Fishing Forecast for Lake Sam Rayburn: Lethargic Bass, Crappie Hotspots, and Catfish in the Depths

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of January 31, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water level is currently 1.34 feet above pool, and the water is slightly stained, especially in the creeks and pockets. The temperature is a chilly 47 degrees, which is typical for this time of year.

For those planning to head out, sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:30 PM. There's no tidal report to worry about since we're dealing with a freshwater lake, but keep an eye on the weather; it's been quite cold lately, which affects fish activity.

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. Largemouth bass are being quite lethargic and slow to bite, but you can still catch them if you know where to look. Target stumps in creek bends, as these areas seem to be holding some bass. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are usually good choices during this time, but given the cold, you might want to slow down your retrieve and use soft plastics like plastic worms, jigs, or Carolina rigs.

Crappie fishing is excellent year-round here, and right now, they're moving up the creek channels. Use jigs and minnows to catch them, especially around submerged trees and brush piles. For deeper water, focus on areas with brush piles and creek channels.

Catfish are also doing well, particularly in 15-26 feet of water. Cut bait and minnows are your best bets for catching channel and blue catfish along the creek channels and the bottom of the lake.

White bass, though not as abundant, can be found schooling in open water near the dam or chasing baitfish along deep channels. Use slabs and jigging spoons to catch them.

When it comes to lures and bait, here are some recommendations:

- For bass: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs.
- For crappie: Jigs and minnows.
- For catfish: Cut bait and minnows.
- For white bass: Slabs and jigging spoons.

Now, let's talk about some hot spots. One of the best areas to fish is around the submerged aquatic vegetation, particularly in the lower part of the reservoir where the water is relatively clear. Look for edges of vegetation, flats, humps, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, focus on timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels.

Another great spot is the area around the flooded terrestrial vegetation and man-made fish attractors. These provide excellent habitat for game fish, especially during high water levels when inundated trees and bushes are submerged.

In summary, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some great fishing opportunities despite the cold weather. Be patient, use the right lures and bait, and you'll likely find yourself reeling in some nice catches. Just remember to drain your boat and onboard receptacles to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

Good luck out there, and tight lines