Lake Sam Rayburn Fishing Report: Late Spring to Summer Transition Brings Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Action

Good morning from Lake Sam Rayburn, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for May 26, 2025. We’re in that classic late spring to early summer transition here on Big Sam. Sunrise hit at about 6:30 am, with sunset expected near 8:00 pm. Temperatures have been running warm, with calm mornings and the lake water sitting steady at 77 degrees. Clarity remains slightly stained and the lake is just over a foot above pool, so there’s plenty of good habitat to work with out there. No tides to report since this is freshwater, but the water levels and weather are prime for a productive day on the water[1][5]. Bass fishing has switched gears as most of the spawn has now wound down. The bigger largemouths are no longer shallow and have moved out to their summer haunts. Look for your best bites in that 8 to 14 foot range, focusing on ledges, humps, and old timber. The Texas rig and Carolina rig are still king, with big worms in watermelon red or junebug getting the most attention. A rattle trap can pick off some aggressive bass if you run into schooling shad. Reports show good numbers of quality keepers, with several 5- to 7-pounders being caught mid-lake and around the Five Fingers area[4][5]. Crappie are shifting from the beds and starting to congregate around deeper timber and emerging brush piles, mainly in 4 to 12 feet of water. Anglers have been having the most luck fishing live minnows under corks close to standing timber, and a transition to mid-depth brush piles is starting to show some promise[4][5]. Catfish action remains strong, especially during the early morning and evening hours. Shallow flats and creek channels have been productive, with cut bait and punch bait both working well. For those after a mess of channel cats, try fishing noodles or set lines near the creek mouths, especially up in the Black Forest and Buck Bay. For baits and lures, stick with the big plastics for bass on Texas or Carolina rigs, and don’t be afraid to upsize if you’re hunting a big one. Live minnows are your best bet for crappie right now. For catfish, cut shad or prepared punch baits are top choices[1][4][5]. A couple of hot spots worth trying today include the Five Fingers area for your best shot at big bass and the timber just off the mid-lake creek channels for both crappie and catfish. With fish settling into summer patterns and weather stable, now is a great time to get on the water. Good luck and tight lines from your pal, Artificial Lure. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.