With the many lakes, the coastline, and the number of rivers, fishing in Texas can be a rewarding experience! You’ll find a huge variety of fish, from double-digit largemouth bass to catfish, sunfish, white bass, and mega-sized redfish. Besides fishing, the Lone Star State features some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the U.S. It’s ideal for budding photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. Before you head out for fishing in Texas, be sure to obtain a proper license and review statewide fishing regulations from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
Fishing Spots in Texas
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Texas. You’ll find plenty of bass fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Lake Conroe
If you’re planning to go fishing and camping in Texas for trophy-sized catfish, head to Lake Conroe. Conveniently located near downtown Houston, the lake is well-known for its catfish. It’s also a leading bass fishing lake, and you can catch crappie and several other species. The best times to fish from shore are early spring and mid-fall when largemouth bass congregate around shallow cover.
There are plenty of campgrounds around the lake as well. The Lake Conroe / Houston North KOA Holiday has full hookups, a pool, laundry, and more. The Water’s Edge RV Resort has 30 and 50-amp hookups, a pool, a playground, a clubhouse, and a dog park.
Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake spans a vast 26,800 acres of land and features a massive variety of fish. Largemouth bass are plentiful here, so they make a great fishing target for the day. The best time to visit this lake near the Texas-Louisiana border for bass is in spring, especially in March. If you’re after crappie, visit from winter into early spring; fish in areas where the water features currents or where there is submerged aquatic vegetation.
There are campgrounds at the state park where the lake is located. Some sites have full hookups, and the campgrounds are pet-friendly.
Choke Canyon Reservoir
Located just a few miles from San Antonio, Choke Canyon Reservoir is a good fishing spot for bass in Texas. Anglers searching for largemouth bass find the best fishing in the spring, fall, and winter months. In addition to bass, you’ll find plenty of crappie and catfish, including flathead and blue 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 fall and winter months. Located just 12 miles from Del Rio, the lake is known as a boater’s paradise. It’s also great for rock art viewing, hiking, and learning about cultural history. Some of the most predominant fish here include black bass, striped bass, and catfish. Lake Amistad is also home to various Bassmaster 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 trip with a variety of family-friendly entertainment options, such as swimming, water skiing, or relaxing at one of the lake’s outstanding beaches. Consider heading to the rocky banks for great bass fishing.
Lake Fork
If you’ve been thinking about where to bass fish in Texas, Lake Fork, 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 also fish from the docks or the banks 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, blue, and channel catfish. In addition to bank fishing, you’ll have access to restrooms and parking. The lake also features a lighthouse that presents a great opportunity for sightseeing with your family.
Where to Fish in Texas
Texas boasts hundreds of lakes for fishing. Each is popular for something different, from catfish and largemouth bass to alligator gar and crappie. What’s more, the state features community lakes in urban areas that are stocked with channel catfish from April through November. Piers in Texas offer great year-round fishing 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. Fishing from a kayak is one of the best ways to admire nature while enjoying superb Texas fishing. Some of the best places for kayak fishing include Lake Fork, Lady Bird Lake, and Caddo Lake.
Camping and Fishing in Texas
As you pack for fishing in Texas, keep in mind that the weather can change at any time. A pleasant morning can turn into a rainy evening or a hot day, so 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.
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 on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
