Texas' Best Bass Fishing

In a state known for its outstanding bass fishing, it's hard to key on the very best spots . . . but we're willing to try!

By C.C. Risenhoover

Folks from outside the Lone Star State are always surprised to learn thatTexas has 4,959 square miles of inland water, ranking it first in the48 contiguous states.

Just so you were wondering about the states trailing Texas, Minnesota is second with 4,780 squaremiles of inland water; Florida is third with 4,683 square miles; and Louisiana is fourth with 4,153 square miles.

There are about 6,736 reservoirs in Texas with a normal storage capacity of 10 acre-feet or larger.

So is it any wonder that Texas is one of the best, if not the best,bass-fishing states in the country? Bass, as you know, are dependent onwater - and this remarkable state supports that dependency quite well.What's more, a majority of the state's water is fertile - meaningthere's plenty of baitfish, crawfish, little snakes (and more) to tickle a bass' palate.

While all of the aforementioned puts a smile on the face of an angler, you're ticklingthe ire of many Texans when you put a "best" title on some lakes andleave their favorite(s) off the list. Nevertheless, here are this angler's choices for "best" lakes throughout the state, along with thiswarning: Lynching is against the law.

To give you an idea of what we're dealing with here, Texas has a land and water areaof 267,277 square miles, which means it occupies about 7 percent of thetotal land and water area of the United States. The longeststraight-line distance in a general north-south direction is 801 miles,and it is 773 miles in an east-west direction. If you're wondering whatthis has to do with bass fishing ... absolutely nothing. But it gives you an idea of the vast area to be covered in selecting Texas' BestBass Lakes.

GOING ALPHABETICAL

Rather than trying to rank Texas' best bass lakes in order ofimportance, it's probably best to go alphabetical and geographical.From a geographical standpoint, the state can be broken down into 10areas: (1.) Pineywoods, (2.) Gulf Prairies and Marshes, (3.) Post OakBelt, (4.) Blackland Prairies, (5.) Cross Timbers and Prairies, (6.)South Texas Plains, (7.) Edwards Plateau, (8.) Rolling Plains, (9.)High Plains, and (10.) Trans-Pecos Mountains and Basins. These arepretty self-descriptive in terms of the type of terrain where a lake islocated.

The telephone numbers of chambers of commerce near the lakes mentioned arealso included, because these are people who want you to visit theirareas. They know you will leave some cash.

So here's how one fisherman sees it, with apologies to anglers if their favorite lake didn't make the cut.

AMISTAD

Amistad is a 64,900-surface-acre reservoir fed by the Rio Grande River,which divides Texas and Mexico. It's about 12 miles northwest of DelRio, located at the northwestern tip of what is known as the SouthTexas Plains, and at the southwestern tip of the Edwards Plateau.

Amistadis an excellent topwater lake in spring and fall, but in the early partof the year, anglers often have to deal with strong winds. Fortunately,there are many coves that provide some protection, but there's alsolots of open water that can be especially dangerous for smaller boats.

TheRio Grande is a fertile stream and helps provide an abundance ofbaitfish and other edibles for bass. Knowledgeable anglers can easilyread the terrain and discover areas most likely to hold bass. However,an always-good bet is to run crankbaits through submerged mesquite andvegetation, and to work points with plastic worms. For moreinformation, contact the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, (830) 775-3551.

CADDO

Switching from Amistad to Caddo Lake is quite a culture shock. You aresuddenly transported from desert-type terrain to the Pineywoods area,near Marshall and the Louisiana border. This area of some 16 millionacres ranges from about 50 to 700 feet above sea level in elevation,and receives 40 to 56 inches of rainfall annually. Many creeks, riversand bayous drain the region.

Caddowas originally a natural lake whose surface and capacity were increasedto 26,800 acres by construction of a dam on Cypress Creek nearMooringsport, La. It is a maze of cypress trees, Spanish moss, lilypads and other types of vegetation. It's full of bass, but catching one7 pounds or better is a rarity.

The lake is a greatplace for catching numbers of bass. The tranquil setting andalways-deep shadows make it a year-round topwater lake, although theaction is hotter is spring and fall. A spinnerbait is also good year'round. Best hot weather bet is a plastic worm and winter calls for ajig-and-pig. You can fish a crank in the channels, but the bases ofcypress trees seem to always hold fish.

For more information, contact the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce, (903) 935-7868.

