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Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Boat Ramps
37
Access Points
45
Species
39

Sam Rayburn Reservoir, often affectionately called Big Sam, is the largest lake located entirely within Texas, spanning an impressive 114,500 acres with 750 miles of shoreline. Located in East Texas' Piney Woods region within the bounds of the Angelina and Sabine National Forest, this massive impoundment of the Angelina River reaches depths of up to 80 feet and was created in 1965. The reservoir is characterized by its diverse habitat including standing timber, aquatic vegetation, creek channels, and brushy shoreline. Water clarity varies from relatively clear in the lower parts of the lake to off-color in the upper lake, with an average annual water level fluctuation of about 7 feet. Sam Rayburn is renowned for its outstanding fishing opportunities and has been consistently ranked among the top bass fishing destinations in the country.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Mill Creek Park

Mill Creek Park

Access Point
Lake Sam Rayburn

Lake Sam Rayburn

Access Point
Sam Rayburn Reservoir Access

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Access

Access Point
Overlook Park

Overlook Park

Access Point
Sam Rayburn Lake Access

Sam Rayburn Lake Access

Access Point
Townsend Access

Townsend Access

Access Point
Shirley Creek Access

Shirley Creek Access

Access Point
Jackson Hill Park

Jackson Hill Park

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Sam Rayburn Reservoir

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Texas licenses and regulations

Texas Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Texas Fishing License

All residents and visitors over the age of 17 require a Texas fishing license to reel in fish, mussels, clams, and crayfish across the state. In addition, you’ll need specific tags or endorsements based on the size of the catch and its location.

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Texas Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Texas Stream Access Laws

Access must usually be obtained through the use of public property. The typical access may be from the right of way of a public road that crosses the stream, through a publicly owned boat launch area, or from some other public land (a park, for example) adjacent to the stream. There is no general right to cross private property to get to a navigable stream. There are a number of privately owned parks or campgrounds where members of the public may have access to a navigable stream by paying a small fee to the landowner. If the private landowner forbids access, an attempt to use the private land would be a trespass. Texas courts have recognized that a member of the public may engage in a variety of lawful activities along a navigable stream. Besides boating, persons may swim, float, walk, wade, picnic, camp, and (with a license) fish. Public use must be confined to the stream bed and, to a limited extent, the banks. State law prohibits parking on a highway bridge and generally forbids (with certain exceptions) parking in the main traveled part of a highway. Within a public road’s right of way, private fencing that restricts public passage to the stream is illegal.

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Take Sam Rayburn Reservoir with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Sam Rayburn Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Sam Rayburn Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Sam Rayburn Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.

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