Best Fishing Spots in Texas

Texas offers a vast array of freshwater lakes that are known for their exceptional fishing opportunities. With landscapes ranging from the wooded terrain of East Texas to the rugged desert reservoirs of West Texas, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect fishing spot. Lakes such as Lake Fork, located 65 miles east of Dallas, stand out due to their reputation for producing large bass, making them destinations for anglers seeking a trophy catch.

Learning the seasonal patterns can greatly enhance your fishing experience in the Lone Star State. For instance, winter and early spring might be the best time for you to target crappie, white bass, and chain pickerel, while late spring and early summer usually see an abundance of catfish and sunfish. Whether you’re after the thrill of catching a largemouth bass at Lake Fork—often referred to as the “Bass Capital of Texas”—or seeking a serene fishing experience in the vast waters of Lake Amistad, Texas water bodies offer some of the best fishing in the country.

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Lake Fork Reservoir

Lake Fork Reservoir is your ultimate destination if you’re aiming to land a trophy largemouth bass in Texas. With a vast surface area of 27,264 acres, it resides in the Pineywoods region to the east of Dallas and has set records that speak for themselves.

The reservoir’s reputation is well-earned, with 65% of Texas’ top 50 largest bass originating from its waters. This includes the state record of an 18.18-pound bass caught in 1992. Not just for the pros, Lake Fork also caters to angling enthusiasts of all levels.

Key Features:

• Established: 1980
• Managed by: Sabine River Authority
• Known for: Exceptional largemouth bass

Fishing Cover and Structure:

• Standing timber
• Hydrilla
• Creek channels

Besides bass, you’ll find crappie and catfish plentiful here, building a diverse fishing experience. The crappie fishing is notably productive around standing timber and the many bridges spanning the lake. Channel catfish provide an entertaining challenge and are abundant in the reservoir.

Noteworthy Facts:

• More than half the entries in the Toyota ShareLunker Program come from here.
• The lake provides significant cover for bass, increasing your chances of a notable catch.

When planning your fishing trip to Lake Fork, consider hiring a guide to benefit from local experience that can lead to the most fruitful spots and provide tips on seasonal fishing techniques. Lake Fork Reservoir isn’t just a fishing spot; it’s a bastion where your next big catch awaits.

Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay, sprawling along the Texas Gulf Coast, is your go-to destination for a wide variety of fishing experiences. As one of the finest natural harbors in Texas, this bay system presents a bird’s-eye view of excellent fishing spots known for their abundance and diversity of species.

Accessible Fishing Spots:

• West Galveston Bay: Noted for its seagrass landscapes that harbor speckled trout.
• East Galveston Bay: Offers flats and reefs, abundant with large spotted seatrout and redfish.
• Trinity Bay: The northwestern area of Galveston Bay, recognized for its trophy-sized catches.
• Christmas Bay: A smaller, shallow bay ideal for wade fishing and kayak anglers.

Popular Locations:

• Hanna’s Reef: A top location for speckled trout and redfish.
• Elmgrove Flats: Well-known for its productive water.
• Smith Point: Prime for year-round fishing ventures.
• 61st Street Fishing Pier: Easily accessible; requires no fishing license.

Regulations to Note:

• Catch Limits & Seasons: Follow state-regulated size and bag limits.

Exploring Galveston Bay’s fishing spots provides you the thrill of the chase whether you’re on a pier, wading, or in a boat. Each spot offers a distinct environment with high chances of a rewarding catch.

Lake Amistad

Lake Amistad, also known as the Amistad Reservoir, is a prime location for anglers seeking a robust fishing experience in Texas. Located on the Rio Grande, northwest of Del Rio, this lake offers you a vast area to explore, characterized by clear waters and diverse fish populations.

Fishing Opportunities:

• Largemouth Bass: Known for award-winning sizes, best caught using topwater baits and buzzbaits, specifically in the morning.
• Smallmouth Bass: Thriving here, providing an excellent challenge.
• Striped Bass and White Bass: Also found in the lake, offering variety to your fishing trip.

Key Locations for Purchasing Licenses:

Business Name	Address & Contact Information
Amistad Marine	7348 US Hwy 90 W, Del Rio, TX, (830) 775-0878
Fisherman’s HQ	Chevron at the intersection of 90 & 277 N, (830) 774-5670

Port Aransas

When you cast your line in Port Aransas, you’re engaging with one of Texas’ premier fishing destinations. Nestled on Mustang Island along the Gulf of Mexico, this charming town is a magnet for anglers seeking a multiplicity of fishing experiences.

