You’ll hardly find a state in the country where fishing is more a part of everyday life than the Lone Star State. With thousands of lakes, over 360 miles of coastline, and 36 rivers, Texas boasts some of the most captivating fishing in the country and beyond. From double-digit largemouth bass to catfish, sunfish, white bass, and mega-sized redfish, fishing Texas has it all. Besides fishing, the Lone Star State features some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the U.S., which is ideal for budding photographers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to land more than huge, exceptional catches. Before you head out for some exciting lake angling in Texas, be sure to obtain a proper license and review statewide fishing regulations from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
Fishing Camping in Texas
Lake Conroe
If you’re planning to go fishing and camping in Texas for trophy-sized catfish, then Lake Conroe is the place to be. Conveniently located near downtown Houston, the lake is well-known for its catfish. It’s also a leading bass fishing lake, and you can fish for crappie and smallmouth bass, too. It features numerous campsites and shorelines that are perfect for bank fishing. The best times to fish from the shores are early spring and mid-fall when largemouth bass congregate around shallow cover.
Caddo Lake
As the only natural lake in the Lone Star State, Caddo Lake spans a vast 26,800 acres of land and features a massive variety of fish. The largemouth bass is popular stock here, so set up and relax, and you’ll be breaking water with trophy-sized bass within minutes. The best time to visit this lake near the Texas-Louisiana border for bass is spring, with March as the most successful month. If you’re after crappie, then the perfect visit is during winter into early spring; fish in areas where the water features currents or where there is submerged aquatic vegetation.
Choke Canyon Reservoir
Located just a few miles from San Antonio, Choke Canyon Reservoir is one of the good fishing spots for bass in Texas. Anglers searching for largemouth bass find the most successful and exceptional fishing in the spring, fall, and winter months. In addition to bass, you’ll find plenty of crappie and catfish, including flathead and blue channel catfish. Although the summer heat can make fishing challenging, Choke Canyon Reservoir is often a great place to visit throughout the year. Surrounded by state parkland with gorgeous views, the reservoir is a perfect place to fish and explore nature.
Lake Amistad
Lake Amistad is a great spot for fishing and camping in Texas during the winter and fall months, and it is located just 12 miles from Del Rio. Known as a boaters’ paradise, it’s also perfect for rock art viewing, hiking, and learning about cultural history. Some of the most predominant fish here include black bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and catfish. Lake Amistad is also home to various Bass Masters competitions and is often considered a premier fishing ground. Fish-cleaning stations are available in the park for your convenience.
Lake Texoma
Taking up 89,000 acres, Lake Texoma is popular for its scenic views and its abundance of striped bass. Located at the confluence of the Washita and Red Rivers on the Oklahoma-Texas border, this man-made reservoir isn’t only limited to anglers. It’s home to water-accessible parks, islands, and wildlife refuges. This means that you can combine your fishing escapade with a variety of family-friendly entertainment options, such as swimming, water skiing, or even relaxing at one of the lake’s outstanding beaches. Since the lake doesn’t have hydrilla flats or moss-lined shorelines, consider heading to the rocky banks for some great bass action.
Lake Fork
If you’ve been thinking about where to fish in Texas for some big bass, then Lake Fork, situated 65 miles east of Dallas, is the place to throw your line. This 27,690-acre reservoir holds some of the most remarkable records for bass caught in Texas. The ideal natural habitat, the restricted harvest regulations, and the state’s stocking program make Lake Fork a prime location for fishing in Texas. Other fish species that you can target in this lake are channel catfish, crappie, and white bass. Although most anglers use boats to fish the lake, you can use docks or bank access located near brush piles and partially submerged trees, which are hot spots for fish.
Lake Buchanan
Located in Burnet on the Colorado River, Lake Buchanan is popular among avid anglers looking for white bass and striped bass. The lake has a depth of 132 feet, making it ideal for flathead and blue and channel catfish. In addition to bank fishing, you’ll have access to restrooms and parking. It also features a lighthouse that presents a great opportunity for sightseeing with your family.
Fishing Spots in Texas
Texas boasts hundreds of lakes for fishing, and each is popular for something different, from catfish and largemouth bass to alligator gar and crappie. What’s more, the state features 18 community lakes in urban areas that are stocked with channel catfish from April through November. Piers in Texas offer great year-round fishing action with different species to target, including flounder, pompano, speckled trout, redfish, and black drum. For the best pier fishing, head to Red Dot Pier, 61st Street Fishing Pier, or the Galveston Pier. Angling from a kayak is one of the best ways to admire stunning nature while enjoying superb Texas fishing. Some of the best places for kayak fishing include Fork Lake, Lady Bird Lake, and Caddo Lake.
Camping and Fishing in Texas
As you pack for your fishing in Texas, keep in mind that the weather can change anytime, so a pleasant morning can turn into a rainy evening or a hot day. Therefore, it’s best to dress in layers. Besides your umbrella and a jacket, take sunscreen to protect your skin, a hat to provide shade, and sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you plan on fishing on the shores, remember to pack your boots.
Before you pack your fishing equipment, check to see whether the campsite where you’ll be staying provides any of the gear you may need. If not, bring along your rod and reel, hooks, bait, a net, and a cooler to hold and store your fish.
As for the location, ensure you choose the right spot, especially if you’re taking your family with you. You may enjoy fishing in the lake for hours, but your kids may become bored within minutes. Look for a place with a playground, a swimming area, or even hiking and biking trails. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
