Sam Rayburn Reservoir is quite simply a monstrous body of water, covering an estimated 114,500 square acres with a water volume of nearly 4 million acre-ft . Constructed over the latter part of the 1950s and early 1960s, the reservoir has since served as a hydroelectric power generator and water conservation side, in addition to aiding flood control efforts for Southeast Texas. Sam Rayburn is the largest lake to be located exclusively in the state of Texas. Not only known for its size, Sam Rayburn reservoir is well documented as fertile fishing grounds, where some of the country’s best anglers cast out a line and set up shop. The largemouth bass is the lake’s most sought after inhabitant. The species’ abundant numbers beneath the Sam Rayburn surface combined with its expansive area has made it a well traveled destination for bass fishing tournaments. The site plays host to over 300 tournaments annually, including some of the most prestigious bass fishing competitions in the country with big time sponsors, namely the ESPN/BASSMasters Classic, BASS Champs, WalMart BFL, FLW Outdoors, Anglers’ Quest, Bass-n-Bucks and McDonald’s Big Bass Splash.For amateurs who hope to reel in big largemouth bass just like the professionals, fishing advice is best dictated by the season. The lake boasts a year round supply of largemouth bass, however, prime locations change throughout the year. The cooler months of fall, winter and spring will find more active largemouths, tending to make their way towards shallower water. The summer heat will restrict the best bass fishing to evening, night and early morning, with fish rarely venturing out of deeper waters. Aside from the largemouths, several other game fish species call Sam Rayburn Reservoir home, including the catfish, crappie, white bass and sunfish. Crappies are in abundant supply year round, with optimum fishing areas in deeper water near brush buildups.