Fishing holds a special place in the hearts of many Texans, and the state is home to an impressive variety of lakes and fishing destinations. With so many fishing spots to choose from, both seasoned anglers and newcomers can find unique opportunities to enjoy a rewarding fishing experience across Texas.
The Lone Star State offers some of the best fishing lakes, drawing attention each year as enthusiasts prepare their fishing gear for the season. Whether searching for trophy-sized largemouth bass or simply looking for new fishing tips and opportunities, people can explore a range of locations, including Cedar Creek Lake and other notable lakes.
With guidance from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and a strong culture of responsible fishing regulations, Texas continues to stand out as a prime destination for fishing in the summer and beyond.
1. Texoma Reservoir
Situated along the dividing line of Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma ranks among the largest man-made lakes in the United States. Its location, close to Denison and Sherman, offers convenient access for anglers from both states.
This reservoir is especially known for its robust population of striped bass, which reproduce naturally in this unique habitat. Fishing conditions are most productive in spring, particularly April and May, when stripers school near the surface. A second prime season arrives in the fall as the fish feed aggressively on shad.
Anglers at Lake Texoma can also encounter largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, blue and channel catfish, and crappie. The aquatic environment, supported by inflow from the Red and Washita Rivers, fosters healthy fish stocks and a dynamic habitat with varied aquatic vegetation.
Facilities are well developed, including marinas, public boat ramps, bait shops, and several experienced fishing guides. Notable records include a 121.5 lb blue catfish (2004) and a striped bass that has long ranked among the largest inland catches in Texas.
Lake Texoma At A Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Species | Striped bass, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie |
| Best Seasons | AprilβMay (spawn), fall (surface feeding) |
| Facilities | Marinas, boat ramps, bait shops, fishing guides |
| Notable Catches | 121.5 lb blue catfish (2004); 35.12 lb striped bass (1984) |
2. Lake Fork
Located mainly in Wood County with parts stretching into Rains and Hopkins Counties, Lake Fork is widely recognized for its legendary bass fishing. The nearby towns of Alba, Emory, Yantis, and Quitman make it easily accessible.
Its waters are famous for consistently producing trophy-sized largemouth bass, with the current state record of 18.18 pounds landed here in 1992. All of the top six bass on Texas’ list were caught at Lake Fork.
While best known for largemouth, Lake Fork also supports excellent fishing for white crappie, black crappie, and blue and channel catfish. Crappie fishing is productive around submerged timber, hydrilla, and man-made brush piles. Many anglers use crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs during spring and fall when fish are most active.
Tournaments are common here, and a wide range of amenities supports the influx of anglers:
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Boat Ramps | Multiple public and private sites |
| Marinas | Full-service options |
| Bait Shops | Live bait and tackle available |
| Guided Tours | Local experts for best results |
Guided tours are especially helpful for first-time visitors or anyone seeking local insights into productive fishing spots. With its well-developed infrastructure, diverse fish populations, and longstanding record catches, Lake Fork stands out as a premier destination for those pursuing trophy bass and quality fishing experiences.
3. Lake Palestine
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Located near Tyler, Lake Palestine spans Smith, Cherokee, Anderson, and Henderson counties. It’s recognized for solid populations of hybrid striped bass, white bass, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Hybrid stripers are stocked annually and are especially active from late winter into spring. Flathead, blue, and channel catfish are also targeted here, particularly by night anglers and during colder months. Anglers also catch sunfish and crappie, particularly near piers and bridge pilings.
Facilities include public boat ramps, fishing piers, and bait shops. Notably, a 98.5 lb flathead catfish caught in 1998 remains a state record.
4. Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake, located on the Texas-Louisiana border, is renowned for its cypress-studded waters, Spanish moss, and rich biodiversity. It’s one of the few natural lakes in Texas and offers opportunities for fishing from kayaks, canoes, and flat-bottom boats.
Anglers seek largemouth bass, crappie, chain pickerel, and catfish. Fishing is best in spring and fall, with March offering peak bass action. Caddo once produced a 16.17-pound bass, among the state’s largest.
Caddo Lake State Park also supports birdwatching, camping, and paddling, and amenities like boat rentals and lodging are available.
| Activity | Availability |
|---|---|
| Fishing | Year-round |
| Kayaking/Canoeing | Year-round |
| Camping | Designated areas |
| Swimming | Select locations |
Caddo Lake blends natural wonder with recreational options, creating a memorable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Toledo Bend Reservoir
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Situated on the Texas-Louisiana border near Hemphill, Toledo Bend Reservoir is recognized as one of the largest artificial lakes in the U.S. This expansive body of water is celebrated by fishing enthusiasts for its variety and consistently active bite year-round.
Key Species:
- Largemouth bass dominate here, especially prized during their spawning period in March and April.
- White bass offer thrilling runs each spring.
- Bluegills and sunfish are abundant and active in late spring and summer.
- Hybrid striped bass present an exciting challenge for trophy-seekers.
| Fish Species | Best Time to Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | March-April | Peak during spawning season |
| White Bass | Spring | Runs attract many anglers |
| Bluegill/Sunfish | Late Spring – Summer | Excellent action in warmer months |
| Hybrid Stripers | Varies | Notable for record catches |
Each year, anglers visit hoping to land a giant, and the lake’s 33.22-pound striped bass remains one of Texas’s top catches. Facilities include boat ramps, marinas, and a range of lodging options, making this a favored destination for anglers of all skill levels.
6. Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is a premier destination for those targeting catfish and other game fish. Located near Jasper, Texas, this lake is known for its productive blue catfish fishing, especially near submerged timber and underwater drop-offs, where baitfish tend to gather.
