The Hidden Cottage BB

The beginning of the 2012 fishing season.

2012-01-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

Well,it took some doing but I finally figured out how to get back on the blog. I was able to get my boat out of Monterrey Park launch Friday the 27th of January. I caught only one fish, but it was a pretty good first fish of the year. I caught it on a gold, black and orange Rattlin Rogue in about 3 feet of water. Water temp is 58 degrees already, so I think the spawn will be early this year. Bass usually start the spawn around 60 to 62 degrees. I went out 2 more times and have caught a total of 4 fish. Not earth shattering but not bad for the end of January. The water is quite dirty from the recent runoff. I will keep you posted.

Good day on a bad day.

2011-05-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Well, it was bright blue sky, very windy and about 20 degrees cooler than the day before. A cold front had gone through the night before and I left the boat launch at about 1:20 PM. These are not ideal conditions by anyones standards. But, as you can see I did quite well. I saw people catching fish on white frogs over grass. I couldn't get a strike on my pop r so I changed locations and baits. I started throwing my gold and black rogue and started catching fish. I also caught fish on my ribbit around lilly pads. The rogue was producing near hydrila in about 5 ft. of water. The lake is probably 9 ft. low and very clear.
I ended up catching 15 fish in about 4 hours on what I would call a bad looking day.

Mine was bigger.

2011-04-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

10.74 lbs Wins Sam Rayburn McDonald’s Big Bass Splash
Robert Laird brought in the first double digit bass of the event at 10.74lbs Friday and held the lead to win the McDonald's Big Bass Splash on Lake Sam Rayburn, TX.

Laird is a big bass fisherman ! Leads on day 2 at Rayburn.

2011-04-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

Robert Laird of Livingston set the hook on a 13.19 pound bass. Laird was fishing in 6 to 8 feet of water beside the U.S. 190 bridge across Lake Livingston. He was using a Bagley crankbait.

Laird’s fish is the first ShareLunker ever entered from Lake Livingston and is the new lake record for largemouth. The fish also was the big fish in the Polk County Bass Club tournament Laird was fishing in and helped him win. The fish bested Lake Livingston’s previous largemouth record of 12.45 pounds caught February 16, 1987.

Lake Livingston is not known as a big bass lake, and some of Laird’s friends doubted him when he said he had a fish over 10 pounds to weigh in.

“They didn’t want to believe me on Lake Livingston,” he said. “When I pulled her out of the bag, all their eyes flew open.”

Any angler legally catching a 13 pound or bigger largemouth bass from Texas waters, public or private, between October 1 and April 30 may submit the fish to the Toyota ShareLunker program by calling program manager David Campbell at 903-681-0550 or paging him at 888-784-0600 and leaving a phone number including area code.

Big Bass Splash results, day 2.

2011-04-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for day 3 results but they are not yet available, soooo, I will publish this. For all hourly results of the 1st 2 days, http://www.sealyoutdoors.com/

Day 2 of the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash on Sam Rayburn started out with very cool temps in the 40’s and the wind was already rolling. Robert Laird is still in the lead from his Day 1catch weighing 10.74 lbs. He was closely challenged on Day 2 as Joe Kirbow (photo on right) of Beaumont, Texas ran to the scales with the biggest catch of his life – a 10.36 lb fish! The top 5 leader board nearly had a complete turnover by the end of the day.

1st	Robert Laird	Livingston, TX	10.74
2nd	Joe Kirbow	Beaumont, TX	10.36
3rd	Tommy Hammons	Jacksonville, TX	9.73
4th	Russell Spacek	Dime Box, TX	9.52
5th	Bob Sims	Orange, TX	8.98

Big Bass Splash results, day 1.

2011-04-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

10.74 Leads Day 1 - McDonald's Big Bass Splash
on Lake Sam Rayburn, TX

Day 1 Leader Board

1st	Robert Laird	Livingston, TX	10.74
2nd	Russell Spacek	Dime Box, TX	9.52
3rd	Luke Reed	Dayton, TX	8.27
4th	Danny Shoemaker	Lufkin, TX	8.20
5th	Walter Peddy	Nacogdoches, TX	8.00

That's gonna be hard to beat. Keep watching.

