Sick of West Texas never having any water so we're driving East to bass fish Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend for about 3-4 days. Looking for recommendations for good place to fish on both lakes, good place to stay (is there a spot between both lakes?), and good places to eat. We know nothing about either lake so any advice will be greatly appreciated. Which lake would you spend most your time on for a wall hanger? Appreciate your help. One more thing... any recommendations on a guide that fishes both lakes?

When is this trip planned for?

Right now Toledo seems to be producing many large fish. If you are really looking for a wall hanger I would go there.

Lots of good "mom and pop" type eating places in most of the small towns around the lakes.

Fin & Feather seems to be the go to place for the TFF'ers for lodging.

If you are going to hit Rayburn, Bass Buster Inn is a great place to stay, and while there you have to eat at the Stump, probably the most well known eating joint in the area. The cool thing is that the dams of Rayburn and Toledo are around 35 miles apart. Bass Buster is just east of the dam on Rayburn.

Good luck and enjoy.

I choose Toledo for quality and stay there too. Drive to Rayburn one day if u want. Its only a 30-45 minute drive.

I like eating at the seafood buffet at the Ceder Tree in Jasper. Might check the times might be a weekend only thing in the evenings.

As far as fishing I catfish around Hanks Creek Park. It's a camping area with one ramp closed for high water but the catfish are on the windy points right now.

With the lakes as full as they are I would offer up a word of caution for you. The brush you will be fishing is likely somebody's back yard. We hit a submerged fence post on Rayburn while flipping and $500 later we were back in action. Good to be careful out there.

I would pick one it would take you a month fishing everyday to cover the entire lake or longer if i would have to pick one i would go with toledo bend.you can spend all day in one cut.

Not sure when you plan to go, but want to mention that the Big Bass Splash is on Toledo this Friday-Sunday. Lots of boats on the lake during this annual event.

Thanks to all for the great input. I think we will spend most of our time on Toledo Bend, but will have to go to Rayburn at least one day just to say we've been on it. I know it's also known for it's big bass. We'll fish the evening of the 23 through the morning of the 27th. Hopefully memorial day weekend won't be too overloaded with boats. Any pointers on baits, good colors for worms, crankbaits, etc. Was also curious if there's a decent topwater bite? Thank yall again for the great feedback.

Yes top water early and then work the grass points and pads. Some schooling action around mid morning. Colors red bug early, green pumpkin, as the sun comes out watermelon red and candy are working.