Inshore Fishing: You’ll find a rich variety of fish in the inshore grass flats, shorelines, and piers. Target species such as:

• Redfish
• Flounder
• Black Drum

Offshore Fishing: Venture 30 to 100 miles out into the Gulf with a federally-licensed guide for deep-sea thrills. Expect to encounter:

• Big Game Pelagic Fish

Notable Fishing Spots:

• Grass Flats
• Channels
• Jetties

For the adventurous angler, the local fishing guides in Port Aransas offer invaluable insights and access to the best spots, ensuring your fishing trip is productively spent. Whether it’s the excitement of offshore fishing or the tranquility of casting a line inshore, Port Aransas has a spot for you.

Stay informed on the best times and seasons for each species to optimize your fishing venture. Your fishing adventure in Port Aransas is bound to be as fulfilling as it is picturesque.

Lake Texoma

Your quest for premier fishing spots in Texas leads you to Lake Texoma, renowned for its abundance of striped bass, also known as stripers. Straddling the border between Texas and Oklahoma, this vast lake offers approximately 89,000 acres of fishable water. Fed by the Red and Washita Rivers, Lake Texoma provides a unique mix of freshwater and saltwater, an ideal habitat for various fish species.

Notable Fish Species in Lake Texoma:

• Striped Bass (Stripers)
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• Spotted Bass
• White Bass
• Black and White Crappie
• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Alligator Gar

Make sure to acquaint yourself with the latest fishing regulations to ensure compliance. Shore anglers find Lake Texoma especially accommodating, with ample access along its nearly 600 miles of shoreline.

Suggested Fishing Locations on Lake Texoma:

• Shore Fishing: Accessible spots along the banks with a high probability of catches.
• Nearby Red River Inflows: Areas where fresh water enters the lake, often teeming with fish.
• Structures: Boat houses, submerged trees, and creek channels that provide a haven for fish like crappie.

Professional guide services are available if you’re aiming for an optimized fishing experience, particularly when targeting stripers. Their expertise can prove invaluable for both novice and veteran anglers.

In fall and winter, consider pursuing crappie, as they tend to school in large numbers during these seasons. The presence of various fish species makes Lake Texoma a versatile and engaging fishing destination year-round.

Baffin Bay

Baffin Bay, a hidden gem on the Texas coastline, offers you a serene fishing experience away from the bustling city life. Located near Corpus Christi, this bay is known for its relatively high salinity levels – a result of the absence of significant freshwater inflows and direct connections to the Gulf of Mexico.

When you visit Baffin Bay, be prepared to encounter one of the state’s most robust fisheries. Ideal for anglers looking to target trophy-sized catches, the bay is abundant with:

• Speckled Trout: Known for its large trout, try fishing during the early mornings.
• Redfish: These are often found in shallower waters.
• Black Drum: Look for these near rocky outcrops.

Important Spots in Baffin Bay:

• Alazan Bay: For an extensive inshore fishing experience.
• Rocky Outcrops: Ideal for Black Drum fishing.

To make the most of your fishing trip, consider the following advice:

• Use a Guide: Employing a local guide could significantly enhance your chances of reeling in those desirable, larger fish.

Lake Travis

As an angler, you’ll find Lake Travis to be a premier destination in Texas for bass fishing, particularly Largemouth Bass. Located near Austin, this lake offers diverse fishing opportunities due to its size and habitat variety.

Popular Fishing Spots on Lake Travis:

• Mansfield Dam Park: A perfect starting point with access to deep waters and ample shoreline.
• Pace Bend Park: Known for its cliffs and coves providing excellent bass habitats.

Fishing Guide Services:

• Hardly Overtime: Provides local expertise for various fishing techniques.
• Captain Experiences: Rated highly for guided fishing trips.

Important Considerations:

• Be sure to check local fishing regulations.
• A valid Texas fishing license is required.
• Boat rentals and public boat ramps are available around the lake.

Fishing Tips:

• Adapt your lures and techniques to the lake’s conditions.
• Morning and evening hours may yield better results.
• Keep an eye on the weather and lake levels, which can affect fish behavior.

By visiting Lake Travis, you’re setting yourself up for not only a memorable fishing experience but also the enjoyment of the scenic Texas Hill Country.

Matagorda Bay

Matagorda Bay, nestled on the Texas coast, is a renowned haven for anglers. With its sprawling estuaries and diverse marine life, you’re likely to have a rewarding experience.

