Fishing in Texas
Your complete guide to 150+ fishing spots across Texas: lakes, rivers, reservoirs and more.
Interactive Map
Download GilledIt to explore all spots on the map
Top Venues
Top Fishing Spots in Texas
The best-rated fishing venues across Texas.
- 1
Lake Fork
Texas' premier trophy bass lake, producing more ShareLunker 13 lb+ bass than any other reservoir
- 2
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Massive East Texas lake with outstanding bass, crappie, and catfish populations
- 3
Galveston Bay
Texas' most productive estuary for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder
- 4
Lake Falcon
Border lake famous for giant largemouth bass, with numerous fish over 10 lb caught annually
- 5
Choke Canyon Reservoir
South Texas reservoir known for big bass and excellent catfish populations
- 6
Port Aransas
Premier Gulf Coast destination for offshore charter fishing and surf fishing
- 7
Lake Ray Roberts
North Texas favorite for bass, crappie, and catfish with excellent public access
- 8
Lower Laguna Madre
World-class shallow-water sight-fishing for redfish and speckled trout
- 9
Caddo Lake
Unique cypress-studded lake on the Louisiana border with outstanding bass and panfish
- 10
O.H. Ivie Reservoir
West Texas gem producing trophy bass and excellent white bass runs
Species Guide
Species You Can Catch in Texas
Learn about the fish you’ll find across Texas.
Largemouth Bass
May–October · Soft plastics (Zoom Trick Worm
Crappie
March–May · Small jigs (1/16–1/32 oz) in chartreuse or white
Channel Catfish
May–September · Chicken liver
Redfish
September–November · Gold spoons (Johnson Silver Minnow)
Striped Bass
April–June, September–November · Live bunker (menhaden)
Getting Started
Fishing License & Tips for Texas
License Information
A Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older. Resident all-water packages cost about $40 per year, while non-resident all-water packages run approximately $58. A freshwater-only or saltwater-only stamp is available at lower cost. Licenses are issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and can be purchased online, by phone, or at retailers statewide.
Read the full fishing license guideQuick Tips
- Texas bass fishing peaks during the spring spawn from February through April. Target shallow coves on lakes like Fork, Ray Roberts, and Sam Rayburn with jigs and creature baits.
- For Gulf Coast redfish and trout, fish Galveston Bay, Matagorda Bay, or the Lower Laguna Madre using live shrimp under a popping cork on moving tides.
- Blue catfish in Texas rivers like the Trinity and Colorado can exceed 50 lb. Use cut shad or prepared bait on circle hooks near deep channel bends.
- Log your catches on the GilledIt app to track seasonal patterns across Texas waters and share your best spots with the local fishing community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing in Texas
A resident all-water fishing package costs about $40 per year, while non-residents pay approximately $58. Freshwater-only and saltwater-only options are available at lower prices. Seniors 65+ can purchase a discounted license. You can buy your license online through the TPWD website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and other retailers across the state.
Lake Fork is widely regarded as the best trophy bass lake in Texas, having produced more ShareLunker entries (13 lb+) than any other water body. Other top bass lakes include Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Lake Falcon, O.H. Ivie, and Lake Ray Roberts. Use the GilledIt app to check recent catch reports and find the best spots on each lake.
Spring and fall are the best seasons for inshore Gulf Coast fishing. Redfish and speckled trout fishing peaks from September through November when baitfish schools move through the bays. Summer brings offshore action for red snapper (during open season), king mackerel, and mahi mahi. Winter can be excellent for trout during warm fronts.
Texas has outstanding catfishing across the state. The Trinity River, Colorado River below Austin, and Lake Texoma are top destinations for blue catfish. Flathead catfish thrive in the Brazos and Guadalupe Rivers. Many Texas reservoirs offer excellent channel catfish populations. Night fishing with cut shad on river bends is a proven technique.
Yes, Texas offers one free fishing day each year, typically on the first Saturday in June. On this day, anyone can fish on public waters without a license. It is a great opportunity to introduce new anglers to the sport. Check the TPWD website or GilledIt app for the exact date each year.
The standard statewide daily bag limit for largemouth bass in Texas is 5 fish with a 14-inch minimum length. However, many lakes have special regulations; for example, Lake Fork has a 16-24 inch slot limit. Always verify the specific rules for your lake on the TPWD website before you fish.
Download GilledIt to find more spots in Texas
Browse 150+ venues on an interactive map, see real-time catch reports from other anglers, and log your own catches.
Free on iOS & Android · Join thousands of American anglers