Waterbody · Texas
Lake Sam Rayburn Fishing Regulations 2026
Lake Sam Rayburn fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are largemouth bass, crappie. 30 current rules across 6 species from TPWD.
Rules (30)
TPWD regulates 30 rules across 6 species at this water.
Largemouth Bass
Southeast Texas (Includes Public Waters Bordering Adjacent Counties)
- Min size
- 12"
TimpsonOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 21"
Bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches or greater in length may be retained. Only one bass 21 inches or greater may be retained.
Walter E. LongOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 21"
Bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches or greater in length may be retained. Only one bass 21 inches or greater may be retained.
Wheeler BranchOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 21"
Bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches or greater in length may be retained. Only one bass 21 inches or greater may be retained.
Texas statewide
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 16"
only bass 16 inches in length or less may be retained
Black Crappie
Sabine River (From Toledo Bend Dam To Sabine Pass)Open
- Status
- Permitted
no MLL and daily bag = 25 in any combination
Toledo Bend*Open
- Status
- Permitted
no MLL and daily bag = 25 in any combination
White Crappie
Sabine River (From Toledo Bend Dam To Sabine Pass)Open
- Status
- Permitted
no MLL and daily bag = 25 in any combination
Toledo Bend*Open
- Status
- Permitted
no MLL and daily bag = 25 in any combination
Blue Catfish
Sam RayburnOpen
- Status
- Permitted
no MLL; daily bag and possession limit = 50 in any combination, of which no more than 5 may be 30 inches or greater in length
Channel Catfish
Sam RayburnOpen
- Status
- Permitted
no MLL; daily bag and possession limit = 50 in any combination, of which no more than 5 may be 30 inches or greater in length
All Species
Sam Rayburn Reservoir In Angelina, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Sabine, And San Augustine CountiesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
comprises all impounded waters of the Angelina River from the Sam Rayburn Dam upstream to the Union Pacific railroad bridge
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn?
TPWD regulates fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn.
What species can I target on Lake Sam Rayburn?
Lake Sam Rayburn is best known for largemouth bass, crappie. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize TPWD's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.