Texas Lakes and Rivers
Texas has more than a few good fishing holes. Here's what we know about the lakes and rivers worth your time.
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Alan Henry
The Gem
A deep, rocky treasure hidden in the desert.
The lines: Bass, Spotted Bass
Access: Alan Henry Reservoir Park
Managed by: City of Lubbock
Alvarado Park
The Local
Small, muddy, and full of local soul.
The lines: Catfish, Bass
Access: Alvarado Park Ramp
Managed by: City of Alvarado
Aquilla Lake
The Creek
A secluded, muddy haven for catfishing.
The lines: Crappie, Catfish
Access: Aquilla Tailrace
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Bardwell Lake
The Prairie
A rural hotspot near the DFW sprawl.
The lines: Crappie, Bass
Access: High View Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Belton Lake
Central Jewel
Clear, deep water near Temple/Belton.
The lines: Smallmouth, Bass
Access: Rogers Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Bob Sandlin
The Piney Hub
East Texas beauty near Mount Pleasant.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Bob Sandlin State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Brady Lake
The Heart
The "Heart of Texas" fishing hole.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Brady Lake Park
Managed by: City of Brady
Brazos Bend
The Swamp
The closest thing to a "Jurassic" experience in Texas.
The lines: Catfish, Sunfish
Access: Brazos Bend State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Brazos River
The Brazos
The Brazos runs right past Baylor University and through the heart of downtown Waco.
The lines: Catfish, Paddling, Kayaking
Access: Cameron Park River Trail
Managed by: City of Waco (Lake Brazos Dam)
Caddo Lake
The Cathedral
A prehistoric maze of Spanish moss and giant cypress trees. The only "natural" major lake in TX.
The lines: Bass, Crappie, Chain Pickerel
Access: Caddo Lake State Park
Managed by: TPWD / USFWS
Canyon Lake
The Blue Jewel
The clearest blue water in Texas.
The lines: Striped Bass, Bass
Access: Canyon Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Cedar Creek
The Long Lake
A long, developed DFW destination.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: Tom Finley Park
Managed by: Tarrant Regional Water District
Choke Canyon
The Gator Hole
A rugged, trophy-bass destination and gator-filled South Texas gem.
The lines: Bass, Crappie, Alligator Gar
Access: Calliham Unit
Managed by: TPWD
Coleto Creek
The Powerhouse
Clear, warm water near Victoria/Goliad.
The lines: Bass, White Bass
Access: Coleto Creek Park
Managed by: GBRA
Cypress Springs
The Quiet One
A stunningly clear East Texas secret.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: Overlook Park
Managed by: Franklin County Water District
E.V. Spence
The Colorado
A massive West Texas lake known for "boom and bust" cycles.
The lines: Striped Bass, Cat
Access: Paint Creek Park
Managed by: Colorado River Municipal WD
Eagle Mountain
The Fort Worth
The historic pride of Fort Worth.
The lines: Bass, White Bass
Access: Twin Points Park
Managed by: Tarrant Regional Water District
Falcon Lake
The Border War
The most aggressive largemouth bass in the nation live here. A world-class border destination.
The lines: Largemouth Bass, Catfish
Access: Falcon State Park
Managed by: TPWD / IBWC
Fort Phantom
The Ghost
The primary playground for the Abilene area.
The lines: Catfish, Hybrid Bass
Access: Johnson Park
Managed by: City of Abilene
Gibbs Creek
The Backwater
A winding backwater system near the Trinity Delta.
The lines: Catfish, Crappie
Access: Gibbs Creek Access
Managed by: TRA
Gladewater Lake
The Antique
A small, charming lake in the "Antique Capital of East TX."
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Gladewater City Park
Managed by: City of Gladewater
Grapevine Lake
The Hub
DFW's central "adventure" lake.
The lines: Bass, White Bass
Access: Meadowmere Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Greenbelt Lake
The Panhandle
The most popular recreational spot in the eastern Panhandle.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: Greenbelt Marina
Managed by: Greenbelt Water Authority
Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe
The Guadalupe runs clear and spring-fed for more than 230 miles through the Hill Country, with the New Braunfels stretch the classic Texas tubing run.
The lines: Tubing, Trout Fishing, Paddling
Access: New Braunfels tube outfitters and river parks
Managed by: Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
Highlands Res
The Canal
A series of canals and ponds near the Houston Ship Channel.
