Fishing Forecast for Lake Sam Rayburn: Great Conditions, Prime Bass and Crappie Bite

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

First off, the weather is looking pretty good with partly sunny skies and a high of 89 degrees, dropping down to 71 degrees at night. Sunrise is at about 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 6:45 PM.

The lake level is currently at 1.56 feet below pool, and the water is slightly stained with a temperature of 77 degrees. There’s no significant tidal movement to worry about on this freshwater lake.

Fishing has been consistent, especially in the mornings. Bass are schooling more during this time, so expect some topwater action on grass edges and points. Use lures like chatterbaits, swimbaits, or frogs to catch bass chasing bait in the hay grass and flooded bushes. For deeper bass, target the mouth of creeks and offshore flats with Carolina rigs, dropshots, and shaky heads. There’s a large population of schooling bass around main lake ledges in 17-22 feet and main lake drains in 10-17 feet.

Crappie are fair on standing timber in 27 feet of water, particularly on brush piles with minnows over jigs. Blue and channel catfish are also fair in 24-27 feet of water and in the river bends, using cut bait and minnows.

For hot spots, focus on the areas around shoreline brush, hay grass, and high spots. The creek channel swings and shallow ditches are also productive. If you’re after catfish, the river bends and areas around the timber in the Richland Creek Arm of the lake are good bets.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Sam Rayburn, with plenty of fish activity and a variety of species to target. Just remember to drain your boat and onboard receptacles to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.