Key Fishing Spots:

• Port Lavaca State Fishing Pier: Popular for its accessibility and variety of fish.
• East Matagorda Bay: Esteemed for Speckled Trout.
• West Matagorda Bay: Offers excellent Redfish catches.

Not only is the bay famous for Speckled Trout and Redfish, but it’s also home to Black Drum and Sheepshead. These species provide a robust fishing challenge for enthusiasts of all levels.

When You Should Visit:
The bay’s fishing conditions vary, but generally, the warmer months bring in larger schools of fish, making spring and summer ideal for your fishing trip.

GPS Fishing Maps:
Access professionally-curated fishing spots with GPS maps. These maps come recommended by local guides and can greatly enhance your chances of a successful trip.

Access Points:

• Oyster Lake: For West Matagorda Bay access.
• 3 Mile Lake: Great for shore fishing, accessible from Matagorda Beach.

Whether you’re fishing from a pier, the shore, or venturing out into the open waters of the bay, each locale offers a unique fishing experience.Enjoy the serene beauty and bountiful catches that Matagorda Bay has to offer.

Falcon Lake

Located near Zapata, Texas, Falcon Lake offers you a diverse fishing experience renowned for its largemouth bass. As a part of the Falcon International Reservoir, the lake boasts approximately 83,800 acres of water with a staggering 400 miles of shoreline.

When you plan your visit, here’s what you can expect:

• Species: The lake is a bass angler’s paradise. Besides largemouth bass, you can also catch catfish and other freshwater species.
• Techniques: You have the option to fish from the shore or a boat. Casting and trolling are commonly employed tactics.

To assist with your planning, consider these tips:

• Local Knowledge: Local guides, such as those from Amigo Guide Service, can enhance your fishing experience with their expertise in the lake’s hot spots.

Accessibility:

• By Road: Accessible via Highway 83, the lake is well-connected for easy travel.
• Marine Access: Public and private boat ramps are available around the lake.

Remember, the lake’s conditions can significantly affect the best fishing spots. Water levels, weather, and season are all factors to keep in mind. If you’re looking for supplies or additional information, local shops such as Falcon Lake Tackle and Robert’s Fish N’ Tackle offer gear and local insights.

Port Mansfield

Port Mansfield, nestled on the Gulf Coast of Texas, offers an idyllic escape for anglers seeking both tranquility and a rich bounty of game fish. Renowned for its access to the Lower Laguna Madre, this destination presents a variety of fishing environments.

Noteworthy Spots:

• East Cut: Your gateway to the Gulf, offering opportunities for catching diverse inshore species.
• Lower Laguna Madre: Pristine flats and shallow waters teem with speckled trout and redfish.
• The Land Cut: A stretch ideal for uninterrupted angling, linking Lower Laguna Madre with the Arroyo Colorado.

Target Species:

• Speckled Seatrout
• Redfish
• Flounder

Fishing Approach:

You can choose to fish from the shore, wade in the shallows, or take a boat out further. Each method suits different levels of adventure and expertise.

GPS Coordinates:

Make use of provided GPS coordinates for specific hot spots to enhance your fishing excursion, ensuring you spend more time reeling in your catch rather than searching for the right location.

Lodging:

In terms of accommodation, there are fishing lodges available in Port Mansfield that offer both comfortable stays and proximity to prime fishing locales, perfect for relaxing after a day on the water.

Before heading out, ensure you’re prepared with the appropriate fishing license and are aware of current fishing regulations to make the most of your Port Mansfield fishing experience.

The Role of Weather and Seasonality

Weather and seasonality significantly influence fishing success in Texas. Your experience can be shaped by the time of year and the prevailing weather conditions.

Best Times and Seasons for Texas Fishing

• Spring (March – May): An excellent period for bass fishing, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons.
• Summer (June – August): Offshore, look for species like tuna starting in July. Morning or late evening trips can be more productive due to heat.
• Fall (September – November): Inshore fishing thrives, with October and November being especially rewarding for varieties such as redfish.
• Winter (December – February): Pursue species that prefer cooler waters, like trout, in the shallower flats.

Weather Patterns and Fishing Success

Barometric Pressure:

• Falling Pressure: You may find fish more active, so it’s a good time to be on the water.
• Rising Pressure: Fishing can be tougher; fish tend to be less cooperative.

Temperature:

• Sudden Changes: Fish are sensitive to abrupt temperature swings, often leading to decreased activity.
• Stable Conditions: Prolonged periods of consistent weather can lead to more predictable fishing patterns and can increase your chance of success.