Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn Rank in Top Five Best Fishing Lakes

Here in Deep East Texas, we enjoy fishing. If you don't believe that, just ask someone about how big of a deal any of the Big Bass Splash fishing tournaments are. That answer should showcase just how serious fishing is for us.

However, the locals from here aren't the only ones taking notice of how big fishing is. A new ranking from the Fishmasters website ranks several Deep East Texas lakes in the Top 30 Fishing Lakes in Texas, with Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn ranking in the top five!

Toledo Bend Ranks #4

According to Fishmasters, the Toledo Bend Reservoir has a good enough fishing scene to rank in at #4 out of 30. They call it a "top destination for fishing, especially for bass." They also mention the abundance of other types of fish like crappie and catfish. Apparently, the Sabine River Authority is doing alright with their upkeep of the lake. Yes, we might share it with Louisiana, but we'll still claim it.

I don't know about you, but I think that #4 a pretty good ranking for one of our local lakes. There's a reason why the Big Bass Splash on Toledo Bend is a big deal every year, and it's coming up soon. That tournament will be May 15th, 16th and 17th.

Sam Rayburn Ranks #2

The higher ranking Deep East Texas lake, according to the Fishmasters, is Sam Rayburn. This lake, overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers, is another big option for bass fishing, specifically largemouth bass. Like with Toledo Bend, the Fishmasters list also highlights the other species of fish that are found in Sam Rayburn, like crappie, catfish and others. All of these options earned Sam Rayburn the rank of #2 out of 30.

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And, also like Toledo Bend, it draws enough attention and fisherman to have its own Big Bass Splash tournament each year as well (it's actually the site of the original tournament). The Sam Rayburn Big Bass Splash will take place on April 17th, 18th and 19th this year.

Honorable Mention: Lake Livingston Ranks #17

One other Deep East Texas lake made it into the top 30 list. That lake is Lake Livingston. No, it's not in the top five, but making the list at all is pretty great, so we'll take it!