The lines: Catfish, Carp
Access: Pumping Station Access
Managed by: San Jacinto River Authority
Hubbard Creek Lake
The Breckenridge
A massive, brush-filled West-Central Texas staple famous for winter bass.
The lines: Bass, Crappie, Catfish
Access: Bob Clark Landing
Managed by: West Central Texas Municipal WD
Joe Pool Lake
The Metro
The urban fishing oasis of DFW. Well-maintained parks and consistent water levels.
The lines: Bass, Crappie, Catfish
Access: Cedar Hill State Park
Managed by: TPWD / TRA
Keith Lake
The Marsh Link
A series of marsh lakes vital to the Port Arthur ecosystem.
The lines: Redfish, Flounder
Access: Keith Lake Fish Pass
Managed by: Jefferson County
Kurth Lake
The Permit Lk
A quiet, 500-acre reservoir north of Lufkin.
The lines: Bass, Hybrid Bass
Access: Kurth Lake Lodge
Managed by: City of Lufkin
Lady Bird Lake
Town Lake
The iconic skyline lake of Austin. No gasoline engines allowed, making it a paddler's dream.
The lines: Bass, Sunfish
Access: Festival Beach
Managed by: City of Austin
Lake Abilene
The State Park
A small, scenic lake tucked into the "hilly" part of Abilene.
The lines: Catfish, Sunfish
Access: Abilene State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Lake Amistad
The Desert Oasis
Ultra-clear water surrounded by massive limestone canyons on the Mexico border.
The lines: Smallmouth, Largemouth
Access: Diablo East
Managed by: National Park Service
Lake Anahuac
Turtle Bay
A brackish-meets-fresh marsh lake.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Fort Anahuac Park
Managed by: Chambers-Liberty Navigation Dist
Lake Arlington
The Power Lake
Arlington's urban fishing hole.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Richard Simpson Park
Managed by: City of Arlington
Lake Arrowhead
The Oil Hole
A unique North Texas destination known for the rusted oil derricks standing directly in the water.
The lines: Catfish, Crappie
Access: Arrowhead State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Lake Athens
The Nursery
Small lake with world-class bass.
The lines: Largemouth Bass
Access: Athens Marina
Managed by: Athens Municipal Water Authority
Lake Benbrook
The Backyard
A quiet, wind-swept escape just minutes from Fort Worth. No-frills and peaceful.
The lines: Hybrid Bass, Catfish, Crappie
Access: Mustang Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Lake Bonham
The Borderline
Quiet getaway near the Oklahoma border.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: Bonham State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Lake Bridgeport
The Rocky Hole
Deep, rocky, and often overlooked.
The lines: Smallmouth, Bass
Access: Wise County Park
Managed by: Tarrant Regional Water District
Lake Brownwood
The Oasis
A central Texas oasis with rocky coves.
The lines: Bass, White Bass
Access: Lake Brownwood State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Lake Buchanan
The Giant
The largest of the Highland Lakes, known for its massive surface and granite shores.
The lines: Striper, White Bass
Access: Black Rock Park
Managed by: LCRA
Lake Conroe
Houston's Hole
Houston's premier high-energy escape.
The lines: Hybrid Bass, Catfish
Access: Scott's Ridge
Managed by: San Jacinto River Authority
Lake Corpus Christi
The Nueces
A massive South Texas oasis just inland from the coast.
The lines: Catfish, White Bass
Access: Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Lake Daingerfield
The Crimson
A tiny, stunning lake famous for fall foliage.
The lines: Catfish, Sunfish
Access: Daingerfield State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Lake Fork
Bass Capital
The premier trophy bass lake in the world. If you want a 10lb+ lunker, this is the spot.
The lines: Largemouth Bass, Crappie
Access: Lake Fork Marina
Managed by: Sabine River Authority
Lake Gilmer
The Local Secret
A quiet, well-managed getaway west of Gilmer.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: Lake Gilmer Park
Managed by: City of Gilmer
Lake Granbury
The Brazos
A long, winding river-style lake that cuts through the heart of historic Granbury.
The lines: Bass, Striped Bass, Catfish
Access: City Beach Park
Managed by: Brazos River Authority
Lake Houston
The City Lake
The recreational heartbeat of Northeast Houston.
