If you’re a fishing enthusiast living in Texas or just visiting, you’re in for a treat as Texas offers some of the best bass fishing spots in the country. We’ve compiled a list of the 12 best bass fishing spots in Texas that you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
12. Lake Fork
Lake Fork is widely considered to be one of the best bass fishing destinations in the world. With over 27,000 acres of water and an abundance of structure and cover, the lake provides an ideal habitat for largemouth bass to thrive. In addition to the monster bass that the lake is known for, anglers can also catch white and black crappie, catfish, and sunfish.
The best times to fish Lake Fork are in the spring and fall, but the lake can produce big bass year-round. During the winter months, try fishing in deeper water near structure or drop-offs. In the summer, focus on fishing near the grass beds and other shallow cover.
When it comes to fishing techniques, anglers can have success with a variety of lures and baits. Swimbaits, crankbaits, and jigs are popular choices for targeting big bass. Topwater lures can also be effective in the early morning or late evening.
11. Sam Rayburn
Located in the heart of the Piney Woods region of Texas, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is a 114,500-acre lake known for its excellent bass fishing. The lake is home to both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with largemouth being the most abundant.
Fishing season on Sam Rayburn Reservoir runs year-round, but the best times to fish for bass are in the spring and fall. During the summer months, bass can be found in deeper water near structure or drop-offs. In the winter, try fishing in shallower water near cover.
Anglers can have success targeting bass on Sam Rayburn Reservoir with a variety of techniques. Carolina rigs and soft plastics are popular choices, as are crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Topwater lures can also be effective in the early morning or late evening.
The lake record for largemouth bass on Sam Rayburn Reservoir is 16.84 pounds, with numerous other trophy-sized bass being caught each year. The lake also holds the state record for the largest ever recorded smallmouth bass, weighing in at 9.6 pounds.
10. Falcon Lake
Falcon Lake, located on the Rio Grande River in South Texas, is a world-renowned bass fishing destination known for producing big largemouth bass. The lake’s location on the Texas-Mexico border provides anglers with a unique fishing experience that combines the natural beauty of the area with excellent fishing opportunities.
The fishing season on Falcon Lake runs year-round, with the best times to target bass being in the spring and fall. During the summer months, bass can be found in deeper water near structure or drop-offs. In the winter, try fishing in shallower water near cover.
Anglers targeting largemouth bass on Falcon Lake can use a variety of techniques to be successful, including soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. Smallmouth bass can also be caught on the lake, with jerkbaits and crankbaits being popular choices.
The lake record for largemouth bass on Falcon Lake is an impressive 18.18 pounds, and the lake has a reputation for producing numerous other trophy-sized bass each year. The lake is also home to other species of fish, including catfish, white bass, and crappie.
9. Choke Canyon
Choke Canyon Reservoir, located on the Frio River in South Texas, is a popular bass fishing destination that offers excellent opportunities for both largemouth and white bass. The lake’s location in the South Texas Plains region provides anglers with a unique fishing experience that combines the natural beauty of the area with excellent fishing opportunities.
The fishing season on Choke Canyon Reservoir runs year-round, with the best times to target bass being in the spring and fall. During the summer months, bass can be found in deeper water near structure or drop-offs. In the winter, try fishing in shallower water near cover.
Anglers targeting largemouth bass on Choke Canyon Reservoir can use a variety of techniques to be successful, including crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. White bass can be caught using a variety of techniques as well, including jigs, spoons, and topwater lures.
The lake record for largemouth bass on Choke Canyon Reservoir is an impressive 14.98 pounds, with numerous other trophy-sized bass being caught each year. The lake also has a reputation for producing good-sized white bass, with some weighing in at over three pounds.
8. Lake Conroe
Lake Conroe, located in Montgomery County, just north of Houston, is a popular bass fishing destination in Texas. The lake provides anglers with excellent opportunities to catch both largemouth and spotted bass throughout the year.
The fishing season on Lake Conroe runs year-round, with the best times to target bass being in the spring and fall. During the summer months, bass can be found in deeper water near structure or drop-offs. In the winter, try fishing in shallower water near cover.
Anglers targeting largemouth and spotted bass on Lake Conroe can use a variety of techniques to be successful, including crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Topwater lures can also be productive in the early morning and late evening. The lake has also been known to produce some trophy-sized catfish and hybrid striped bass.
The lake record for largemouth bass on Lake Conroe is an impressive 15.93 pounds, with numerous other trophy-sized bass being caught each year. Spotted bass are also common in the lake, with some weighing in at over four pounds.
7. Toledo Bend
Toledo Bend Reservoir, located on the Texas-Louisiana border in East Texas, is a popular destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers excellent opportunities to catch both largemouth and striped bass year-round, making it a favorite among anglers.
The fishing season on Toledo Bend Reservoir runs year-round, with the best times to target bass being in the spring and fall. During the summer months, bass can be found in deeper water near structure or drop-offs. In the winter, try fishing in shallower water near cover.
Anglers targeting largemouth and striped bass on Toledo Bend Reservoir can use a variety of techniques to be successful, including crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Topwater lures can also be productive in the early morning and late evening.
The lake record for largemouth bass on Toledo Bend Reservoir is an impressive 15.33 pounds, with numerous other trophy-sized bass being caught each year. Striped bass are also common in the lake, with some weighing in at over 30 pounds.
6. Lake Amistad
Lake Amistad, situated on the Rio Grande in southwest Texas, is a beautiful and productive bass fishing destination. Its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty make it a popular spot for both recreational and competitive anglers.
The lake offers anglers the opportunity to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass throughout the year. The best times to fish for bass in Lake Amistad are in the spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. During the summer, fish can be found in deeper water near structure or drop-offs.
