Sam Rayburn Reservoir opened in 1965 after an extensive project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build a dam to prevent the flooding of the Angelina and Neeches Rivers and to provide drinking water for nearby communities. It is located in the heart of East Texas pine forests and is a highly popular location for anglers.

Over three hundred fishing tournaments are held in the Sam Rayburn Reservoir annually; the main catch in this stocked lake are largemouth bass, crappie red ear sunfish, blue gill, and channel catfish. There are many access points to the lake through campgrounds, resorts, and marinas, and locals and visitors use the reservoir, the largest in Texas, for waterskiing, boating, swimming, and the land around it for camping, nature hikes, and scenic drives.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, Jasper, TX 75957, Phone: 409-384-5716

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