Fishing Forecast for Lake Sam Rayburn: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Action Heating Up

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.