How to Fish Sam Rayburn Reservoir: Best Patterns & Techniques

Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-59	Bass are actively staging on pre-spawn areas, moving from deeper winter locations to shallower spawning grounds, using brush piles and creek channels as transition routes Fish showing mixed aggression levels - some actively feeding while others more lethargic, particularly during cold fronts, requiring varied presentation speeds	Brush piles in 5-25 foot depths along creek channels and secondary points Secondary points leading into spawning pockets with brush or timber Deep grass edges near creek channels	Drop Shot with finesse worms worked slowly through brush piles Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) around timber and riprap for active fish Texas Rigs worked methodically through flooded brush	Shad schooling around brush piles and channel edges Crawfish becoming active in brush and rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	55-65	Crappie are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding near shallow structure while preparing for the spawn Fish are becoming more aggressive and moving into shallower water, particularly around wood cover and protected areas	Laydowns and shallow brush in protected coves and creek arms Secondary points leading into spawning areas Shallow brush piles in 5-10 foot depths near spawning flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Live Bait Rigs	Small minnows Young of year shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	55-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter deep water haunts to transitional areas near spawning flats Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased aggression during warming trends	Main lake points with transition from rock to spawning pockets Secondary points in major creek arms near spawning flats Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning areas	Jerkbaits worked slowly with long pauses around points Carolina Rigs dragged along bottom transitions Bladed Jigs worked through brush and around rocky areas	Pre-spawn crawfish emerging from winter areas Schooling shad in creek arms and around points Small bluegill in shallow brush areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	58-68	Catfish are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, moving from deep winter holding areas into transitional zones like channel swings and creek mouths Feeding activity increases with pre-spawn metabolism, particularly during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak Fish are following shad movements into shallower water, especially in creek arms and along channel edges	Creek channel intersections with main lake points, particularly where timber is present Secondary points in creek arms with gradual slopes Shallow flats adjacent to deep water, especially those with brush piles or laydowns	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transitional areas	Shad schools moving into creek arms Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas Smaller panfish in brush pile areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	White bass are staging in deeper water and beginning their pre-spawn migration patterns, moving up periodically to feed Fish are showing preference for natural baitfish presentations, likely keying in on shad and smaller forage fish	Offshore humps adjacent to deep water, particularly those near migration routes Main lake points and channel swings leading to spawning tributaries Deep water staging areas near tributary mouths	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows under bobbers when fish move up Blade Baits worked vertically along structure edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through suspended fish	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows in tributary areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-65	Bass are transitioning into spawning phase, moving from deeper pre-spawn staging areas to shallow spawning flats near grass lines and protected areas Actively feeding along grass edges in 8-10 foot zones during pre-spawn, with increased shallow activity as water warms	Grass lines and vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depths Protected creek arms and coves with shallow spawning flats Transitional areas between shallow and deep water near creek channels	Lipless Crankbaits worked along grass edges Texas Rigs worked slowly in shallow areas Bladed Jigs around vegetation transitions	Shad congregating along grass lines Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from staging areas to shallow spawning zones in protected coves and brush piles Actively feeding during daylight hours as they prepare for and engage in spawning activities, with 65°F water temperature indicating peak spawning conditions	Shallow brush piles in protected coves (5-15 feet) Secondary points leading into spawning coves Shallow wood cover near creek channels	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad Small minnows	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, staging on hard bottom areas near spawning flats Males actively guarding nests in 4-10ft range while females move between spawning areas and slightly deeper water Feeding activity is territorial and aggressive, with fish relating strongly to rock and boulder structure	Rocky banks and boulder fields in 4-10ft depth range Secondary points with hard bottom leading into spawning pockets Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water access	Carolina Rigs worked slowly through rocky areas Shakey Heads for precise presentations around boulders Bladed Jigs for covering water between likely spawning areas	Shad moving into spawning areas Crawfish active around rocky structure	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Catfish are moving into shallower spawning areas, particularly around woody cover and creek channels where water temperatures are warming fastest Males are becoming territorial and aggressive, defending potential nesting sites in cavities near structure Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn phase, with fish particularly active during dawn and dusk periods	Shallow coves with abundant wood cover and undercut banks in 3-8 feet of water Creek channel intersections with flats in 5-12 feet of water Protected areas near standing timber with firm bottom composition	Live Bait Rigs with fresh cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working baits slowly through spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover in shallow spawning areas	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Bluegill and other sunfish in shallow areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Warm Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Actively migrating up major creek channels and river systems for spawning, often moving in large schools Staging in pre-spawn areas near channel swings and tributary mouths before moving shallow Aggressive feeding behavior during pre-spawn to build energy reserves for reproduction	Major tributary mouths and river channel junctions Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas Channel swings near submerged vegetation	Inline Spinners worked parallel to channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through schools Blade Baits worked vertically for staging fish	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Small minnows in tributary systems Young of year baitfish near vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-70	