Sam Rayburn Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sam Rayburn Reservoir |
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 Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Location in Texas
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Angelina/ Nacogdoches/ San Augustine / Jasper / Sabine counties, Southeast Texas |
| Coordinates | 31°03′40″N 94°06′22″W / 31.06111°N 94.10611°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Angelina River |
| Primary outflows | Angelina River |
| Catchment area | 3,449 sq mi (8,930 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 36.43 miles (58.63 km) |
| Max. width | 4.29 miles (6.90 km) |
| Surface area | 114,500 acres (463 km2) |
| Water volume | 3,997,600 acre⋅ft (4.9310 km3) |
| Surface elevation | 164 ft (50 m) |
| Islands | numerous islands and islets |
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is a huge man-made lake in Deep East Texas, United States. It's located about 70 miles (113 km) north of Beaumont. The lake gets its water from the Angelina River, which is a major river flowing into the Neches River. This reservoir is upstream from the Big Thicket National Preserve, a special natural area.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the largest lake completely within the state of Texas. It can hold about 3,997,600 acre-feet (4.931 km³) of water. The United States Army Corps of Engineers in Fort Worth manages this important lake.
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History of Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Building the Sam Rayburn Reservoir started on September 7, 1956. The lake officially began to be used on March 29, 1965. The main reasons for building this reservoir were to control floods, generate electricity using water power (called hydroelectric power), and save water for people to use. The total cost to build the lake, including places for recreation, was around $66 million.
How the Lake Got Its Name
When it was first being built, the lake was known as McGee Bend Dam and Reservoir. But in September 1963, the United States Congress decided to change its name. They renamed it "Sam Rayburn Dam and Reservoir" to honor Sam Rayburn. He was a very important person in the government, serving as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. He cared a lot about protecting soil and water. The official dedication ceremony for the lake was held on May 8, 1965.
Early Plans for the Rivers
Back in 1945, a law was passed that approved four reservoirs for the Neches and Angelina Rivers. These were planned as Dam A, Dam B, Rockland, and McGee Bend. The first one built was Dam B on the Neches River, finished in 1953. Its name was later changed to Town Bluff Dam and B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir, but many local people still call it Dam B.
In 1955, Congress approved money to build McGee Bend Dam and Reservoir, and construction began in 1957. As mentioned, its name was changed to Sam Rayburn Dam and Reservoir in 1963. The other two planned dams, Dam A and Rockland, were supposed to be on the Neches River. However, they were later decided to be unnecessary and were never built.
Fun Activities at Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Lake Sam Rayburn is a very popular place for people to visit and have fun. You can even drive across part of the lake on Texas State Highway 147.
Boating and Fishing
The lake is a favorite spot for both boating and fishing. Many different types of game fish live in the lake. Some of the most popular fish to catch include largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.
Bass Fishing Tournaments
Because there are so many bass in the lake, Sam Rayburn Reservoir hosts over 300 fishing tournaments every year! These include big events like ESPN/BASS Masters, BASS Champs, and the McDonald's Big Bass Splash. In 2018, Bassmaster magazine even named Lake Sam Rayburn the number one best bass lake in the entire nation.
Famous People Connected to the Lake
The science-fiction and fantasy writer Ardath Mayhar lived close to Sam Rayburn Lake. Her home was right next to the Attoyac River, which flows into the lake. She wrote many of her stories there and also at a local bookstore she owned.
- Sam Rayburn Reservoir from the Handbook of Texas Online