CHOKE CANYON

With San Antonio and Corpus Christi anglers, the popularity of25,733-surface-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir on the Frio River has neverwaned. Located near Three Rivers and west of Beeville, the reservoiroffers practically everything that makes a lake exciting - a quantityof good, solid bass and plenty of bait to support their growth. Coveris adequate and terrain ideal for working points, coves and otherfeatures.

Topwaterfishing is OK in spring and fall, but cranks, spinnerbaits and plasticworms will more readily fill an angler's livewell. For moreinformation, contact Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, (512) 786-4330.

COOPER (JIM CHAPMAN)

Hot, hot, hot is the best way to describe this 19,280-surface-acrereservoir northeast of Dallas. It does not matter what day you chooseto fish Cooper; you will have company. But this lake, like many in theeastern part of the state, can handle crowds - and it's loaded withquality bass.

There's lots of cover, so go with topwaters and spinnerbaits in early spring.It's also an excellent lake for fishing the jig-and-pig, plasticlizards and buzzbaits. For more information, contact the Cooper Chamberof Commerce, (903) 395-4314.

FALCON

Falcon has for years been one of Texas' best bass lakes, but its location (thewestern side of the southern tip of the state) and an abundance of bassreservoirs near large population centers has resulted in less fishing pressure on this Rio Grande River impoundment. The result has been asteadily increasing bass population, though water fluctuation can beirritating to anglers and cause bass to be finicky. Wind can also be aproblem.

Still,this is a great hole of water for quantity and quality - many solid 2-and 3-pound fish that will smash topwater lures in spring and fall, andstretch the lines of anglers using plastic worms and cranks.

Likethe newer Texas/Mexico border lake upriver, Amistad, the78,300-surface-acre reservoir suffers from lack of proper management byMexican authorities. For more information, contact the Zapata Chamberof Commerce, (956) 765-4871.

FORK

This is simply the best lake in Texas for big bass. Lake Fork has produced most of ourstate-record bass simply because the Texas Parks and WildlifeDepartment did a beautiful job of management before the reservoir wasever inundated. Throughout the area that would be covered by water whenthe dam's gates were closed, big Florida brood bass were placed insmall lakes and ponds. The result was that the lake started producingstate-record fish almost immediately.

At various times of the year, practically any lure will work in this27,690-surface-acre body of water, but diligence to detail and hardfishing is often required to catch bass weighing more than 10 pounds.Many lunkers are taken at night after the waters quiet from all theboat activity.

Because this lake is only a couple ofhours' drive east of Dallas, it gets lots of fishing pressure. Itsreputation also draws anglers from throughout the nation. For moreinformation, contact the Greater Quitman Chamber of Commerce, (903)763-4411.

HUBBARD CREEK

All but forgotten by most Fort Worth anglers, 15,250-surface-acre Hubbard Creek reservoir nearBreckenridge in Northcentral Texas is an excellent bass hole -particularly in early spring and fall. Directly west of Fort Worth(where the West begins), Hubbard Creek is considered a West Texas reservoir.

Geography aside, a jig-and-pig is very good there early in the year, along withspinnerbaits, worked through submerged brush and trees. For moreinformation, contact the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce, (940)559-2301.

KEMP

Lake Kemp, a 16,540-surface-acrelake near Seymour, attracts little attention except from anglers in theWichita Falls area, including parts of Oklahoma. Southwest of WichitaFalls and north of Seymour, the reservoir is fed by the Wichita Riverand is typical of lakes in the state's Interior Lowlands and RollingPlains.

Itlacks the type of cover and vegetation that makes the state's easternwaters so appealing and productive, but abundant bait and good spawnsmake it a first-class reservoir for catching quantities of bass. Youmight have a problem hooking a bass of more than 7 pounds, but bass inthe 2-pound range are plentiful.

Watch the wind anduse the terrain to locate points that yield fish. For more information,contact the Seymour Chamber of Commerce, (940) 888-2921.

LAKE O' THE PINES

An oldie but goodie bass hotspot, Lake O' The Pines is still yieldinggood catches of quality fish, especially in spring and fall. The goodnews is that because of all the "newer" bass lakes in East Texas, itdoesn't get the pressure it once did.

There's ample vegetation for good spawns and the protection of bait to helpfish grow. A lot of people still use crawfish to fill a stringer, butthrowing topwaters, buzzbaits and spinnerbaits around submerged timberand vegetation can get your string stretched.

The lake is located in northeast Texas, not far from Louisiana, Arkansasand Oklahoma. For more info, contact the Daingerfield Chamber ofCommerce, (903) 645-2646.

