Texas · Fishing
Fishing in Texas
Texas has more public fishing water than most people realize, and the 294 listings on Roamze only scratch the surface of what the state offers.
200 spots9 townsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 200 spots
Featured spots
All spots · 200
Lake fishing
Alligator Slide Lake
Tivoli, TX
reservoirLake fishing
Amistad Reservoir
TX
largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Lake fishing
ANGELINA (Sam Rayburn Reservoir Area) 936-897-1068
Broaddus, TX
Lake fishing
Aransas Bay
Rockport, TX
Lake fishing
Aransas Bay
Rockport, TX
Lake fishing
Atlanta State Park
Atlanta, TX
Lake fishing
Ballasetal Lake
San Antonio, TX
Lake fishing
Bear Mans Lake
Silsbee, TX
Lake fishing
Beard Lake
Ore City, TX
Lake fishing
Bennett Lake
Amarillo, TX
River fishing
Big Creek Marina
Somerville, TX
Lake fishing
Big Mineral Camp
Sadler, TX
River fishing
Birch Creek State Park
Somerville, TX
Lake fishing
Bitch Creek Reservoir
Vernon, TX
River fishing
Black Creek Lake: (940) 627-5475
Alvord, TX
Lake fishing
Black Lake Number 5
Granbury, TX
Lake fishing
Black Lake Number 5
Granbury, TX
Lake fishing
Bois D'Arc Lake
Dodd City, TX
Lake fishing
Brown Lake
Bullard, TX
Lake fishing
Brushy Lake
Burkeville, TX
Lake fishing
Brushy Tank
Seymour, TX
Lake fishing
Bryan Lake
Freeport, TX
Lake fishing
Byers City Reservoir
Byers, TX
Lake fishing
Caballo Tank
Mirando City, TX
Texas has more public fishing water than most people realize, and the 294 listings on Roamze only scratch the surface of what the state offers. The geography alone forces variety: you can wade Sowell Creek near Dublin on a Tuesday, run out to Toledo Bend Reservoir near Joaquin for largemouth and white bass on Wednesday, and be surf fishing at Westlake Day Use near Hickory Creek by the weekend. The Gulf Coast side of the state — places like Copano Bay near Refugio and Lake Corpus Christi near Mathis — holds redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in water that fishes well most of the year. Inland, the big reservoirs like Sam Rayburn near Brookeland and Lake Kickapoo near Holliday draw anglers chasing bass, crappie, and catfish. Down in the far west, Rio Grande Village in Big Bend gives you a completely different experience: remote river fishing in desert canyon country. Even smaller, lesser-known spots like Bois D'Arc Lake near Dodd City and Beard Lake near Ore City hold fish and see far less pressure than the marquee reservoirs. Texas Parks and Wildlife manages licensing and regulations statewide, so the rules are consistent whether you're fishing a small SCS impoundment near Forney or a major reservoir.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Texas, and where do I get one?
Yes, anyone 17 or older needs a valid Texas fishing license. You can buy one through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, at most sporting goods retailers, or at many bait shops near the water. If you're fishing saltwater locations like Copano Bay, you'll also need a saltwater fishing endorsement added to your license.
What are the best times of year to fish in Texas?
Spring and fall are the most productive seasons across most of the state. Bass fishing on reservoirs like Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn tends to peak during the pre-spawn in March and April. Gulf Coast spots like Copano Bay fish well from September through November when redfish and speckled trout are active in the shallows. Summer fishing is still viable but most anglers target early morning or evening hours to avoid the heat.
What species can I expect to catch at Texas lakes and reservoirs?
Largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and channel catfish are the most common targets at inland lakes like Lake Kickapoo, Bois D'Arc Lake, and Beard Lake. Blue catfish are abundant in larger reservoirs and river systems. Coastal and bay locations like Copano Bay and Lake Corpus Christi add redfish, speckled trout, and flounder to the mix.
Is river fishing in Texas accessible to beginners?
Yes, several river and creek access points on the Roamze list are straightforward for newer anglers. Airport Park near Waco offers easy bank access to the Brazos River, and Sowell Creek near Dublin is a smaller, more manageable waterway. Rio Grande Village in Big Bend is remote and requires more planning, but the fishing itself is not technically demanding.
What gear should I bring for a Texas fishing trip?
For lake and reservoir fishing, a medium-action rod with 10-17 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon covers most situations. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and live bait like shiners or nightcrawlers all produce depending on the season. For coastal spots like Copano Bay, bring a medium-heavy rod rated for saltwater use, and plan on using live shrimp, cut mullet, or gold spoons for redfish and trout. Sun protection and plenty of water are non-negotiable in Texas, especially from May through September.