The lines: Catfish, White Bass
Access: Alexander Deussen Park
Managed by: City of Houston
Lake Jackson
The Oxbow
A series of natural oxbow lakes in the city of the same name.
The lines: Bass, Sunfish
Access: MacLean Park
Managed by: City of Lake Jackson
Lake Kemp
The Big Wagg
A massive, private-feeling lake on the Waggoner Ranch.
The lines: Catfish, Bass
Access: Moonshine Boat Ramp
Managed by: Wichita County Water District
Lake Kickapoo
The Old Timer
A quiet, older lake near Wichita Falls.
The lines: Catfish, Bass
Access: Kickapoo Marina
Managed by: City of Wichita Falls
Lake Lavon
The Collin Co
Collin County's massive water source.
The lines: Catfish, Crappie
Access: Mallard Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Lake LBJ
Highland Gem
A constant-level paradise in the Hill Country, perfect for year-round boating.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: LBJ State Park
Managed by: LCRA
Lake Lewisville
The Party Lake
North Dallas's high-traffic playground.
The lines: Hybrid Bass, Catfish
Access: Stewart Creek Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Lake Livingston
The Piney Sea
2nd largest lake purely inside Texas.
The lines: White Bass, Catfish
Access: Lake Livingston State Park
Managed by: TPWD / TRA
Lake Mackenzie
The Tule
A stunningly deep lake in the Tule Canyon.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Mackenzie Main Ramp
Managed by: Mackenzie Municipal Water Auth
Lake Meredith
The Walleye
The only place in Texas to hunt world-class Walleye.
The lines: Walleye, Smallmouth
Access: Sanford Shores
Managed by: National Park Service
Lake Murvaul
The Lunker Pit
A small but mighty "giant bass" factory near Carthage that consistently produces double-digit lunkers.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Murvaul Marina
Managed by: Panola County
Lake Nacogdoches
The Oldest Twn
A secluded, pine-rimmed trophy bass destination.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: West Side Park
Managed by: City of Nacogdoches
Lake O' the Pines
The Big Pine
One of the most beautiful "tall pine" lakes in the South.
The lines: Crappie, Bass, Sunfish
Access: Brushy Creek Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Lake Palestine
East TX Staple
A balanced East Texas favorite.
The lines: Crappie, Bass
Access: Villages Marina
Managed by: Upper Neches River Authority
Lake Pinkston
The Sleeper
A tiny Shelby County "sleeper" known for double-digit bass.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Pinkston Boat Ramp
Managed by: City of Center
Lake Ray Hubbard
The East Link
The bridge-heavy lake and premier "after-work" sunset spot for East Dallas.
The lines: Hybrid Bass, Catfish
Access: Rockwall Harbor
Managed by: City of Dallas
Lake Somerville
The Yegua
The premier Central-to-Coast getaway.
The lines: Crappie, White Bass
Access: Birch Creek Unit
Managed by: TPWD / USACE
Lake Stamford
The Haskell
A classic "Big Country" fishing hole.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Stamford Marina
Managed by: City of Stamford
Lake Stephen F. Austin
The Austin
A small, quiet oxbow of the Brazos River.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Stephen F. Austin State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Lake Tawakoni
Catfish Capital
The undisputed Catfish Capital of Texas.
The lines: Catfish, Striper
Access: Lake Tawakoni State Park
Managed by: TPWD / SRA
Lake Texana
The Palmetto
A jungle-like reservoir near the Gulf.
The lines: Bass, Crappie, Cat
Access: Lake Texana State Park
Managed by: TPWD / LNRA
Lake Texoma
Striper King
Massive border lake known as the "Striper Capital of the World" where they spawn naturally.
The lines: Striped Bass, Smallmouth
Access: Eisenhower State Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Lake Travis
The Crown
The heart of Hill Country recreation with deep, clear water and high-energy boating.
The lines: Bass, Guadalupe Bass, Sunfish
Access: Mansfield Dam Park
Managed by: LCRA
Lake Tyler
The East Hub
The primary recreational lung for the city of Tyler.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: Whitehouse Beach
Managed by: City of Tyler
Lake Whitney
The Getaway
Clear blue water and massive white rock cliffs. The "Getaway Capital of Texas."
