Jasper County, TX · Reservoir
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Texas's largest reservoir entirely within the state — 114,000 acres in the East Texas pineywoods and a perennial top-tier tournament bass lake. Hydrilla and timber flats hold largemouth; crappie and catfish are outstanding.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish & Blue Catfish — tied at the top (23/100)
4 species tied for best of 4 tracked at Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Sam Rayburn Reservoir
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 4 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Largemouth Bass Skip the Largemouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 5
14" minimum, 5/day (black bass in aggregate). Some lakes have special slot rules.
Source: Texas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Crappie Skip the Crappie trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Min size
- 10"
- Daily creel
- 25
10" minimum, 25/day (white & black crappie in combination).
Source: Texas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Channel Catfish Skip the Channel Catfish trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 25
12" minimum, 25/day (channel & blue catfish in combination).
Source: Texas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Blue Catfish Skip the Blue Catfish trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Ictalurus furcatus — Invasive apex predator, now abundant throughout the tidal Potomac, Patuxent, and Nanticoke. MDDNR actively encourages harvest. Caught on cut bait (bunker, white perch, gizzard shad) fished on bottom. 50+ lb fish are routine on the Potomac.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 10–60 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 25
12" minimum, 25/day (channel & blue catfish in combination).
Source: Texas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Local reports & rules for Sam Rayburn Reservoir: Texas Parks & Wildlife fishing report → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Sam Rayburn Reservoir?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Sam Rayburn Reservoir you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Sam Rayburn Reservoir?
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Sam Rayburn Reservoir?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Sam Rayburn Reservoir against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Sam Rayburn Reservoir have?
Sam Rayburn Reservoir has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Sam Rayburn Reservoir?
state agency regulations apply at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Sam Rayburn Reservoir tidal water?
No. Sam Rayburn Reservoir is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.