17 feet, where Carolina rigs, dropshots, and deep diving crankbaits work well.

Crappie are slowly moving up the river and can be found in deeper water around brush piles and creek channels. Use jigs and minnows for the best results.

Catfish are good in 15-26 feet of water on cut bait and minnows, especially around river bends and creek channels.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, go with Texas rigs, wacky rigs, shallow water crankbaits, and topwaters. Crappie fishing is excellent with jigs and minnows. For catfish, cut bait and minnows are the way to go.

### Hot Spots
Some of the best areas to fish include Veach Basin, Caney Creek, Harvey Creek, Farmers Flats, and Needmore Point. The upper end of the lake, with its abundance of timber and brush, is great for targeting bass and crappie. The lower end, with its clearer water and prolific weed beds, is also a hotspot for various species.

Yesterday, anglers reported catching a good number of bass, crappie, and catfish. Bass were found in shallow waters and deeper ledges, while crappie were transitioning to creek channels. Catfish were active in the river bends and deeper waters.

Overall, Lake Sam Rayburn is in great shape for fishing right now, so grab your gear and head out to enjoy the day.

As of December 6, 2024, Lake Sam Rayburn is at 89.6% full, with the water level sitting 2.68 feet below the conservation pool elevation of 164.40 feet.

The weather today is expected to be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, and a low around 57 degrees tonight. This cooler weather has started to influence the fish behavior, making them more active in certain areas.

Sunrise this morning was at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 5:03 PM, giving you a good 10 hours of daylight to fish.

Bass fishing has been improving, especially in shallow water where fish are actively chasing bait. You can catch these bass using Texas rigs, wacky rigs, shallow water crankbaits, and topwater frogs. There is also a significant population of schooling bass around main lake ledges in 17-22 feet, main lake drains in 10-17 feet, and main lake and secondary points. For these schooling bass, try using a dropshot, Carolina rig, or a deep diving crankbait.

Crappie are transitioning from main lake brush to creek channels and can be caught on standing timber in 24-27 feet of water using minnows over jigs. Blue and channel catfish are fair in 24-27 feet of water and in the river bends on cut bait and minnows.

Hot spots include the shoreline brush and hay grass areas, high spots, shallow ditches, and creek channel swings. The mouth of creeks and offshore flats where bass are suspended and chasing bait are also promising areas.

Given the slightly stained water and cooler temperatures, the fish are in various stages of transition, so be prepared to adapt your tactics. Targeting bass with jig head minnows and using forward-facing sonar can be highly effective. When bass are schooling on the bottom, casting a Carolina rig, dropshot, or shaky head can yield good results.

Overall, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering a mix of shallow and deep fishing opportunities, making it a great time to get out on the water.