Anglers can use a variety of techniques to target bass in Lake Amistad, including topwater lures, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Some anglers also have success using live bait, such as shad or minnows.
The lake record for largemouth bass in Lake Amistad is an impressive 15.68 pounds, with numerous other trophy-sized bass being caught each year. Smallmouth bass are also common in the lake, with some weighing in at over 6 pounds.
5. Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is a popular fishing destination that straddles the border between Texas and Oklahoma. The lake is known for its excellent striped bass fishing, but anglers can also target largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass throughout the year.
The fishing season in Lake Texoma runs year-round, with spring and fall being the peak times for bass fishing. During these seasons, bass can be found near structure, drop-offs, and along the edges of channels. Anglers can use a variety of techniques to target bass in Lake Texoma, including topwater lures, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics.
Striped bass fishing in Lake Texoma is particularly popular, with the lake record for striped bass weighing in at an impressive 35.12 pounds. These fish are typically caught using live bait, such as shad or herring, fished deep near drop-offs or ledges. Anglers can also catch striped bass using trolling techniques.
4. Lake Travis
Lake Travis, located near Austin, is a popular bass fishing spot in Texas. Anglers can target both largemouth and smallmouth bass throughout the year, with fall and winter being the peak times to target big bass.
The lake has a diverse underwater structure, including rocky ledges, drop-offs, and submerged vegetation, which provides ideal habitats for bass. Anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch bass in Lake Travis, including using soft plastics, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater lures.
The lake record for largemouth bass is 15.32 pounds, which was caught in 1993. Anglers targeting bass in Lake Travis have a chance to catch trophy-sized fish. However, due to the high fishing pressure, it is important to practice catch and release to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
3. Lake Palestine
Lake Palestine, located in East Texas, is a popular destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers excellent fishing for both largemouth and spotted bass, and the fishing season runs year-round. However, the peak times to catch bass are in the spring and fall.
Anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch bass in Lake Palestine, including using soft plastics, jigs, crankbaits, and topwater lures. The lake has a variety of underwater structures, including submerged timber, brush piles, and drop-offs, which provide ideal habitats for bass.
The lake record for largemouth bass is 13.63 pounds, which was caught in 2004. Although this is not the largest bass on this list, Lake Palestine is known for its consistent bass fishing, and anglers have a good chance of catching decent-sized fish.
2. Lake LBJ
Lake LBJ, located in the Texas Hill Country, is a beautiful destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers excellent fishing for both largemouth and Guadalupe bass, and the fishing season runs year-round. The best times to target big bass are in the spring and fall when the water temperature is optimal for feeding.
Anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch bass in Lake LBJ, including using soft plastics, jigs, crankbaits, and topwater lures. The lake has a variety of underwater structures, including submerged timber, brush piles, and drop-offs, which provide ideal habitats for bass.
The lake record for largemouth bass is 13.63 pounds, which was caught in 2012. Additionally, Lake LBJ holds the record for the largest Guadalupe bass ever caught, which weighed 3.71 pounds. Anglers targeting Guadalupe bass should focus on rocky areas and fast-moving water.
1. Lake Belton
Lake Belton is one of the smaller lakes on this list, with a surface area of just over 12,000 acres. However, it is still an excellent fishing destination, especially for largemouth bass and catfish. The lake record for largemouth bass is 14.86 pounds, while the record for blue catfish is 70.68 pounds.
During the spring and fall, bass anglers can target fish in shallow water with topwater lures and spinnerbaits. As the water warms up in the summer, fish tend to move deeper, and Carolina rigging becomes more effective.
In addition to largemouth bass and catfish, Lake Belton also holds good numbers of white bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Anglers targeting these species can have success trolling with crankbaits or jigging with slabs.
What a Beginner Needs to Know About Fishing in Texas
If you’re new to bass fishing in Texas, there are a few
things you need to keep in mind to make your trip a success. First and foremost, make sure you have the right equipment, including a good quality rod and reel, appropriate line and hooks, and a selection of lures and baits. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, and to obtain any necessary licenses or permits.
When it comes to selecting a fishing spot, do some research ahead of time to find a location that’s well-suited to your skill level. Many of the lakes and reservoirs in Texas have boat ramps and fishing piers that make it easy for beginners to get started, while more experienced anglers may prefer more remote or challenging locations.
One of the best things about bass fishing in Texas is the diversity of fish species and fishing environments available, so don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different techniques and lures. And of course, always remember to practice safe boating and fishing practices, including wearing a lifejacket and respecting other anglers and the natural environment.
Verdict:
Texas offers a plethora of fishing spots that cater to all kinds of fishing enthusiasts. From largemouth bass to catfish, crappie, and sunfish, Texas has it all. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, you can find a fishing spot that suits your style and skill level. Just remember to bring the right gear, bait, and technique for each location to maximize your chances of a successful catch. Happy fishing!
FAQs
Where is the best place to live in Texas for fishing?
If you’re an avid fisherman and looking to relocate to Texas, there are several cities and towns that offer great access to fishing spots and outdoor recreation. Some of the top options include Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Rockport, and Port Aransas.
What is the best month to fish in Texas?
The best time to fish in Texas can vary depending on the location and the type of fish you’re targeting. Generally, the spring and fall months are considered the best for bass fishing, with March through May and September through November being the peak seasons. Summer months can also be good for fishing, particularly in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
What is the most popular fish to catch in Texas?
While Texas is home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, crappie, and striped bass, the most popular fish to catch in the state is largemouth bass. Largemouth bass are found in lakes and rivers throughout Texas and are known for their size and fighting ability, making them a favorite among anglers.