Sam Rayburn Reservoir was impounded in 1965 on the Angelina River north of Jasper, Texas.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates the project for flood control, water supply, hydropower and recreation, while Texas Parks and Wildlife manages and documents the modern fishery and public-access framework.
At the 164.4-foot conservation pool, the reservoir covers roughly 114,500 acres. USACE describes more than 750 miles of shoreline at conservation pool, making Rayburn a lake where launch-side planning can dramatically change drive and boat time.
Hydrilla, American lotus, pondweed, creek systems and the upper-to-lower water-clarity gradient continue to shape both the fishery and visitor experience.