The spotlight of popularity shines brightest on Toledo Bend Reservoir. In the shadow of that spotlight is Sam Rayburn, located just 30 miles to the west. This week that spotlight might expand to shine on both fisheries. Big time B.A.S.S. events tend to do that and here we are with Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
If you could build a dream lake, including all of the uncontrollable environmental variables to make it perfect, you have that dream turned into reality at Sam Rayburn.
Consider these dynamics.
On average, water level fluctuates 6 to 8 feet each year. High water during winter and spring inundates terrestrial vegetation during the bass spawn, which results in high survival of hatched bass. As lake levels drop during summer and fall, aquatic vegetation provides abundant cover across the lake. Lower lake levels also allow terrestrial vegetation to reestablish in the fluctuation zone, increasing availability of nutrients and cover when the water rises again. Repeat. And there you have it, the perfect setup on 114,500 acres of powerhouse east Texas bass fishery.
For all of the above to work in unison is difficult with the weather patterns. All of the above is working here, though.