The US Congress approved the construction of Sam Rayburn Reservoir in 1945 to control floods, provide hydroelectric power, and save water for industrial and agricultural requirements. Construction began in 1956, and water storage started in March 1965. About $66 million in construction expenses, including those for recreational facilities, were estimated for the project to be completed.
The conservation pool’s maximum capacity was attained in 1966. Due to its proximity to the river’s McGee Bend, the project was formerly called “McGee Bend Dam and Reservoir.” The 88th Congress changed the name in September 1963 to “Sam Rayburn Dam and Reservoir” in memory of Sam Rayburn, the late Speaker of the House of Representatives. But how deep is Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas? Let’s find out!
How Deep is Sam Rayburn?
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Sam Rayburn Reservoir has a length of 36.4 miles, a maximum width of 4.2 miles, and reaches a maximum depth of 80 feet. It stretches over 114,500 acres and has a storage capacity of 3,997,600 acre-feet. Sam Rayburn Reservoir is located in each of the counties:
- Angelina
- Jasper
- Nacogdoches
- Sabine
- San Augustine
It is located deep in the East Texas Piney Woods, within the Sabine and Angelina National Forests. Sam Rayburn Reservoir is on the Angelina River, the Neches River’s main tributary, and receives most of its water supply from this river. The reservoir is approximately 15 and 70 miles north of Jasper and Beaumont. To the east of the reservoir are these towns:
- Woden
- Etoile
- Chireno
- Denning
- Augustine
- Macungie
- Broaddus
- Roseville
- Bronson
- Pineland
- Brookeland
- Brownell
On the west side of the reserve, the towns close by are:
- Redland
- Lufkin
- Huntington
- Zavalla
Bird Watching
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While fishing is a highlight of visiting the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, you can also see over 100 types of birds there. If you enjoy the art of bird watching, you can expect to see some of these birds.
Fish
Texas Parks & Wildlife rate the fishing on Sam Rayburn Reservoir for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish as exceptional. The Sam Rayburn Reservoir’s largemouth bass fishery is well-known for hosting numerous events yearly. According to Bassmaster magazine, Lake Sam Rayburn was the greatest bass lake in the country as of 2018. Even though there aren’t many white basses, spring fishing can be moderately successful.
The hybrid striped bass is another popular species in Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Additionally, there is excellent fishing for bluegill and redear, both of which are common. The John D. Parker East Texas State Fish Hatchery is on the southeast shore of the reservoir. Every year, it makes millions of fingerlings for the Sam Rayburn Reservoir and other public waters in Texas. Other fish you may see:
- Guadalupe and Spotted Bass
- Yellow and Striped Bass
- Channel and Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Yellow and Black Bullhead
- Rainbow Trout
- White and Black Crappie
- Green and Redbreast Sunfish
- Longear Sunfish
- Warmouth
- Walleye
- Freshwater and Red Drum
- Common and Grass Carp
- Texas and Golden Shiner
- Blacktail and Red Shiner
- Fathead Minnow
- Threadfin and Gizzard Shad
- Chain Pickerel
- Alligator and Spotted Gar
- Short and Longnose Gar
- Small and Bigmouth Buffalo
- Black Buffalo
- American Eel
- Paddlefish
- Bowfin
- Rio Grande Cichlid
What you can do in Sam Rayburn Reservoir
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Sam Rayburn Reservoir is a well-liked location for outdoor pursuits and getting close to nature. The lake is about 79 miles long and has more than 600 miles of shoreline. You can also explore the adjacent towns, sample some southern cuisine, or visit local stores. Let’s see what you can do if you visit!
Boat Ride and Bass Tournaments
A leisure boat ride on a rental may be the solution if you are itching to get out on the lake but do not have a boat. For a group of friends or large families, consider renting a pontoon boat. Along with the boat, you may bring along a few personal watercraft so you can zip into coves and appreciate the speed on the open water.
Several fishing events are held at Lake Sam Rayburn throughout the year if you enjoy fishing and know you have what it takes to win. Although many of these competitions offer significant cash awards, you are always invited to go and observe others as they compete for glory.
Golf or Hike
There is a country club with a fantastic golf course in Lake Sam Rayburn for adults. Numerous courses are remote and enable you to escape for the day while still being close to the water, allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of the lake. Pick from a wide range of golf packages or pay to spend the day practicing your skills on the green.
There are many paths to enjoy around Lake Rayburn for those who prefer walking to stay in shape. There are several places to wander, from concrete roads to unpaved ones. You’ll find the Sawmill Hiking Trail to the west of the lake. The 6.5-mile track has a topography is suitable for hikers of all experience levels. To prevent the kids from feeling guilty about leaving their furry companion, you can take your doggie for a stroll with a leash.
Stargaze or Visit a Fish Hatchery
In addition to the vacation homes nearby, Lake Rayburn has campsites right on the water’s edge. These sandy beaches give out the ocean feeling because you may camp near the water. You can rent a cabin or connect your family RV to one of the fully furnished seasonal sites if roughing it isn’t exactly your style.
The nearby fish hatchery, which occupies more than 200 acres and gets water from Lake Rayburn, has several fish. Bass, cat, sun, and forage fish are produced in the hatchery. Take the kids to the lake to show them various fish species and teach them about where the fish originate. Learn how the state works to enhance the quality of life for fish by taking a private or guided tour.
Conclusion
Sam Rayburn may have been created in the 60s, but there is nothing dated about visiting. You can enjoy a day on this scenic lake and catch some fantastic fish. Bass anglers will be excited to know that there are many tournaments year-round. For those who love competition, you can find a lot here. If you enjoy exercising on vacation, several excellent hiking areas fit everyone’s experience levels.
There will be an activity for you, from a light walk to working up a sweat. If you have children, the hatchery will show them some interesting facts about the fish they keep there. There are plenty of ways to relax as well. For example, enjoying the stars or playing a round of golf can give you a nice break from all the lake fun; if you’re trying to find a lovely lake for a vacation, check out the other ones below for more inspiration.
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