Big Bass Splash

2011-04-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! The McDonald's tournament is back at Big Sam. The weather is going to be < perfect. I went out yesterday morning and caught about 10 fish in all. Nothing big, but as you know, all fish are good fish. The fish bit watermelon/red Senco on a 5-0 hook with no weight, also on a floating rattling Rogue in orange and black in about 5' of water. Water temp. was 68 and the water is clear. I am not too sure that the winning fish won't be caught on Sunday, because the weather is going to be bad today and Saturday. Now, it depends on when the cold front comes through today. If the first few hours of the day are good then it could be caught early today. I will keep you posted.

Getting Closer

2011-03-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

I took my head into the shop today. Supposed to be done tomorrow afternoon, (tomorrow being Thursday).
I am seriously hoping that my boat will run much better when it's done. I believe that we got the leaks fixed.
Now all I need is a motor and I'll be set to fish. Then I can get back to telling you what they are biting.

2011-03-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

Went out Saturday and caught 7 fish to 2.5 lbs. on beetlespins and chartruese spinners in about 3 hours. Really went to see if I had fixed my boat, I hadn't. Seems I have a warped head. I've been told that I must have carberator problems, as the fuel in the cylinder is what actually cools the engine, not the water pump.
The lake is still 8ft. low but is clearing slightly. Still time to catch those spawners.

As soon as I can.

2011-03-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

As soon as I can fix the blown head gasket on my boat, I will fish again. As soon as I can fix the 2 holes in my boat, I will go fishing. Well, I already fixed the head gasket, and with the help of my neighbor Andy we have fixed 1 of the holes. Should be able to fix the second hole on Friday. I am looking forward to this weekend.
I have it on good authority that the Crappie are biting at the Canyons, in the grass. The bass have been biting on
stickbaits, topwaters, early and red Rattletraps. The spring bite is in full swing, you better hurry. It wont last long.

Take a child fishing!

2011-03-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

If you have never felt the thrill of seeing your grandchild catch a nice bass, or view a perfect sunset then I can tell you that you are really missing out. This is the easiest time of the year to catch a bass of a lifetime,or to make memories with your son, daughter or grandchild.
Today we just threw out a Rogue and a Long A and just shook our rod tips, then let it sit and BAM, there's a bass on it. Set about 50 yards of the shore, by the hydrilla and cast over it and shake it and wait. It couldn't be simpler and you can hardly miss as hard as they are hitting them.
Take a child fishing, it will do your heart good.

Hcbb Annual Tournament.

2011-03-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

The first annual Hidden Cottage BB fishing tournament was held last weekend.
Fishing was good but the fun was excellent. I caught 12 fish and lost the most fish
trophy to Devon, the biggest fish trophy to Bryan (The Gorilla Man ), but I did tie
for the smallest fish and received a trophy for it. Many fish were caught on a variety
of baits such as swimming jigs with pearl white grub tails, rattle traps, roadrunners,
football head jigs with craw trailers and rogues. Fish are located in grass in 2 to 5 feet
of water. Fish seemed to be in patches of clearer water more than in stained. The lake is still
about 8 feet low and temp. is running from 56 to 63 degrees.

Contractual Obligation Post

2011-03-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

We find ourselves in another fishing season, and we are really going to enjoy
this one.

My personal best
She is still swimming today.

It's shaping up to be a great one. We were catching fish like the one pictured here in February... February man!!! What can March, April and May have in store for us. I can't wait, and I suggest you not wait either. Book your stay now or regret it later.

Hog Heaven!

2011-02-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

9lbs.13ozs. What about that one. I had to let this one go because it would have eaten the other fish in the live well. This fish was caught 15 ft. from the boat launch. Could have easily been caught from the shore. Took a few pictures then released it for you to catch when you get here.

2011-02-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well we had a nice day on the lake, and caught a total of 11 fish. Not pictured here was a nice Crappie, which I was surprised to see up the creek this early in the year. The Eagle was setting in a tree about 75 feet away. This is the closest I've been to one that was sitting.
The water is still very low and dirty with a surface temp. of between 57 and 62 degrees.

Where'd they go?

