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Texas · Fishing
Broaddus sits in the Pineywoods of East Texas, and the fishing around it is almost entirely defined by one body of water: Sam Rayburn Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas.
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Broaddus sits in the Pineywoods of East Texas, and the fishing around it is almost entirely defined by one body of water: Sam Rayburn Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas. The listings here pull from several access points and management areas around the lake, including Cassells Boykin State Park, Jackson Hill, and the Angelina National Forest's Sam Rayburn Reservoir area, which is managed through the Angelina district office at 936-897-1068. The surf fishing listing under the Rayburn entry reflects the wave-action shoreline fishing common on the lake's more exposed banks, not saltwater fishing. Sam Rayburn is known for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, and the lake's size means conditions, structure, and fish activity can vary a lot depending on which arm or cove you're working. Cassells Boykin and Jackson Hill both offer developed access with boat ramps, making them practical starting points for first-time visitors. If you're planning a trip from outside the area, calling the Angelina National Forest office ahead of time is worth doing to confirm ramp conditions and any current access restrictions.
Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the primary species on Sam Rayburn. White bass runs also happen seasonally in the tributary creeks feeding the lake. The reservoir's timber-heavy coves and submerged structure hold fish year-round, though activity levels shift with water temperature and season.
Cassells Boykin State Park and Jackson Hill both have developed boat ramps and are the most practical entry points listed here. The Angelina National Forest also manages several access areas around the Sam Rayburn Reservoir arm of the lake — contact their office at 936-897-1068 for current ramp status before you drive out, since conditions can change after heavy rain.
Hanks Creek
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Boykin Springs Pavilion
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Sandy Creek
~50 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Sabine River — Toledo Bend Tailrace
~1h 11m drive
Moderate
Toledo Bend Reservoir - Pendleton Bridge Area
~1h 21m drive
Easy
Rayburn
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
ANGELINA (Sam Rayburn Reservoir Area) 936-897-1068
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Jackson Hill
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Cassells Boykin
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Sam Rayburn Marina Resort
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Walnut Ridge
~43 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Henhouse Ridge Unit
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Also worth it near here
No, Broaddus is inland Pineywoods country with no saltwater access. The surf fishing designation on the Rayburn listing refers to shoreline or bank fishing along the more open, wind-exposed stretches of Sam Rayburn Reservoir where wave action is common. It's freshwater fishing from the bank rather than from a boat.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and crappie on Sam Rayburn, particularly in warmer months when midday heat pushes fish deeper. Catfish tend to bite well into the evening and overnight, especially near channel edges and deeper structure.
Yes, a valid Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 or older fishing Sam Rayburn Reservoir. You can purchase one online through Texas Parks and Wildlife at tpwd.texas.gov or at local bait shops and sporting goods retailers in the area. If you're fishing from Cassells Boykin State Park, you'll also need to pay the state park entry fee.
