Top 10 Places to Fish in Texas

The Lone Star State might be famous for its live music and barbeque, but anglers know it for something a little different – the fishing. From crappie and bass to sunfish and gar in the waters of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ocean coastline, there’s a little something for every angler, from the newest to the most experienced of fishermen.

We put together the following list of what many fishermen consider to be the top 10 fishing spots in Texas. This quick and handy guide will help you figure out where to go, and when, to get targeted species of fish on your line.

PRO TIP: Before you grab your pole and bait, please be sure to check that you have your Texas fishing license. Everyone over the age of 16 is required to have a fishing license no matter where you plan to fish in the state. If you’ll be heading out on the water, you may also need a boating license.

Caddo Lake

On the Texas-Louisiana state line you’ll find Caddo Lake, a 26,800-acre natural lake featuring depths of up to 20 feet and a large stock of fish. The shallow waters cover a cypress forest with moss, lily pads, trees and other vegetation, making the lake a perfect home for a wide variety of fish, and ideal fishing waters for fishermen eager for a catch.

Photo Credit: texas.gov

When should you fish Caddo Lake? Winter into early spring brings out both crappie and white bass. You’ll find sunfish and catfish around late spring, and chain pickerel interspersed throughout the year. If you’re looking for a challenge, cast for a replica-worthy largemouth bass (what the lake is most popular for) in spring.

Fish species commonly found in Caddo Lake include:

• Catfish
• Chain Pickerel
• Crappie
• Largemouth Bass
• Sunfish
• White Bass
• Yellow Bass

Choke Canyon Reservoir

Located an hour outside of San Antonio on the Frio River watershed, Choke Canyon Reservoir is home to a variety of fish that live amongst the steep rocky banks and ample vegetation the habitat has to offer. Fishermen can take a boat on the water or fish from the shoreline in designated areas. If you’re feeling competitive, you can also join in the various fishing tournaments held at the lake – something worth doing to catch big largemouth bass as this lake is known for them.

Photo Credit: texas.gov

When should you fish Choke Canyon Reservoir? Largemouth bass can be targeted through most of the year, in spring, fall and winter, and you might find yourself hooking some alligator gar as well (though these are less common). During the cooler months you may also catch blue catfish and white bass. If you prefer fishing during warmer seasons, you can aim for crappies and catfish at that time.

Fish species commonly found in Choke Canyon Reservoir include:

• Alligator Gar
• Bluegill
• Channel Catfish
• Crappie
• Flathead Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Redear Sunfish
• White Bass

Lake Texoma

On the north Texas border lies Lake Texoma, an 89,000-acre reservoir that spans from Texas into Oklahoma. One of the most popular fishing lakes in Texas known for its bass fishing, the reservoir has become a go-to fishing spot for stripers, but you can find an impressive range of bass here.

Photo Credit: texoma-fishing.com

When should you fish Lake Texoma? You can fish the lake year-round, but keep in mind that the bass migrate throughout the year so you may want to reach out to locals to check where they’re biting before you venture out. It’s also worth noting that because the reservoir crosses two states, your Texas fishing license will only work for about two-thirds of the lake, so you may want to consider purchasing a Lake Texoma license.

Fish species commonly found in Lake Texoma include:

• Black Crappie
• Blue Catfish
• Bluegill
• Channel Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• Spotted Bass
• Striped Bass
• White Bass
• White Crappie

Lake Amistad

Another bass fishing lake is Lake Amistad, a 64,900-acre reservoir located about 12 miles northwest of Del Rio. This lake has earned national recognition after hosting several larger Bass tournaments and is known to produce fish with note-worthy weigh-ins at Bassmaster competitions.

Photo Credit: texaslodging.com

When should you fish Lake Amistad? Largemouth bass should be targeted during fall, winter and spring, but high winds often make the lake difficult to fish during winter months. For white bass, you’ll have the most success between January and March.

Fish species commonly found in Lake Amistad include:

• Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• Striped Bass
• White Bass

Lake Fork

If you’re looking for a record-breaking catch, trophy fish or replica-worthy bass, this 27,690-acre reservoir is a go-to for any angler looking to test their skills. Designed as a premier bass fishing lake in 1980, Lake Fork has earned its esteem by supplying over half of the 50 largest bass caught in Texas. The natural habitat with submerged trees and brush piles combined with restricted harvest regulations and a stocking program make the location ideal for big bass.