2011-02-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

No pix today, nothing spectacular. Caught 3 keepers. The fish are coming from sparsh grass in about 5 feet of water. The problem is that they don't seem to have a patern. They will hit several different baits, but nothing consistantly. You can fish a whole bank and get one hit. The fish are not stacked up yet.
Anyway, the water temperature is around 56 degrees and the water is stained.The lake is about 8 feet low. Not the best conditions but they are getting close to the spawn, you can just feel it. Come on 60 degrees!!!

Schoolies just before dark.

2011-02-22T17:18:00.000-08:00

If you watch for birds working the water near you, you can sneak up under them and throw a Long A, a Rogue , or any minnow imitation bait and have much fun catching schoolies like these.
P.S. These fish were all caught on Long A's and Red Fins. I lost my Long A on a good fish that broke my line at the boat. I culled 5 fish. Stay tuned for more fish stories in the coming days.

2011-02-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

The big ones are biting at Rayburn again.
My battery was dead and I caught all these within 75 yards of the launch.
They are biting traps over grass.

Canada vacation pics Vol. 1

2010-12-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

CANADA

2010-12-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

We spent the entire month of October in North Bay, Ontario Canada. We were visiting our son and his family, who are stationed there in the Air Force. We fished almost daily, catching Northern Pike and Bass. The glacial lakes are everywhere and the scenery is absolutely awesome. Thanks B.J., Noel and Liam. I will post some pics from Canada and Niagra Falls after I make them an uploadable size.

Cold

2010-12-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well the weather has been cold lately and will stay that way for a couple more months. I did get a deer though. Got it on the second day of the season. I am going to start fishing again in February. I'll keep you posted.

They're biting topwater on Big Sam.

2010-09-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

Just after work today I decided to take a chance and go fishing. It wasn't so hot today and I got done early. I'm glad I went. Found these hiding under matted hydrilla points. They couldn't resist my Pop-R. Caught about 5 this size in 2 hours. Not bad.

Time off

2010-08-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Well, it's 100+ degrees every day now so I'm taking
a few weeks off from fishing. It's just too hot to spend time
looking for fish. Seriously, there are heat warnings every
day. Check back in mid September.
Thanks for keeping up with fishing on Big Sam.

Jeff

Morning fishing, lost fish.

2010-07-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

I went out this morning in what I would consider perfect conditions. It was cloudy, kind of windy from the west and the southwest and a little rainy. I had a few bites and caught 2 fish, one about 3 lbs. Twice I had an Alligator Gar take my Ribbit and break my braided line. Oh well, I had fun and that is what it's all about.
The lake is about 4 ft. low and falling. All my fish have moved out and now I'm left looking for a bite. Well that's a good excuse to go back out this evening.

Should of, Would of , Could of !!!

2010-07-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

There is a local tournament every Thursday night. The entry is $40.00 per 2 person team. I entered it with a friend from Houston a few weeks ago and we took 4th place with 9.4 lbs. 1st place was 11.2 lbs. For our 4th place we each got $60.00. Now for the pictures I posted today. Top left is "should have joined the tournament" Top right is "would have placed in the tournament" and bottom center is "could of won this darn tournament". 1st fish was 3 lbs. 2nd was 4 lbs. and the 3rd was 5 lbs. for a total of 12 lbs. Can't believe we didn't enter the tournament.

2010-07-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

We have been fishing late in the afternoons and catching fish like these
on Ribbits, Pop-r's, Spinner baits and Bass Assassins. Fish are hiding under Pepper Grass and Lilly Pads. Some fish have been larger but I forgot my camera on a few occasions.

Dog days of summer.

2010-06-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

It has been 95 or above everyday for a couple of weeks now. Also 75% or more humidity. Until the water temp. comes down to under 90. we will have to fish early, late or deeper. Went Friday for about 2 hours before dark. We didn't do very well, but I did manage a 5 pounder on a small spinner. Nothing on top water or bass assassins.