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding in shallow water (1-5 feet) around vegetation and timber, especially during early morning hours Fish are showing aggressive topwater feeding behavior, particularly around shad schools in areas adjacent to spawning flats During bright conditions, fish are holding tighter to cover and requiring slower presentations	Standing timber and hydrilla in 1-4 feet of water near deep water access Points leading into spawning coves with submerged vegetation Lily pad fields and grass lines in 2-5 feet of water	Topwater baits (Pop-R, Chug Bug) worked with pause-and-twitch retrieve Weightless Senko/wacky rig worked slowly through cover Swim jigs through grass with steady retrieve Buzzbait/frog around shallow cover during low light conditions	Shad schooling in post-spawn areas Bluegill in shallow vegetation Crawfish in timber and rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-75	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, moving toward deeper brush piles and creek channels Actively feeding to recover energy after spawn, with most aggressive feeding during morning and evening hours	Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range near spawning coves Creek channel bends adjacent to spawning flats Main lake points with submerged timber or brush	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad Small Minnows	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively recovering and feeding, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure Fish are primarily targeting shad schools in the 4-10 foot range, with increased activity during morning and evening periods	Main lake points with rock or boulder structure adjacent to spawning pockets Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range near creek channels Rocky banks with quick access to deeper water	Swim Jigs worked parallel to rocky banks and through brush Shakey Heads worked slowly around points and rock structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish chasing shad	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn patterns Crawfish active in rocky areas during warming trends Small bluegill in shallow brush areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from spawning areas to main lake feeding zones Fish are following shad schools and utilizing creek channels as travel corridors	Creek channel intersections with main lake points Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot depths Secondary points with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bluegill Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Carolina Rigs worked slowly along channel edges	Shad schools gathering in creek mouths and around points Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	65-75	Post-spawn white bass are actively schooling and feeding heavily to recover energy, moving from spawning areas back to main lake structure Fish are transitioning to deeper water but still utilizing mid-depth ranges (8-20 feet) around points and humps, especially during morning and evening feeding periods	Main lake points and humps near river channel intersections Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water Secondary points with access to deep water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along depth transitions Lipless Crankbaits burned over vegetation edges Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools	Shad schools recovering from spawn Small baitfish utilizing vegetation edges Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-82	Bass are actively feeding on shad in flooded brush and around willow/cypress trees, with most aggressive feeding occurring during early morning hours Fish are utilizing shallow cover during cloudy conditions but moving deeper as sun gets higher, requiring technique adjustments throughout the day	Flooded brush and willow/cypress trees with visible baitfish activity Points and ledges near bluegill spawning areas Outer edges of flooded timber transitioning to deeper water	Frogs/Toads worked slowly during early morning hours Swim Jigs around flooded cover targeting shad-feeding bass Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting the heart of cover later in day	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Bluegill - especially around spawning areas near points	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	87-93	Crappie are seeking deeper, cooler water during summer heat, concentrating around brush piles in 16-28 foot depth range, with most active feeding early in the day Fish are showing depth-selective behavior, with some brush piles holding fish while others are empty, suggesting they're targeting specific depth zones around 20 feet where temperature and oxygen levels are optimal	Brush piles in 18-22 foot depth range, particularly those near creek channels or main lake structure Deep brush tops in 16-28 foot range, especially those providing overhead cover Main lake points with access to deeper water and nearby brush structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Live Bait Rigs	Shad Small minnows	Natural Shad Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	70-86	Actively feeding on shad in the water column, with schools following baitfish during summer Moving to deeper, cooler water during peak daytime temperatures, but remaining active in 4-10ft range during feeding periods	Flooded brush near deeper water access Points and rock banks with baitfish present Hard structure (boulders, brush) in 4-10ft depth range	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match baitfish movements Swim Jigs retrieved steadily through brush and around structure Soft Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieves to trigger reaction strikes	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Crawfish - secondary forage around hard structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Catfish	75-86	Active feeding during dawn and dusk, seeking cooler, oxygen-rich water during midday Concentrated around structure and deeper channels during the heat of the day Opportunistic feeding behavior increases with warm water temperatures	Deep creek and river channels adjacent to shallow flats Standing timber and brush piles in 15-25 foot depths Current breaks near channel bends with woody cover	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20'+)	Shad schools Bottom-dwelling creatures (crawfish, worms) Smaller sunfish and bream	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	75-88	Actively schooling in open water, chasing shad schools during early morning and evening periods Moving between deep main lake structure (humps) and shallow grass edges throughout the day, following bait movements Suspending near channel edges and deeper structure during bright midday periods	Main lake humps and offshore structure adjacent to river channels Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water Points and creek channel intersections with abundant bait presence	Inline Spinners cast and retrieved at varying speeds to match bait activity Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding deeper on structure	Shad schools in open water and around structure Small baitfish relating to grass edges Young-of-year baitfish in scattered schools	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	67-82	Bass are actively feeding on shad and bluegill in shallow to mid-depth zones, with schools forming near creek channel points Fish are utilizing grass mats and hard cover as ambush