As a massive state stretching from ocean coastline to arid desert, Texas offers every type of fishing opportunity imaginable. Texans enjoy superb freshwater and saltwater angling all year-round for both trophy sized fish as well as family fun. This guide covers five of the best fishing spots Texas has to offer.
Why Fish in Texas?
Texas is a fisherman’s paradise for many reasons:
- Hundreds of lakes and reservoirs that produce outstanding bass, catfish, crappie, and trout fishing.
- Access to the Gulf of Mexico providing saltwater fishing for redfish, speckled trout, sharks, and more.
- Major rivers like the Rio Grande, Brazos, Colorado, and Guadalupe containing monster catfish.
- Abundant state and national parks with well-stocked fishing holes.
- Urban lakes and rivers that offer convenient fishing minutes from downtown metros.
- A temperate climate providing comfortable fishing almost any season.
No matter your target or skill level, Texas has a fishery to match. Now let’s cover the top spots.
Lake Fork
Hailed as the #1 trophy bass lake in Texas, Lake Fork boasts ShareLunker program fish over 17 pounds and the state record largemouth of 18.18 pounds. This 27,000 acre reservoir northeast of Dallas is loaded with Florida strain bass that attack swimbaits, deep diving crankbaits, jigs and Texas-rigged plastic worms. Focus on points, bridges, creek channel drops and standing timber in 4 to 10 feet depths. While known for lunker bass, Fork also produces nice crappies using minnows or jigs near submerged brush.
Port Isabel Fishing Pier
Extending over a quarter mile into the Laguna Madre near South Padre Island, the Port Isabel Fishing Pier offers outstanding saltwater action without a boat. Anglers reel in speckled trout, redfish, black drum, sheepshead and snook casting live shrimp, artificial lures and spoons. Night fishing under the pier lights draws huge specs and bull reds. The pier bait shop sells rods, reels and all tackle needed for beginners. Pier access is free and open 24/7 for this awesome fishing platform.
Guadalupe River Below Canyon Lake
Known as the trout fishing capital of Texas, the southern Guadalupe River tailwater below Canyon Lake Dam supports a thriving rainbow trout fishery thanks to steady cold water releases. Casting small spinners, spoons and flies using ultralight tackle brings fast action from feisty rainbows. Wade the river or float in a canoe or kayak to cover more water and spot trout in deeper pools and runs. The 12-mile Trophy Trout section requires barbless hooks and strictly catch and release fishing.
Choke Canyon Reservoir
Set on the Frio River an hour south of San Antonio, Choke Canyon Reservoir teems with chunky largemouth bass, slabsized crappie, and monster catfish. The multiple creek arms provide excellent shallow fishing for bass on topwaters, spinnerbaits and senko worms. Hit the main lake points and humps with deep divers and jigs for larger bass. Below the dam, big blue and channel cats love live perch and cut bait. Launch at the excellent Calliham North Shore public ramp.
Lake Alan Henry
Located on the Brazos River between Lubbock and Abilene, Lake Alan Henry is a hot spot for fast action on multiple species. Stocked rainbow trout cruise the cool waters in winter. Largemouth bass chase shad imitations and topwaters near boat docks and creek brush piles. The sandy shoreline coves shelter towering crappie caught with minnow jigs. After dark, blue cats hit live bait from shore at any of the lake’s many access points. Family friendly and easily accessible off I-20.
The Lone Star State offers almost unlimited fishing opportunities. Dig into Texas’ amazing lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and coastal waters to discover outstanding angling tailor-made for every fishing enthusiast. Just be warned that Texas fishing can become addictive in a hurry!
