Fishing Report for Lake Sam Rayburn: Adapt Tactics for Bass, Crappie, and Catfish in Cold Stained Waters

Hey there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake Sam Rayburn as of February 12, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water temperature is currently around 57 degrees, which is a slight warm-up from last week. The water level is 0.31 feet above pool, and it's still a bit stained, especially up in the creeks and pockets. This is pretty typical for this time of year and is affecting the fish behavior.

Sunrise today is at about 7:00 AM, and sunset will be around 5:30 PM. These times are crucial because they mark the periods when fish are most active. During the early morning and late evening, you'll find bass, crappie, and other species more active due to the lower light conditions.

Recently, the bass have been a bit lethargic and slow to bite, so you'll need to be patient. Targeting stumps in creek bends has been the best strategy for catching bass. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are good choices during the daytime, but given the current cold and stained water conditions, you might want to switch to more subtle presentations like plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs. Topwater baits can also work well during the early morning and late evening when the fish are more active near the surface.

Crappie fishing is excellent year-round here, and using jigs and minnows is your best bet. During this time, they're concentrated in deeper water around brush piles and creek channels. Catfish are doing well in 15-26 feet of water, and they're biting on cut bait and minnows.

For those after white bass, they're not as numerous, but you can catch them during their spring runs, which are just around the corner. Beginners can also have a great time fishing for bluegill and sunfish, which are present in high numbers.

The habitat on Sam Rayburn Reservoir includes flooded terrestrial vegetation, standing timber, and submerged aquatic plants. In the lower part of the reservoir, where the water is clearer, game fish hold to vegetation edges, flats, and humps, and creek channels. In the upper third of the reservoir, where vegetation is less abundant, focus on timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels.

If you're looking for specific locations, try the areas around the Angelina River and the Ayish Bayou. These spots offer a mix of structures and vegetation that attract a variety of fish species. Another good spot is the area around the Twin Dikes, where the combination of submerged timber and creek channels can be very productive.

In summary, Lake Sam Rayburn is offering some great fishing opportunities despite the cold and stained water. Be prepared to adapt your tactics based on the time of day and the specific species you're after. Good luck out there, and tight lines