Key Features:
- Over 100,000 acres of water surface
- Ample boat ramps and marinas
- Fish cleaning stations available
During winter, catfish gather in deeper waters, offering excellent results for anglers who drift or anchor. The lake also supports large populations of largemouth bass and crappie, including a 16.80-pound record largemouth. Whether casting from the shore or exploring by boat, Sam Rayburn offers something for every angler.
7. Lake Conroe
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Found in Montgomery County, just north of Houston, Lake Conroe spans over 21,000 acres with 150+ miles of shoreline. It draws visitors for its well-maintained fishing piers and diverse fishery.
Species to Target:
- Largemouth Bass: A top species with strong tournament recognition.
- Catfish: Includes channel and flathead, with a record flathead of 86 pounds.
- Hybrid Striped Bass: Known for their power and fight.
- Bluegill: Often reach impressive sizes.
- Crappie: A favorite for both sport and eating.
Available Services:
- Public boat ramps and marinas
- Boat rentals across several sites
- Guided fishing trips with local pros
- Easy access to lodging and dining
Spring and fall are the most active seasons, particularly for largemouth bass. Lake Conroe also hosts professional tournaments, enhancing its status among Texas’s best freshwater fisheries.
8. Lake Buchanan
West of Burnet in Burnet County, Lake Buchanan is among Central Texas’s largest reservoirs. It offers reliable fishing during early spring and late fall, when cooler waters bring fish closer to the surface.
The lake is well-known for striped bass and white bass, but also holds largemouth bass and catfish in good numbers.
While smallmouth bass aren’t widespread, rocky points and underwater structures can yield decent catches. The lake’s record striped bass weighed 27.80 pounds. Visitors benefit from ample ramps, docks, and knowledgeable local guides.
Popular Species at Lake Buchanan:
| Species | Abundance | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | Plentiful | Spring, Fall |
| White Bass | High | Spring, Fall |
| Largemouth Bass | Good Numbers | Spring, Fall |
| Catfish | Consistent | Year-round |
| Crappie, Sunfish | Less Common | Spring |
Lake Buchanan is a reliable destination for anglers looking for both shoreline and boat fishing options.
9. O.H. Ivie Reservoir
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Located east of San Angelo, O.H. Ivie Reservoir spans Concho, Coleman, and Runnels counties. It’s known for diverse fishing conditions throughout the year, with early spring and fall yielding the most action as fish chase food near the surface.
O.H. Ivie Reservoir Quick Facts:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Fish | Largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, crappie |
| Record Largemouth | 17.06 pounds (Ranked #7 in Texas Top 50 Largemouth Bass) |
| Top 50 Catches | 7 ranked spots for largemouth bass |
| Facilities | Boat ramps, parking, camping |
The reservoir is especially renowned for largemouth bass fishing, earning a reputation for yielding some of Texas’s heaviest catches. It consistently ranks among the top bass lakes in the state due to frequent reports of trophy-sized fish. White bass, catfish, and crappie are also plentiful, providing options for anglers seeking variety.
Convenient amenities such as well-kept boat ramps and nearby camping make day trips and extended stays accessible. Thanks to its strong track record of impressive bass, O.H. Ivie has become a highly regarded destination for experienced fishers and newcomers alike.
10. Lake Amistad
Located close to Del Rio in Val Verde County, Lake Amistad sits along the Texas-Mexico border and sprawls across the Rio Grande. This large reservoir is well-regarded for its exceptionally clear water and diverse fishing options. Anglers planning a visit often find the best conditions from autumn through spring, when the climate supports active bass behavior and comfortable days on the water.
Fishing at Lake Amistad is especially popular due to its robust largemouth bass population. The lake has produced catches ranking at number 41 and number 50 on the Texas Top 50 Largemouth Bass list. Notably, a 15.68-pound largemouth was landed here, showcasing the trophy potential.
Striped bass also draw enthusiasts, with the largestβcaught in 1990βweighing an impressive 45 pounds and ranking seventh among Texas striped bass records.
Besides the well-known bass, visitors often target catfish and other species for a varied fishing experience. The area regularly hosts bass tournaments, reflecting the reservoir’s reputation for quality angling.
Key Fish Species Found at Lake Amistad:
| Species | Notable Record Weight |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 15.68 lbs |
| Striped Bass | 45 lbs |
| Catfish | – |
Beyond the fishing, Lake Amistad’s scenic setting and spacious waters appeal to both newcomers and seasoned anglers.
11. Falcon Reservoir (Falcon Lake)
Falcon Lake, positioned near Zapata in South Texas, sits along the Rio Grande, forming part of the Texas-Mexico border. This substantial reservoir attracts anglers for its reputation as a top destination for largemouth bass, with prime fishing seasons typically in spring, fall, and winter. The lake regularly produces bass of considerable size; the largest documented catch from Falcon Lake is a 15.63-pound largemouth, earning it a place among the top trophy catches statewide.
Key Features of Falcon Lake:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Zapata County, Texas/Mexico border |
| Noted Species | Largemouth bass, catfish |
| Record Catch | 15.63 lbs largemouth bass |
| Top Seasons | Spring, Fall, Winter |
| Facilities | Boat ramps, tackle shops, fishing guides |
Falcon Reservoir offers ample opportunities for both seasoned and novice anglers, not just for bass but also for quality catfish. The area is equipped with a variety of amenities such as launch ramps and local tackle outlets. For those seeking a memorable fishing experience on the border of Texas and Mexico, Falcon Lake is a standout location.