Tournament fishing

2010-06-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

There won't be any pics today but I can tell you that a friend from Houston and I entered the weekly Thursday night bass tournament at Monterrey Park launch. We placed in the money. The tournament starts at 5:00 PM and ends at dark. You can only weigh in 3 fish between the 2 of you and we caught 9.44 lbs. and placed 4th.
$60.00 each isn't bad for an afternoon of fishing. The winning stringer was 11.02 lbs.
I will be entering this tournament more often now.

Bad weather

2010-06-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well just about the time I released this fish the bottom fell out of the clouds. I caught this 4 pounder on a frog over grass on my new 7' Falcon rod which I got for my birthday. I caught one other that was about 2 1/2 lbs. Had a good time and released all the fish unharmed.

Hot water, bad weather, top water.

2010-06-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

When it rains it pours and the fish bite top water baits, as evidenced by these pics. The first fish was caught in an unusual manner. It rained for about a solid hour, and hard too. When it finally stopped the big ones came out to play.

Memorial Day weekend!

2010-05-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

Well it is Memorial Sunday and the big ones are biting. We caught 8 good fish in about 4 hours. The wind picked up about 6:30 and so did the fishing. Wind out of the SE at about 15 mph. All our fish were caught within 200 yards of the boat launch, and were caught on small white or white and chartruese spinners. Well the cabin is open and you need to remember these pics for next years Memorial Day weekend.

The heat is on.

2010-05-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

Temperature 89 degrees wind like 0 mph. and humidity off the chart. Not great conditions but I went fishing with a friend today and we caught several fish to 4 lbs. and lost many that seemed larger. We saw 2 large gators and both seemed to be stalking us. We had a good time.

Still there (Monday morning)

2010-05-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well the weather has changed some but it is still windy. I didn't know if the fish would still be in by the boat ramp or not. The middle pic is a fish caught less than 50 feet from the launch while people were launching. All of these fish were caught on pop-r's and they came from ambush points. The wind was probably 15 to 20 mph. from the south, southwest, driving the plankton (which the bait fish feed on) directly into the cove that Monterrey park boat launch is in. The wind is gusting to30mph. according to the weatherman that I am watching. Well the wife is still in Houston so I am thinking of going fishing.Guess I will. See ya!

"Big" problems!

2010-05-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

I went out at 5:30 PM this evening. The weather had been bad all day. I decided to check out some repair work I had done this afternoon. After fishing with a pop- r for 2 1/2 hours I had caught 3 fish about this size and 2 a bit smaller. I never left the boat launch area while I fished. I took this fish back to the boat launch after I took this picture and released it. I was happy to see it swim away as if nothing had happened to it. Oh, the boat worked fine, the trouble was that only big fish were biting. I will be out in the morning.

All Topwater fish.

2010-04-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

These fish were all caught on Zara Pups. I went out

about 1:30 and came back in around 5:30. I caught

probably 15 fish. These were the best. I missed several.

Fish have finally moved into Popher Creek. I have read

that all fish activity has been slowed by 45 days, because

of the long cold winter.

Honey do's

2010-04-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

Haven't fished in a few days 'cause the wind has been out of the north or east. Also I've had things to do around the yard. I hope to go tomorrow if the wind cooperates. If I do go I'll let you know how I did.

Beautiful sunset.

2010-04-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Went to bridge about 4:30 for the evening bite. When I got there, there was only one other boat. There was absolutely no wind. I trolled around several pilings and caught a lot of small Crappie. Around 5:30 everyone showed up. I ended up catching 4 keepers and decided that if the big ones weren't going to bite, I would run to the Canyons and see if the Bass were biting. Luckily I got to see this beautiful; sunset and caught several nice ones on a Senko. You could see them coming from the side or behind to nail the bait. It was kind of like a topwater bite. Very fun.

Topwater is starting up.

2010-04-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

Went out about 9:00 A.M. for the early bite. Had several fish on the same lure you can see in the pic. Had lots of fun and missed several strikes.

East North East wind

2010-04-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Went out yesterday afternoon in a bad e.n.e. wind and caught these 2 Crappie and 1 small Bass.The waves were bad and it was uncomfortable, so we didn't stay out long.

10.6 lbs. wins the McDonald's tournament?