Photo Credit: wikipedia.org

When should you fish Lake Fork? A variety of species can be found in the lake year-round, but bass fishing peaks in the spring, fall, and winter.

Fish species commonly found in Lake Fork include:

• Black Crappie
• Channel Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Sunfish
• White Bass
• White Crappie

Lake O’ the Pines

Although one of the smallest lakes on this list, Lake O’ the Pines has a diverse assortment of fish settled within its ample vegetation. Anglers looking for the opportunity to try their rod at different species will find this northeast Texas location worth a visit for some quality fishing.

Photo Credit: lakeothepines.com

When should you fish Lake O’ the Pines? You can fish the lake year-round and find success, even in the off-season, but shallow water in the spring and summer are most ideal. For bass, aim for spring and fall to keep your line busy.

Fish species commonly found in Lake O’ the Pines include:

• Channel Catfish
• Chain Pickerel
• Crappie
• Flathead Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Spotted Bass
• Sunfish
• White Bass

Cedar Creek Lake

Near the Fort Worth-Dallas Metroplex, Cedar Creek Lake is a local favorite where you can find a small sampling of both bass and catfish. The fourth largest lake in Texas, it offers over 18 miles of fishing waters with depths ranging anywhere up to 62 feet. The waters offer shallow bass fishing near the upper end, but more submerged vegetation and clearer waters near the lower end make for some of the best largemouth bass angling.

Photo Credit: agrilifetoday.tamu.edu

When should you fish Cedar Creek Lake? You can find action on the lake year-round, but fishing peaks in the spring and summertime when you’ll find it to be most active.

Fish species commonly found in Cedar Creek Lake include:

• Channel Catfish
• Crappie
• Flathead Catfish
• Hybrid Striped Bass
• Largemouth Bass
• White Bass

Guadalupe River

Known for trout fishing, the Guadalupe River is home to several types of freshwater trout. While most locations we have mentioned so far may require a boat for some of the best angling, this river offers a scenic landscape suitable for wading. With regular stocking and cold waters from the Canyon Lake dam, the river has become one of the top 100 trout streams in America. If you’re planning a trip, however, be sure to plan ahead and most of the land along the river is privately owned.

Photo Credit: texas.gov

When should you fish Guadalupe River? Texas Parks and Wildlife and Trout Unlimited currently restock the river every winter between November and March, ensuring that there is quality fish year after year. For the best fishing, plan your trip sometime in late spring or early summer.

Fish species commonly found in Guadalupe River include:

• Brown Trout
• Guadalupe Bass
• Rainbow Trout
• Rio Grande Perch

Meredith Reservoir

Home to a diverse fish community Meredith Reservoir has fishing for almost any angler, but the primary sport fish to target is the walleye. Aquatic vegetation is limited, but unlike many other reservoirs this one is home to steep rocky banks and drop-offs as well as rock piles that provide an ideal habitat for many game fish.

Photo Credit: nps.gov

When should you fish Meredith Reservoir? Peak season falls in spring between the months of April and June, when you will have the most success catching walleye. During the summer and fall you can target white bass.

Fish species commonly found in Guadalupe River include:

• Channel Catfish
• Crappie
• Flathead Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• Walleye
• White Bass
• Yellow Perch

Lake Palestine

In east Texas you will find Lake Palestine, well-known for producing large and state-record catfish, among other species. The lake plays host to a number of largemouth bass tournaments and offers anglers ample opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish, making it a desirable fishing spot for the well-rounded fisherman.

Photo Credit: tripadvisor.com

When should you fish Lake Palestine? From the winter months and into spring you the lake is most active for hybrid stripers and white bass. To target those memory-making catfish, head out to the lake in the months of May and June.

Fish species commonly found in Lake Palestine include:

• Catfish
• Crappie
• Hybrid Striped Bass
• Largemouth Bass
• Spotted Bass
• Sunfish
• White Bass

Ready to go Fishing in Texas?

Overall, there’s no denying that Texas has lots to offer to all kinds of fishermen. From wading to boating and everything in-between, when you visit the Lone Star state, you’ll have access to waters filled with exciting species of fish for you to target, from bass to walleye. Plan your trip in advance and you’ll likely be able to mark off several targeted species from your bucket list, just be sure to get in-the-know by talking to local anglers for the best possible experience.

Still not sure where to drop your line? Whether you’re looking for a fishing spot in Texas or another area of the US, use our Where to Fish map to find the perfect fishing hole near you.

Find Your Next Fishing Spot