LIVINGSTON

When an angler thinks about Lake Livingston, it's difficult not to think about"The Jungle" and buzzbaits. The Jungle is an area of the lake that ishard to negotiate because of fallen timber and vegetation, but it'sloaded with good bass. With buzzbaits or floating worms are about theonly ways to fish the area.

Becausethis 90,000-surface-acre lake is in the southeastern part of the stateand close to Houston, it has always known fishing pressure. However,because of its size and cover, it has handled that pressure quite well.

Forsheer numbers of bass, this can be one of the most productive bodies ofwater in the state. For more information, call the Polk County Chamberof Commerce, (409) 327-4929.

MEREDITH

Out Amarillo way, in the northernmost part of the state, near Borger is oneof the state's premier bass lakes. Lake Meredith, all 16,505surface-acres, does not get any serious fishing pressure from Texas'major metropolitan areas. It only takes a look at a map to dissuademost big city anglers from making such a trek. However, Meredith is afine bass lake, especially for smallmouth bass.

Best bet for catching smallmouth bass are grubs and small cranks worked offgravel points. If you visit, be careful of high winds - and watch forrattlesnakes! For more information, contact the Borger Chamber ofCommerce, (806) 274-2211.

O.H. IVIE

Talk aboutrave reviews - O.H. Ivie is getting its share! Near Paint Rock, east ofSan Angelo, south of Abilene and southwest of Fort Worth, this19,200-surface-acre reservoir is producing both quality and quantitiesof good fish.

Witha limestone base and rocky terrain that grows mesquite, small oaks,cedar and cactus, the lake has more than adequate cover and is fed byseveral creeks. Because of the many productive lakes in the easternpart of our state, few D/FW Metroplex anglers drive west to fish, butO.H. Ivie is winning its share of converts from the area.

Surfacelures work well early and late in the spring and fall, but during therest of the day work cranks and worms off points, and spinnerbaits insubmerged trees and vegetation.

For more information, contact the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, (915) 655-4136

PALESTINE

This 25,500-surface-acre lake has ample productive water, thanks to theNeches River and a number of creeks that feed it. The reservoir hasfallen and standing timber and plenty of aquatic vegetation. Bait isplentiful and so are good, solid bass.

Lunkershere are in the 7- to 10-pound class, but not that easy to catch. Youwill, however, be able to put together an excellent stringer in thespring with plastic worms or lizards and with surface, buzz-, spinner-and crankbaits.

A good approach is to work the edgesof the river and creek channels. If the wind forces you off the lake,and you have a small boat, the river below the dam offers excellentfishing. For more information, contact the Jacksonville Chamber ofCommerce, (903) 586-2217.

RAY ROBERTS

Ray Robertsis just outside Dallas' north door, and it's loaded with big bass. It'scertainly ready for prime time, and capable of challenging Lake Forkfor a state-record bass.

Thebig 'uns that occupy this 29,350-surface-acre reservoir have plenty ofcover, deep water and natural bait to nibble on. Fed by the Elm Fork ofthe Trinity River and some good creeks, Ray Roberts has the type ofstructure you would want if you were building a lake specifically forbass fishing.

That doesn't mean fishing there iseasy. You can have a fishing day that most people only dream about, oryou can get skunked. But this is a place to "think big" instead ofabout numbers, though if it's numbers of fish you want, they're here.For more information, contact the Pilot Point Chamber of Commerce,(940) 686-5385.

RICHLAND-CHAMBERS

Choosing Richland-Chambers as one of the state's best bass lakes is an "iffy"choice because it's not a personal favorite, but it is at Dallas' southdoor along I-45, and is home to lots of bass. The 44,000-surface-acrereservoir also has lots of open water, which looks dead to an anglerused to the heavy cover of East Texas lakes.

The key is to go up the arms of the lake fed by Richland and Chamberscreeks, which is where you will find most of the cover. Anglers adeptat fishing open water can work the humps, points and creek channels -primarily with plastics and cranks.

This lake lends itself to quantity bass fishing. You can catch a few big ones here, butit's no Cooper, Fork or Ray Roberts. For more information, contact theCorsicana Area Chamber of Commerce, (903) 874-4731.

SAM RAYBURN

Surely no one would argue about Sam Rayburn being on the list of Texas'Best Bass Lakes. This 114,500-surface-acre lake has been one of thestate's best for a long, long time. Located in deep East Texas, thesheer size of this reservoir fed by the Angelina River and numerouscreeks and bayous, makes it a favorite of anglers statewide.