2010-04-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Wow you can get money for a 5 lb. fish. I can't believe how small the fish were this year in the tournament. Maybe I'll join next year. I never fish on the weekend of the McDonald's tourn. because I'm always afraid I'll catch a big fish and not be entered. I see that the final hour is now over and it looks like 10.6 is going to win this year. Can't help but wish I had entered. Oh well, I can go fishing again as all the weekenders are gone.

Crappie Biting

2010-04-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm trying to learn to Crappie fish and I think I'm getting the hang of it. Went out about 2 hours and caught these and more in the sink. Reeling my magic minnow through them seemed to do the trick. Other days I've had to jig the minnow to get a bite. Keep checking back I will get back to Largemouth's soon. Also, we have joined www.samrayburn.com and www.anglerweb.com. Check out these fine web-sites, there is much information on these sites.

If you can't beat them...

2010-04-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well on Friday I couldn't find bass to save my life. This is the only bass I caught while fishing for bass. I caught it on a watermelon red Senko. It was getting on in the day so I went to the bridge to try for some Crappie. Didn't have any luck until I saw a friend by the bridge and he gave me some of his "magic minnow" baits. I caught a few Crappie then until they stopped biting.
I went back the next afternoon and apparently the White Bass or, Sand Bass as some around here call them, had moved in. I caught several of them, 2 Largemouths anda couple Hybreds. It was a fun Saturday afternoon. If you want to know what the "magic minnow" is, come stay at the Hidden Cottage and we will talk.

Still Biting!

2010-04-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I we went out this morning at 7:30 and returned home at 12:00 noon. We caught 21 fish in all and missed several. None were very big but it was still a fun morning. The bad news is that one that got away broke my now famous chartruese spinner bait. Oh well, now I'll have to find a new favorite. Fish also bit Senko's rigged wacky style, and some hits on Zara Pups and Zara Pooch's.

I Told You

2010-04-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

I told you yesterday that the fish were biting. If you didn't go fishing today you missed out on fish like these two 4 & 5 pounders. Stayed out 2 hours and caught 10 fish. These were the biggest. They were all caught on chartruese spinners. I thought about naming todays post
"If it still works, why change it? I know you are tired of hearing about 1/8 oz. chartruese spinners, but the proof is in my hands, they work.

Saturday outing!

2010-04-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

We caught 20 or so fish Saturday afternoon. We went out at about 2:00 and stayed until 7:30 and caught fish on Flukes, Bass Assassins, Spinners and top waters.
This was the biggest at about 4 pounds. The water is getting very clear, and the bass are biting. What are you doing just setting there? hit the lake. While your at it, stay at the Hidden Cottage.

Veach Basin produces.

2010-04-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Bass to 6 lbs. were biting pretty good on worms this morning.
A total of around 20 fish were caught in 4-1/2 hours in flooded Buck brush.
Most on worms but some on Traps.
After my less than stellar fishing this morning, I went out by myself in the afternoon. I caught 8 fish
all about 2 to 3 lbs. on Zara Pups and spinners.

South of 147 bridge.

2010-04-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

A friend and myself went fishing today at about 2:00 PM. We fished around the 147 bridge and caught several nice bass. We fished south of the bridge for several hours and caught fish everywhere we went. None of the fish were over 3-1/2 to 4 lbs. but we caught several and had a good time. We finished the day in the Canyon's, but there were more boats than fish. But that was expected as the wind was at least 25 to 35 mph. all day long and everyone was looking to get in a protected area.

Beautiful day's not necessarily good fishing.

2010-03-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the picture, it was a beautiful day. I could only manage about 5 fish like this in 4 or 5 hours.
It was tough fishing. I caught this one on a watermelon red Fluke. The rest on the old trusty spinner bait. Wind was strong from the southwest.

Catch of the day.

2010-03-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

Northwest winds were whipping up the whitecaps at a constant 20 mph. We were out about 3 hours and only managed 2 fish about this size for our trouble. Casting was very difficult and the wind made staying out hard.
So far the southeast wind has been the most productive
for me. I'll keep you updated.

Windy but good!

2010-03-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

The wind was blowing at about 15 mph. and gusting to 30, but if you could stand the wind the fish were biting.
Still biting chartruese spinners in 1/8 ounce. Took about 2 hours to catch 9 fish, including these 5 keepers.

