Five Best Fishin’ Holes in Texas

Known for its variety of fishing holes, Texas hosts a number of lakes and rivers crowded with bass, redfish, catfish, and more. Take a look at the top fishing sites in Texas and the kind of fish you should expect to hook and reel in. 

Lake Fork

Primarily established as a bass fishing lake in 1979, Lake Fork is located 5 miles northwest of Quitman, Texas and 65 miles east of Dallas, and it comes in the list of the 10 largest lakes in the state. The lake holds a record 34 out of 50 Texas State Largemouth Bass. Apart from this, the lake is also home to Bluegill, Crappie, Catfish, and other fish species. These fish breed on smaller sea creatures like the Crawfish, Minnows, and more. 

It’s rich waters make Lake Fork an ideal holiday and fishing spot, which is why there are government regulations in place to prevent overfishing: bass between 16-24 inches cannot be caught and need to be released back in the water on the spot. 

Choke Canyon Reservoir

Located to the south of San Antonio and four miles west of the Three Rivers, Texas, Choke Canyon Reservoir is known for its largemouth bass and catfish. Apart from that, some other species found here include White Bass, Crappie, and Sunfish. 

Choke Canyon Reservoir is not only a popular spot for fishing but people love to camp and do other fun outdoor activities here. The aquatic vegetation in the reservoir attracts and encourages these fish to thrive, so you just need the right bait and the right season for a good catch. If you’re in search of largemouth bass, then winter, fall, and spring are the most ideal times to visit. If you do visit in the summer months, look for shaded regions where the fish may be found easily. 

Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Located in east Texas near Jasper, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is known for, you guessed it, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. This massive lake is the largest manmade lake in Texas and is ideal for fishing, boat riding, and a good picnic spot. 

The majority of the species are found here all year round except for the white bass, which is more abundant during the spring. Crankbait and spinnerbait are the common ways to attract largemouth bass, and the ideal seasons to fish are during the winter, spring, and fall months when the fish are more active. 

Alan Henry Reservoir

Located 45 miles south of Lubbock, Texas, the Alan Henry Reservoir is home to crappie, sunfish, largemouth bass, and more. Constructed in 1993, this lake has a depth of around 100 meters and waters that offer high visibility. Most anglers usually use plastic worms and spinner and crankbait to catch largemouth and spotted bass, usually during the spring and summer. Jigs and minnows are used as bait for crappies. 

Falcon International Reservoir

Located 40 miles east of Laredo, Falcon International Reservoir hosts catfish and largemouth bass among other species. The lake covers an area of 83,000 acres and reaches a maximum depth of up to 110 feet. Fishing in this shallow lake is enjoyable during most seasons, but it’s advisable not to fish during the summer due to the intense heat. If you’re here for the catfish, common baits include stink bait and other small species like shrimp, etc.

There are so many awesome fishing spots throughout Texas! No matter which lake you choose to visit, make sure to choose the right season for fishing to get the best catch. You can check Texas Parks and Wildlife website for weekly fishing reports for all of the lakes across Texas. Good luck and happy fishing!