"Lake Sam Rayburn Fishing Forecast: Transition Bite, Deep Patterns, and Crappie Action"

Sam Rayburn is fishing real good right now as we head toward summer. The water is stained and holding steady around 77 degrees, and the lake level is just over a foot above pool. Sunrise was at 6:13 AM and sunset will be about 8:16 PM, giving us a long, prime window to be on the water today. Weather’s mild and mostly clear, with a light south wind making for comfortable fishing conditions and just enough ripple for those bass to bite[1][3].

The bass bite is in transition. Many fish are moving off the beds and shifting toward their deeper summer haunts. Early in the morning you’ll still find some action in 6 to 10 feet of water, especially on points and ledges with old timber. Texas rigs and Carolina rigs with big worms are putting solid fish in the boat—look for watermelon and green pumpkin colors to be best. As the sun gets up, shift out a little deeper to 12 to 16 feet, targeting humps and brush. Deep-diving crankbaits and flutter spoons are worth tossing, too, especially off those main lake points[1][3].

Crappie are also mixing things up, with some still shallow spawning on trees and others starting to pull back toward brush piles in 8 to 14 feet. Minnows under a cork and small jigs are the go-tos. The bite isn’t red hot yet, but if you jump around, you’ll find them bedding and ready to eat[1][3].

Catfish are getting good, chasing shad into the shallows and up around the cover. Punch bait and cut shad around 5 to 15 feet will get bites almost anywhere, but creek mouths and the first drop-offs near spawning flats are steady producers right now[1][3].

White bass are scattered but active up in the creeks and around mid-lake humps. Small slabs, rattle traps, and road runners are doing the trick if you want to fill a cooler[1][3].

Best spots today are the Caney Creek area and the mouths of Five Fingers or Harvey Creek. These have been holding good numbers of both bass and panfish. If you’re after big bass, hit the deep timber lines near the Buck Bay or the edge of the Black Forest.

Top lures this week are big Texas-rigged worms, Carolina-rigged creature baits, deep-diving crankbaits, and for the crappie, minnows and 1/16-ounce jigs in chartreuse. Best bait for catfish remains fresh cut shad or punch bait. And for those white bass, a chrome slab or small rattle trap is hard to beat.

Fish are shifting out and activity is good, so pack sunscreen and stay hydrated. See you on the water—tight lines from Artificial Lure at Lake Sam Rayburn[1][3].