Location: On the Angelina
River; the dam is located in Jasper County approximately 15 miles north of
Jasper.
Size: 114,500 acres
Maximum Depth: 80 feet
Date Impounded: 1965
Normal Water Clarity: Clear
to off-color (upper lake)
Water Level Fluctuation:
Averages 10 ft. annually
Conservation Pool Elevation:
164.4 ft. msl
Current Water Levels
Aquatic Vegetation: Primarily
non-native submersed (hydrilla); a variety of native aquatic plants are also
established.
FISHING COVER/STRUCTURE
Habitat in Sam Rayburn Reservoir consists of
submerged aquatic vegetation, standing timber, and flooded terrestrial
vegetation. Hydrilla is the predominant plant species, although many native
plants (i.e., coontail and pondweed) are also present. In the lower part of the
reservoir the water is relatively clear; game fish are typically found around
vegetation edges, flats, humps, and creek channels. In the upper one-third of
the reservoir, the abundance of vegetation typically declines. Timber, brush,
laydowns, and creek channels provide upper-lake gamefish habitat. Due to water
level fluctuations, habitat conditions change seasonally and yearly. Drastic
water level changes can decrease the amount of vegetation. At high water levels,
inundated trees and bushes provide excellent habitat.
FISHING TIPS AND TACTICS
Anglers are most successful at catching
largemouth bass during the fall, winter, and spring months. Due to cooler
water temperatures, fish are active for longer periods of the day and are
typically found in shallow water. A variety of baits and techniques will work
during these times. When fish are active, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are
usually the preferred choice. During the hot summer, the bite usually slows and
fish activity is usually concentrated during early morning, late evening, and at
night. Poppers, propeller baits, stickbaits, and flukes are good topwater
choices during low light conditions. As the sun rises, most bass are
concentrated in or around vegetation edges, or seek refuge on deep ledges and
creek channels. During this time, plastic worms and jigs are the preferred
baits. Crappie fishing is excellent year-round with jigs and minnows.
During the spring spawn, anglers target shallow areas around vegetation. During
other times of the year, fish are typically concentrated in deeper water around
brushpiles and creek channels.