I was thinking about a week fishing trip this coming week and can't decide which one to try out. I have spent one day on Falcon when it was flooded and really liked the lake and have never been to Sam Rayburn but it is on my bucket list. I'm not hiring a guide so please don't tell me I won't do any good without one. I just want to go and enjoy time on the water trying out different techniques this time of the year but most of all I just want to be able to relax enjoy the time on the lake and just have fun. I know I'll catch fish at either place but catching fish would just be a bonus at this point. Only Falcon or Sam Rayburn is where I want to go to. So which would you choose and why.

I would also consider keeping a back seat open one or two days if you message me and are willing to point me out some good areas to fish at either lake.

Not sure my self about Falcon haven't been in two years also was flooded. Headed Fri and Sat this weekend.

Texan , Both lakes are great. I would look at the weather and decide based on that. Falcon should be a lot warmer and the water temp might be better. I have not been on Sam in in several months to know how many boats are on the water , but Falcon there are not to many on Falcon right now, so you might have more room. We are catching good numbers , not to many big fish as of now. If you put the work in you will have your chances. You absolutely can not go wrong on either lake. Just the fact you want to go fishing is a great thing to do.

Since you have made it clear that fish catching is least important to the point of not wanting to hear opinions on the subject your choice is easy. East Texas lakes are all more scenic than SW Texas Falcon Lake. Especially if the last time you were there was when it was full. Enjoy!

I love Falcon and the options it gives you. Caught my PB 4 times there last year. Saturday April 26 my son & I along with Bassin Billy put 6 bass in the boat that would have totaled 44 pounds, along with an additional 20 or so 3-5 pounders.
Just started fishing Sam Rayburn in the past month. If you like fishing grass beds, hydrilla, then this is your lake. My sons and I have caught a lot of fish, but no bigger ones yet. I was there yesterday and caught a good number of fish, but nothing like the 5 fish limits caught for the Platinum Tournament.
I did not see many boats where we fished, so I guess I was in the wrong part of the lake for the bigger fish.
I did not expect SR to be as rough (water/wave wise) as it was yesterday. For a slight wind the main part of the lake was extremely white cappy. The North eastern side of the lake was fine, but the middle of the lake was extremely rough. Just as bad as it was the previous weekend with a stronger wind.

6 of one, 1/2 dozen of another.
pick the kind of fishing you want to do and go.
Can't go wrong either place.
you'll get more info and help for fishing Falcon than you will for fishing Sam Rayburn. SR locals are very tight lipped.

From what I have been hearing I would head to Big Sam then just keep going to Toledo.

Off topic PM sent..

Go to Falcon, come Feb you won't be able to find a place to park at Rayburn when the Tournaments start.

Been seeing 20-30 fish caught a Rayburn lately with some chuncks of 7,8,9 being caught but falcon you can catch 7s like nothin IF you hit the right areas at the right time. My vote would be Big Sam.

Rayburn. Way too beautiful out there and you'll feel at peace even if the fishing isn't so great.

I would say if your trying to hang a DD wih little knowlege of the lake you have a better chance at Falcon. 1oz fooball head jig, c-rig, swim bait and crank hit rock and rock and moe rock and you have a good shot. Rayburn you will definaly cach fish but your gonna be better off giant hunting on Falcon. Raburn will also ave way more boats on it than Falcon

Just got back from falcon Friday DONT GO and wast your time,,

Oh lord, a thread about sam rayburn. Let the haters rejoice

Rayburn still sucks, don't go. The results reflect that too...

Nutman Rayburn can get real nasty in the main lake and dont take much either but its easier to run rough than Toledo Bend is when she is rough.