Sam Rayburn Reservoir takes the crown for being the best bass lake in the nation for 2018 according to Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes rankings.
The storied Lone Star State fishery has never ranked below 26th in the seven years the rankings have been published. However, the 114,500-acre lake started showing out in 2015, when it climbed to fifth. In 2016 it jumped to fourth. And last year, Rayburn was the bridesmaid, sitting in second place. But, Rayburn is a bridesmaid no more, and for the first time captures the title.
"Although there were some pretty spectacular numbers being produced from other lakes this year, Rayburn was a clear No. 1," said James Hall, editor of Bassmaster Magazine. "While some lakes were boasting of a single 30-pound, five-bass limit being caught, Rayburn was spitting them out in rapid succession. And to top it off, a 40.28-pound limit was recorded in June."
Countless limits of solid fish aren't the only thing special about this lake.
"When it comes to double-digit bass, Rayburn also seems to top the list this year," Hall continued. "Three 10-pounders were weighed in during a one-day February derby. Plus, a 12.05 and a 13.06 were landed here in March. The lake is simply on fire right now."
When it comes to bragging rights for the state with the most lakes to make the top 100 list, Texas wins with 12. California boasts eight fisheries within the rankings, while Florida has the third most with seven.
2018 Bassmaster Magazine's 100 Best Bass Lakes
1) Sam Rayburn Reservoir - Texas
2) Chickamauga Lake - Tennessee
3) Clear Lake - California
4) Lake St. Clair - Michigan
5) Miles Lacs Lake - Minnesota
6) Santee Cooper Lakes - South Carolina
7) Diamond Valley Lake - California
8) Thousand Islands - New York
9) Lake Guntersville - Alabama
10) Falcon Lake - Texas
In a list of the best lakes in America's central region, aside from Lake Sam Rayburn, the following Texas lakes were identified:
- Toldeo Bend Reservoir- Lake Conroe- Lake Lyndon B. Johnson- Lake Ray Roberts- Lake Palestine- Caddo Lakes- Belton Lake- Lake Texoma- Lake Fork
Photo courtesy - BASSMASTER