The lines: Striper, Smallmouth, Catfish
Access: Whitney State Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Martin Creek
The Warm Hole
A steam-electric cooling pond that stays warm all year.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Martin Creek Lake State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Medina Lake
The Deep Hole
A deep, rocky reservoir in the Medina River valley.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Red's Cove
Managed by: Bexar-Medina-Atascosa WCID
Nasworthy
The San Angelo
The "social" lake of San Angelo.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Mary E. Lee Park
Managed by: City of San Angelo
Navarro Mills
The Crappie Pit
The best crappie hole you've never hit.
The lines: Crappie, Catfish
Access: Oak Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
O.H. Ivie
The Lunker
The undisputed "ShareLunker" king of Texas and the most famous trophy bass lake in the world right now.
The lines: Largemouth Bass
Access: Concho Park
Managed by: Colorado River Municipal WD
Oak Creek
The Blackwell
A hidden West Texas gem near San Angelo.
The lines: Bass, White Bass
Access: Public Ramp #1
Managed by: City of San Angelo
Palo Pinto Lake
The Rugged
Remote, rugged, and full of character in the canyon country of Texas.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Public Ramp #1
Managed by: Palo Pinto Municipal Water District No. 1
Pat Cleburne
The Cowtown S
The "hidden" lake south of Fort Worth.
The lines: Bass, Catfish
Access: Cleburne State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Possum Kingdom
The Gate
Home to the famous "Hell’s Gate" cliffs and some of the clearest water in the Brazos.
The lines: Striped Bass, Bass
Access: Bug Beach
Managed by: Brazos River Authority
Ray Roberts
The Greenbelt
A massive, wilder North Texas treasure.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: Isle du Bois Unit
Managed by: TPWD / USACE
Richland Chambers
The Twin Arms
Newer, massive lake with huge cats.
The lines: Blue Cat, Bass
Access: Oak Cove Marina
Managed by: Tarrant Regional Water District
Rio Grande
Rio Bravo
The Rio Grande has marked the U.S.-Mexico boundary from El Paso/Ciudad Juarez to the Gulf of Mexico since 1848 -- about 1,254 miles of international border.
The lines: Border History, Limited Recreation
Access: IBWC-managed border reach (limited public recreational access)
Managed by: International Boundary and Water Commission
Sabine Lake
The Salt Mix
A massive "brackish" lake where the river meets the Gulf.
The lines: Redfish, Speckled Trout
Access: Pleasure Island
Managed by: City of Port Arthur
Sam Rayburn
The Legend
The largest lake entirely within Texas and a consistent #1 national trophy destination known as the "Grass King."
The lines: Bass, Crappie, White Bass
Access: Twin Dikes Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
San Antonio River
The River Walk
What most visitors know as the River Walk is a 15-mile linear park along the river, from its source down past Loop 410, drawing more than 9 million visitors a year.
The lines: Paddling, Urban Strolling
Access: River Walk (Museum Reach / Downtown Reach / Mission Reach)
Managed by: San Antonio River Authority
Sheldon Lake
The Marsh
A bird-watcher's and paddler's coastal paradise.
The lines: Bass, Sunfish
Access: Sheldon Lake State Park
Managed by: TPWD
Stillhouse Hol
The Deep Clear
Stunning clarity near Killeen/Harker.
The lines: Smallmouth, Bass
Access: Stillhouse Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
Toledo Bend
The Border
One of the largest and most productive trophy bass destinations in the U.S. and a two-time "Best Lake in the Nation" winner.
The lines: Bass, Crappie, Striper
Access: Cypress Bend Park
Managed by: Sabine River Authority
Trinity River
The Trinity
The West Fork and Clear Fork of the Trinity converge just west of downtown Fort Worth -- the same confluence where an 1849 U.S. Army outpost anchored the city's original site.
The lines: Catfish, White Bass, Paddling
Access: Trinity Trails / Panther Island District
Managed by: Tarrant Regional Water District
Weatherford Lake
The Peach
A quaint, hilly lake for the west-siders.
The lines: Bass, Crappie
Access: Weatherford Lake Park
Managed by: City of Weatherford
Wright Patman
The Borderline
A sprawling, wooded giant near Texarkana.
The lines: Crappie, White Bass
Access: Rocky Point Park
Managed by: US Army Corps of Engineers
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