Here’s Where You Need To Be Fishing In Texas Now
Texas waters are sizzling with action, and the fish are biting like they’ve got something to prove. From bass-filled lakes that could crown a trophy winner to saltwater jetties where redfish tug harder than a rodeo bull, the Lone Star State is serving up year-round adventures for every angler.
Rods bend, reels sing, and cool splashes break the heat as you chase the catch of your dreams.
Grab your gear, pack some patience, and cast into these 18 hot spots where fishing is hotter than a July sidewalk in Houston.
18. O.H. Ivie Lake
San Angelo’s prized lake has earned a reputation for monster largemouth, producing double-digit fish with impressive regularity.
Brushy coves and submerged timber give ambush points that trophy hunters dream about. Early mornings bring the best action – cast along flooded mesquite edges or target prominent main lake points. Anglers chasing Texas gold find this reservoir a consistent producer, a fishery where brag-worthy bass feel almost routine.
17. Lake Fork
Holy cow, this legendary lunker factory east of Dallas continues to dominate the bass fishing scene! Topwater explosions at dawn will make your heart skip beats.
Anglers working standing timber and hydrilla beds consistently boat bass over eight pounds. Fall brings schooling action that’ll have your rod bent all day long.
16. Lake Texoma
Striper heaven awaits at this massive border reservoir! Schools of hard-fighting striped bass chase bait across open water, creating surface explosions visible from hundreds of yards away.
Though trolling produces numbers, nothing beats the thrill of casting into breaking fish. May through November offers the most consistent action for these freshwater bruisers.
15. Sam Rayburn Reservoir
“Big Sam” in East Texas lives up to the nickname, offering triple-threat fishing for largemouth, crappie, and catfish year-round.
Creek channels packed with timber hold fish regardless of season, providing structure that keeps action steady.
Fall brings shad migrations, and bass explode on bait along points and flats. Add scenic pine-covered shores, and it’s easy to see why Sam Rayburn remains a bucket-list stop for serious anglers.
14. Toledo Bend Reservoir
Straddling the Texas–Louisiana line, Toledo Bend Reservoir promises big-fish potential across its vast waters.
Creek bends, submerged humps, and timbered coves hold bass and crappie schools that keep anglers busy. Target ridge points where shallow flats meet deep water for consistent action. Fall cools the surface, sparking aggressive feeding patterns that transform this intimidating giant into a dream fishery for those chasing southern trophy catches.
13. Choke Canyon Reservoir
South Texas heat grows true giants, and this under-the-radar reservoir proves it. Largemouth bass pushing double digits roam grassy edges, while massive blue cats patrol deeper channels. Anglers chasing trophies pack heavy gear, ready for epic battles.
River channel swings form current breaks where predators gather, stacking like pancakes at a diner. For those who love power fishing, this hidden gem delivers heart-pounding action.
12. Falcon International Reservoir
Where trophy bass dreams come true! This border lake has written its name in fishing legend with consistent double-digit catches and numbers that’ll make your arm sore.
Mexican water meets Texas attitude in a fishery where five-pounders barely raise eyebrows. State park access makes fishing easy, while submerged brush and rocky structure hold fish year-round.
11. Lake Amistad
Del Rio’s crown jewel dazzles with crystal-clear water and dramatic canyon scenery, a feast for eyes and anglers alike. Largemouth bass and striped bass patrol deep structure, striking hard along ancient river channels and limestone ledges.
These underwater highways funnel prey into ambush zones. Cooler fall temperatures ignite feeding frenzies, promising screaming drags and heart-pounding runs for those chasing Texas trophies in unforgettable surroundings.
10. Guadalupe River Tailrace
Trout in Texas? You betcha! Below Canyon Dam lies America’s southernmost year-round trout fishery, where rainbow and brown trout thrive in cold, oxygen-rich flows.
Summer brings tubers and swimmers, but fall through spring offers peaceful fishing and consistent action. Shoulder seasons add bonus smallmouth and Guadalupe bass to the mix for a multi-species adventure.
9. South Llano River
Hill Country streams invite wade fishermen and kayakers to explore crystal pools where Guadalupe bass, Texas’s official state fish, strike eagerly at small lures.
Size may be modest, yet fights are bold with aggressive hits and acrobatic leaps. Access through the state park makes exploration simple, while limestone bluffs, cypress stands, and rushing currents create a backdrop that looks worthy of a magazine cover.
8. Brazos River Below Possum Kingdom
Talk about a hidden gem! This tailwater section flows crystal clear through limestone canyons, creating a scenic playground for anglers targeting multiple species.
Smallmouth, largemouth, and white bass hold in current breaks year-round. Winter brings stocked trout to certain sections, creating a rare multi-season Texas fishery with excellent public access points.
7. Port Aransas South Jetty
Where the Gulf meets the bay, fishing magic happens! Massive granite blocks create current breaks and habitat that attract everything from speckled trout to king mackerel.
Tidal movements push baitfish against the rocks, triggering feeding frenzies. Fall brings bull redfish runs that’ll test your drag system and your arm strength, while night fishing under lights produces speckled trout action that’ll keep you casting ’til dawn.
6. Packery Channel Jetties
Corpus Christi offers shoreline fishing that delivers steady action without needing a boat. Rock structures along the water funnel moving tides into natural ambush points for predator fish.
Redfish, speckled trout, and Spanish mackerel cruise the edges during tide changes, ready to strike when bait schools push tight against the rocks. Multiple hookups on a single cast are common, making it a favorite stop for coastal anglers.
5. Padre Island National Seashore
Miles of wild, untouched beach give anglers a surf-fishing paradise. In fall, massive schools of redfish, speckled trout, and pompano push within casting distance of shore, creating unforgettable action.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles open access to remote stretches where fish rarely encounter lures. Conditions depend on weather, yet when tides and surf align, the bite can stay hot from first light until the sun drops.
4. Goose Island State Park Pier
Family-friendly fishing doesn’t get better than this Rockport landmark! The 1,620-foot lighted pier extends into productive bay waters, allowing access to deeper channels without a boat.
Kids love the non-stop action from smaller species, while serious anglers connect with redfish and black drum. Nighttime brings speckled trout under the lights, creating round-the-clock fishing opportunities regardless of skill level.
3. Texas City Dike
Picture a 5.3-mile fishing pier stretching into Galveston Bay, offering unmatched access for anglers without boats. Hurricane Ike reshaped the structure, carving deeper holes that now hold speckled trout, redfish, and black drum.
Bank fishing is simple with roadside parking, while multiple ramps make kayak launching easy. This man-made marvel delivers constant action and remains one of the most unique fishing platforms on the Texas coast.
2. Sabine Lake
Straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, this productive estuary delivers world-class trout and redfish action! Fall brings bird activity that’ll have your heart racing as gulls dive on shrimp pushed to the surface by feeding gamefish.
Working these “bird schools” produces fast action and full ice chests. The lake’s mix of fresh and saltwater creates a unique ecosystem where multiple species thrive year-round.
1. 61st Street Fishing Pier
Galveston’s premier fishing pier gives anglers round-the-clock access to Gulf waters without needing a boat.
Extending past the surf, it positions fishermen over deeper currents where bigger gamefish patrol. After dark, bright lights pull in baitfish, drawing predators within easy casting distance. A friendly staff offers tips to newcomers, and the on-site bait shop keeps tackle boxes stocked, ensuring nonstop action day or night.
