Casting Spinnerbaits and Crankbaits for Bass, Targeting Crappie and Catfish at Lake Sam Rayburn

As of January 26, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn is looking promising, despite the slightly stained water and cooler temperatures. Since Sam Rayburn is a freshwater lake, there's no tidal report to worry about, but be aware of the water level fluctuations; the lake is currently 1.32 feet below pool level.

Sunrise today is around 7:14 AM, and sunset will be about 5:23 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and late afternoon fishing. The water temperature is sitting at around 50 degrees.

Bass are scattered, so you'll need to cast spinnerbaits and crankbaits to locate active schools of fish. Targeting stumps in creek bends is your best bet for a good bite. During the daytime, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are your go-to choices, but switch to topwater baits during the early morning or late evening to capitalize on the low light conditions. Plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs are also effective, especially around vegetation edges, deep ledges, and creek channels.

Crappie and white bass are moving up the creek channels, making them accessible with jigs and minnows. For crappie, focus on deeper water around brush piles and creek channels. Catfish are active in 15-26 feet of water, where cut bait and minnows are working well.

Some hot spots to consider include the lower part of the reservoir where the water is clearer, and game fish tend to hold around vegetation edges, flats, humps, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, look for timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels as these areas provide good habitat for fish.

Yesterday, anglers reported catching bass, crappie, and catfish. Boaters found success using the mentioned lures and baits, particularly in the creek bends and deeper waters. Remember to drain your boat's water when leaving or approaching the lake to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

Overall, it's a fair day for fishing at Sam Rayburn, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Just be prepared for the cooler temperatures and slightly stained water.