It’s generally acknowledged that Sam Rayburn Reservoir is on the upswing – big time – and nearby Toledo Bend Reservoir is on the downswing – slightly – in terms of bass fishing. However you care to rank them, these two big manmade reservoirs will consistently be among the top bass fisheries in the U.S., whether they’re trending up or down.
“They both go through cycles,” said Texas native Kelly Jordon. “They have peaks and valleys. Rayburn is peaking this year. Toledo is down a little. It’s just part of the cycle.
“Growing up fishing here in Texas, Rayburn was always the big brother to Toledo Bend. Toledo Bend has been enjoying being the big brother to Rayburn for awhile now.”
Because the Bassmaster Elite Series has both lakes on the schedule this year, less than six weeks apart, there’s an easy way to compare them. Is it scientific? Goodness no. Is it interesting? I think so, but you can be the judge of that. We’ll follow this each day as the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest at Sam Rayburn progresses, but the following provides a Day 1 snapshot of the two lakes based on recent Elite Series results:
| Sam Rayburn | Toledo Bend | |
| May 17, 2017 | April 6, 2017 | |
| Total anglers | 109 | 110 |
| 5-bass limits | 108 | 97 |
| Bass weighed-in | 544 | 524 |
| Total weight | 1,725-0 | 1,472-1 |
| Ave. bass weighed-in | 3.17 lbs. | 2.81 lbs. |
| 20-lb. bags | 18 | 7 |
| Big bag | 25-6 | 25-1 |
| Big bass | 9-1 | 9-10 |
| 12th place | 20-15 | 18-3 |
| 25th place | 18-9 | 16-7 |
| 50th place | 15-12 | 13-12 |
| 75th place | 13-15 | 11-13 |