points, particularly during feeding periods Movement patterns show fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper staging areas as temperatures fluctuate	Points adjacent to creek channels, especially those with matted grass Rip rap and broken concrete in 1-3 foot depths Grass mats with deep water access	Bladed Jigs around grass edges and points Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rip rap Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with 1oz weights for punching grass mats	Shad schooling near points and channel edges Bluegill relating to grass mats and shallow cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Moving from deeper summer haunts (16-28 feet) to shallower transition areas, following baitfish migrations Schooling more aggressively as water temperatures cool, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter	Main lake points near creek channel intersections in 12-20 foot range Brush piles positioned on secondary points in 10-15 foot depths Creek channel bends with adjacent structure in 15-25 foot range	Crappie Spider Rigging - allows for precise depth control and multiple bait presentations Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - effective for covering water and finding active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - perfect for working brush piles and structure	Shad schools migrating to creek arms Small minnows around brush pile structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	62-75	Actively chasing shad schools in creek channels and along points, with increased feeding activity during cooling water periods Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones following baitfish, particularly during morning and evening periods	Main lake points with rock or boulder structure adjacent to deep water Creek channel bends with brush piles in 8-15 foot range Rocky banks where shad schools are present	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to points and through baitfish schools Spinnerbaits burned just under the surface when shad are active Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure when fish are less active	Shad schools congregating in creek channels and around points Crawfish in rocky areas and around brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following shad schools and concentrating near creek channel edges and deeper structure Increased activity during falling water temperatures triggers feeding opportunities, especially during low-light periods	Deep creek channels and river channels intersecting with shallow flats Standing timber and brush piles in 15-25 foot depths Areas where current concentrates baitfish near channel bends	Live Bait Rigs with larger offerings positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through timber areas	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish and bluegill Dying or stressed baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	Actively schooling and chasing shad in open water, especially during early morning and late evening feeding periods Following baitfish schools as they migrate to creek arms and coves during fall cooling pattern	Main lake points and humps adjacent to river channels where shad schools congregate Creek arms with submerged vegetation where baitfish seek shelter Deep water adjacent to shallow flats where white bass pin baitfish against the surface	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools of fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds to match baitfish movement Lipless Crankbaits burned through schooling fish when surface activity is present	Shad schools congregating in large numbers during fall migration Small baitfish relating to submerged vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	49-70	Bass are holding tight to structural elements in 8-15ft depths, particularly around standing timber and grass edges, with feeding activity concentrated during early morning hours Fish are utilizing subtle changes in vegetation and transitional areas near creek channels as primary feeding zones Cold fronts are pushing fish into more predictable winter patterns, with groups of fish congregating around key structure	Standing timber and submerged grass edges in 8-15ft depths Points where creek channels swing close to structure Riprap and hard structure in stained water areas Deep grass points and drains with nearby deep water access	Drop Shot worked methodically around standing timber and grass edges Umbrella Rigs for targeting grouped fish, especially around shad schools Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Carolina Rigs dragged along point endings and channel swings	Shad schooling near grass edges and timber Bluegill relating to stumps and laydowns in slightly shallower water	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in deep water near main lake points and creek channel bends, requiring precise vertical presentations Fish are suspending near brush piles in the 20-30 foot range, becoming more active during warmer parts of the day	Main lake points with brush piles in 20-30 foot range Creek channel bends with deep water access Brush piles positioned near deep water structure	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly with subtle movements around brush Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) directly in the brush piles Live Bait Rigs with minnows when fish are less active	Shad concentrations in deeper water Small minnows relating to brush piles	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-55	Spotted bass show a tendency to suspend near deep channel bends and points, following shad schools in the 15-25 foot range Most active feeding during warmer parts of the day, especially around sunny banks where baitfish gather Fish typically school more tightly in winter, making them easier to target once located	Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings, especially those with rock or brush Steep rocky banks that receive afternoon sun exposure Brush piles positioned in 15-25 foot depths near primary points	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Underspins targeting suspended fish around bait schools Drop Shot with small profile baits for finicky fish	Suspended winter shad schools Small crawfish emerging from rocks during warmer periods Small baitfish relating to brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Catfish	49-58	Catfish are actively feeding around baitfish schools and structure, congregating near bottom features like humps and deep channels Fish are less active but still feeding opportunistically, particularly during warmer periods of the day	Deep channel areas and river channels serving as winter holding areas Humps and bottom structure adjacent to deeper water Areas where baitfish schools are concentrated	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live bait positioned near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with scented baits near schools of baitfish	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey such as crawfish and small fish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	White Bass	45-55	White bass are schooling in deeper water, typically suspended near channel edges and humps where shad congregate Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during warming trends, especially during midday periods	Deep main lake humps adjacent to river channels, especially in 15-25 foot range Creek channel intersections with the main river channel Deep water areas adjacent to submerged vegetation edges	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Schooling shad in deeper water Small baitfish relating to channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 5-25 foot depths along creek channels and secondary points	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets with brush or timber