Spring fishing!

2010-03-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

Fishing has been good for the past 2 weeks for largemouth bass on a variety of artificial baits. Small spinner baits
in chartruese or white, with double willow leaf blades (gold or gold and silver) have been producing to 5 lbs. around flooded buck brush and against windblown shorelines. Other baits that have been producing are, green Senko's, Bass Assassins, Flukes and Wacky Worms. Some bites on Rogues. Southeast winds have been the best so far, today the wind is supposed to be out of the west. I will keep you posted on my success.

Jeff Ketchum, Innkeeper
Hidden Cotage
3-22-10

Wildlife around The Hidden Cottage

2010-02-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

The Hidden Cottage backs up against the Angelina National forest. The Angelina National Forest is

153 thousand acres. Our area of the forest has a bustling wildlife population. Yesterday we took these photos of some wild turkeys right behind The Hidden Cottage. If you like bird watching The Hidden Cottage is a fantastic location for bird watching. We have a nest of Bald Eagles within view and often see them feeding on the lake. Although wild turkeys are usually skittish, these stuck around for awhile allowing me to take several pictures.
For those of you interested in hunting, regulations and rules for hunting in Angelina County are posted here on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Division webpage
Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Zavalla Ranger Station - 936-897-1068.

The ranger station address:
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Angelina
Rt. 2, Box 242
Zavalla, Texas 75980
936-897-1068

Sam Rayburn Reservoir Information

2010-02-19T17:19:00.000-08:00

Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the largest man-made lake located entirely within the boundaries of the State of Texas, and covers 114,500 acres at normal elevation in five counties, (Angelina, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Sabine, and San Augustine). The dam and reservoir were dedicated in 1965 and named by President Lyndon B. Johnson in honor of the long-time Speaker of the House from Texas. Lake Sam Rayburn has 560 miles of shoreline, including 100 miles of national forest shoreline.

History of the lake:

Sam Rayburn Reservoir, formerly known as McGee Bend Reservoir, is dammed eighty miles north of Beaumont (at 31°04' N, 94°06' W). It is fed by the Angelina River and lies in Jasper, Angelina, Sabine, Nacogdoches, and San Augustine counties. Construction at the McGee Bend site began on September 7, 1956, and deliberate impoundment of water began on March 29, 1965. Paul Hardeman, Incorporated, of Stanton, California, served as general contractor for the project, which cost $63,290,000. The project was renamed in honor of Samuel T. (Sam) Rayburn in 1963.

The reservoir is designed for flood control and power generation, owned by the United States government, and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth district. The earthfill dam has a spillway crest elevation of 176 feet and a top flood-control pool capacity of 3,997,600 acre-feet. Its two hydroelectric plants generate a total capacity of 52,000 kilowatt-hours marketed by the Southwestern Power Administration. With a drainage area of 3,449 square miles, Rayburn Reservoir conserves water for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational purposes.

View Larger Map
Sam Rayburn has thirteen developed recreation areas that are operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including : nine campgrounds, (primitive to highly developed), with more than 500 total campsites, sixteen multi-lane launch ramps, five group shelters, four picnic areas, four designated swimming areas, playground, volleyball, horseshoe and basketball facilities, interpretive trail, and more. In addition there are four outgranted marinas operated by private concessionaires.

Welcome to the Hidden Cottage Bed and Breakfast

2010-02-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

The Hidden Cottage BB is located in the heart of the Angelina National Forest near Zavalla, Texas on the beautiful Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Our cottage is located just 5 minutes from the Monterrey Park Boat Launch, which gives you prime access to all the Bass Fishing hot-spots! Many of our guest take part in some of the many fishing tournaments on Rayburn for a list of the 2010 season click here ----> SAM RAYBURN TOURNAMENTS

We are directly connected to the Angelina National Forrest which offers miles of trails for hiking, hunting or 4-wheeling - see the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for rules and regulations for hunting in Angelina County and more information on hunting in the National Forrest is located on the USDA Forrest Service website.

If bird watching is more your sport then the pines of East Texas will not fail to deliver. We have a nest of majestic American Bald Eagles with in view of the cottage.