May 2005 was our first trip. . Even though Sam Rayburn been through allot with LMBV it still producing great catches of fish.
You can see more of Nanda and Bill's Fish in their photo sections

Sam Rayburn Project is located on the Angelina River, the major tributary of the Neches River, approximately 10 miles northwest of the town of Jasper, in the heart of the piney woods region of Southeast Texas. Authorized by Congress in 1955 for the purposes of flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and conservation of water for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses as the second element of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers development plan for the Neches River Basin, construction of the dam was begun in 1956, with deliberate impoundment of water beginning in March, 1965, and conservation pool level, (elevation 164.4ft, mean sea level), being initially reached in 1966. Total construction costs, including those for recreation facilities, were estimated.

When construction of the dam began the project was known as “McGee Bend Dam and Reservoir”, because of it's location immediately upstream from McGee Bend on the river. In September, 1963, the 88th Congress adopted a special resolution changing the name to “Sam Rayburn Dam and Reservoir”, in honor of the recently deceased Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Sam Rayburn, a long-time champion of soil and water conservation.

The lake created by the dam is the largest body of water within the boundaries of the State of Texas, with a surface of approximately 114,500 acres in five counties, (Angelina, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Sabine, and San Augustine), when at conservation pool level, elevation 164.4 ft. m.s.l.. At this level the lake is about 60 miles in length, with approximately 750 miles of shoreline. .

Sam Rayburn has tons of areas to fish and lots of large creels of fish, it has been one of BASS favorite tour stops with 25 majors.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir cover consists of submerged aquatic vegetation, standing timber, and flooded terrestrial vegetation. Hydrilla is the predominant plant species, although many native plants such as coontail and pondweed are also present. In the lower part of the reservoir the water is relatively clear; fish are typically found around vegetation edges, flats, humps, and creek channels. In the upper part of the reservoir, the abundance of vegetation declines. Timber, brush, laydowns, and creek channels provide upper-lake fish cover. . Drastic water level changes can decrease the amount of vegetation. At high water levels, trees and bushes provide cover.

Hurricane Rita the eye passed directly over the lake, leaving thousands with out power and untolled damage to the area, Hopefully it can make a full recovery.