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Laydowns and shallow brush in protected coves and creek arms	Secondary points leading into spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with transition from rock to spawning pockets	Secondary points in major creek arms near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel intersections with main lake points, particularly where timber is present	Secondary points in creek arms with gradual slopes
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Offshore humps adjacent to deep water, particularly those near migration routes	Main lake points and channel swings leading to spawning tributaries
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Grass lines and vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depths	Protected creek arms and coves with shallow spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush piles in protected coves (5-15 feet)	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rocky banks and boulder fields in 4-10ft depth range	Secondary points with hard bottom leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shallow coves with abundant wood cover and undercut banks in 3-8 feet of water	Creek channel intersections with flats in 5-12 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Major tributary mouths and river channel junctions	Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Standing timber and hydrilla in 1-4 feet of water near deep water access	Points leading into spawning coves with submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range near spawning coves	Creek channel bends adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock or boulder structure adjacent to spawning pockets	Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range near creek channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel intersections with main lake points	Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and humps near river channel intersections	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush and willow/cypress trees with visible baitfish activity	Points and ledges near bluegill spawning areas
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 18-22 foot depth range, particularly those near creek channels or main lake structure	Deep brush tops in 16-28 foot range, especially those providing overhead cover
Summer	Spotted Bass	Flooded brush near deeper water access	Points and rock banks with baitfish present
Summer	Catfish	Deep creek and river channels adjacent to shallow flats	Standing timber and brush piles in 15-25 foot depths
Summer	White Bass	Main lake humps and offshore structure adjacent to river channels	Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Points adjacent to creek channels, especially those with matted grass	Rip rap and broken concrete in 1-3 foot depths
Fall	Crappie	Main lake points near creek channel intersections in 12-20 foot range	Brush piles positioned on secondary points in 10-15 foot depths
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock or boulder structure adjacent to deep water	Creek channel bends with brush piles in 8-15 foot range
Fall	Catfish	Deep creek channels and river channels intersecting with shallow flats	Standing timber and brush piles in 15-25 foot depths
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points and humps adjacent to river channels where shad schools congregate	Creek arms with submerged vegetation where baitfish seek shelter
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Standing timber and submerged grass edges in 8-15ft depths	Points where creek channels swing close to structure
Winter	Crappie	Main lake points with brush piles in 20-30 foot range	Creek channel bends with deep water access
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings, especially those with rock or brush	Steep rocky banks that receive afternoon sun exposure
Winter	Catfish	Deep channel areas and river channels serving as winter holding areas	Humps and bottom structure adjacent to deeper water
Winter	White Bass	Deep main lake humps adjacent to river channels, especially in 15-25 foot range	Creek channel intersections with the main river channel

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling around brush piles and channel edges	Crawfish becoming active in brush and rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows	Young of year shad
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Pre-spawn crawfish emerging from winter areas	Schooling shad in creek arms and around points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into creek arms	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows in tributary areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad congregating along grass lines	Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad moving into spawning areas	Crawfish active around rocky structure
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Bluegill and other sunfish in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Small minnows in tributary systems
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in post-spawn areas	Bluegill in shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn patterns	Crawfish active in rocky areas during warming trends
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools gathering in creek mouths and around points	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools recovering from spawn	Small baitfish utilizing vegetation edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Bluegill - especially around spawning areas near points
Summer	Crappie	Shad	Small minnows
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Crawfish - secondary forage around hard structure
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools	Bottom-dwelling creatures (crawfish, worms)
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Small baitfish relating to grass edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling near points and channel edges	Bluegill relating to grass mats and shallow cover
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools migrating to creek arms	Small minnows around brush pile structure
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools congregating in creek channels and around points	Crawfish in rocky areas and around brush piles
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish and bluegill
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools congregating in large numbers during fall migration	Small baitfish relating to submerged vegetation
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling near grass edges and timber	Bluegill relating to stumps and laydowns in slightly shallower water
Winter	Crappie	Shad concentrations in deeper water	Small minnows relating to brush piles
Winter	Spotted Bass	Suspended winter shad schools	Small crawfish emerging from rocks during warmer periods
Winter	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey such as crawfish and small fish
Winter	White Bass	Schooling shad in deeper water	Small baitfish relating to channel edges

Bait Colors by Season for Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Warm Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors