Got a chance to go fishing on Big Sam in the next week or so for a few days. The wife and I are taking a small vacation. I have never been on the lake before and would sincerely appreciate any current info on where to fish. Strictly a bass guy. We are thinking about staying at Shirley creek cabins. Thanks in advance...........

Going to be crowded next week McDonald�s tournament.

Thanks, will be sure to avoid that disaster, thinking about week of the 23rd.

Right now, the water is back in the trees in some areas. Caught a bunch of smaller fish yesterday throwing a spinner and a small swim bait. Seems like every larger sweet gum had a fish or two on them. Be careful if it's windy though. Yesterday afternoon the wind came up and I heard a couple of the old dead pines that flood waters had killed come crashing down.

Thanks Cmack. Do you know anything about Shirley creek campground? Would that be a good base to fish out of without driving all over the lake, or we be better of farther down lake somewhere?

If Big Sam is Rayburn, thats the weekend of the Big Bass Splash. I'll be there!

This brings up a really good point. The high water killed a line of trees all the way around the lake and they will be falling if you hit them or the wind and waves will knock them over. Not only does it create the hazard around the trees but there could be floaters all over the lake until they get washed to another bank or sink or whatever. Be careful out there right now.

Yep! We heard a few falling with the big winds last week, and watch out for the wasp nest if you go back in the woods.

Shirley Creek is located on a good area of the lake as far as fishing goes. You're within 10 minutes of lots of notorious areas (The Canyons, Deer Stand, Stanley, Hanks Creek). The only drawback about being there is your in the part of the lake where there's timber everywhere and unless you know the lake, it can be difficult to navigate (Rayburn has no marked boat lanes). Anything south of the 147 bridge is much better other than two areas of timber (Amber Forest & Black Forest). If you want a fool proof area where you can close your eyes and run the lake then the south end is for you. There are basically no hazards on that end of the lake. Twin Dikes park has cabins for rent. Powell Park has cabins. Tiger Creek Lodge is down there. You have lots of options.

Rayburn park is a good place to camp also. Puts you close to lots of fishing. I wouldn't worry about all the water way back in the flooded areas. Just fish the edge of bushes and the haygrass 6-10ft you should get bit. If you need a cabin, the places listed above are your best bet