The lake has wonderful arms - fed by creeks - that are loaded with standingand fallen timber, brush and vegetation. Big Sam has unbelievable structure for bass, ample natural bait and . . . well, frankly,everything you would want in a bass lake.

Depending on the structure you choose, practically any artificial bait you usecan be effective. Because of its proximity to major population centersin southeast Texas, it gets a lot of pressure on weekends - but thelake's size accommodates a crowd, and if you can hit it on a weekday,it can be downright serene.

For more information, contact the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, (409) 384-2762.

SOMERVILLE

There's going to be some flak on choosing Somerville as one of thebest, but this 11,400-surface-acre lake has been good to anglers whoknow how to fish it. Located northwest of Houston and Brenham, it usedto attract much more attention, but Houston-area anglers are now morelikely to head to Conroe, Livingston, Sam Rayburn or Toledo Bend.

The lake offers some cover in the form of fallen timber and brush, butridges, cuts and channels in open water offer the best chances fortaking fish. It's a wonderful lake for 3- to 5-pound fish, most ofwhich are taken on plastic worms. For more information, contact theSomerville Chamber of Commerce, (409) 596-2383.

TAWAKONI

Most bass anglers will pass over 36,700-surface-acre Tawakoni in searchof waters that offer bigger and larger quantities of bass, but this isstill a good lake. Located east of Quinlan and west of Emory, the lakehas been an excellent producer of bass for many years.

Again,this is not the type of lake where you are likely to catch a monsterbass, but a good day's fishing can produce excellent results off pointsand mossbeds. Surface lures work great in spring and fall, and theplastic worm is practically always good.

For more information, contact the Quinlan Area Chamber of Commerce (903) 356-4703

TOLEDO BEND

When it comes to the best bass lake in Texas, how can anybody quibblewith the selection of Toledo Bend? Of course, part of this185,000-surface-acre reservoir is in Louisiana.

Talk about cover, this body of water has every conceivable type. Fed by theSabine River and many creeks on both the Texas and Louisiana side ofthe lake, these waters are a virtual paradise for bass.

Schoolsof quality bass ravage shad along the rivers and creek channels, andthere's no lack of standing and fallen timber, brush and aquaticvegetation. Depending on structure and time of year, practically everyartificial works here. For information, call the San Augustine Chamberof Commerce, (409) 275-3610.

If anyone needs a report or info on Toledo Bend, please let me know.  It's a 2 hr drive, but I fish there all the time.

We will take all the reports you feel like posting. Thanks Chris.

Have you been to Falcon I cant wait to get down there!!:cool:

never been, but fishing the Stren Series next year, and Falcon is one of our stops.  hopefully the water wil stay down this year.

I hear its unreal!:cool:

Just had a tournament on San Rayburn, Best lake in Texas my opinion!! Iv fished all over Texas but nothing compares! The fishing was a little tough since it was 7 feet under pool. Just be care ful of stumps!!

I have fished like 1/3 of these

i so cannot wait to fish fork and falcon i just need a buddy with a boat lol 

I have fished fork and I liked it alright.. it was kind of tough.. My biggest I caught was a little over 6 pounds so I was a little disappointed.. But, I CANT WAIT TO FISH FALCON! I want to go pre spawn looking for some pigs! Best of luck to you Austin those lakes are good, but by no means easy to fish.

ya lol falcon has been pulling HUGE!!! fish out like crazy they have had like 100 12+lb fish this year alone

I will release a secret to my fellow Texas anglers. South East of Dallas down by Cedar Creek Lake is a small TPWD state park by the name of Putis Creek. It is trolling motor only lake, and from what I can remember Bass are catch and release only. I grew up fishing Lake Fork and I call Purtis Creek mini Lake Fork. It does not get much pressure due to all the other big Bass bodies of water that are near...but I promise you it is worth the time and effort to take a boat there and fish. The lake record there is 13 pounds and below are the stocking info.

Bass, Florida Largemouth 1985 248 Adult

Bass, Florida Largemouth 1985 31,440 Fingerling

Bass, Largemouth 1996 17,987 Fingerling

Bass, Largemouth 1995 19,959 Fingerling

Bass, ShareLunker Largemouth 2010 3,919 Fingerling

Bass, ShareLunker Largemouth 2008 8,807 Fingerling

Bass, ShareLunker Largemouth 2006 8,734 Fingerling

Thanks for the info! Where do you live man I live in Longview! We should get together and go fishing sometime soon!?

I live in Maryland near Washington DC now...I was born and raised in Mesquite/Garlend area near Dallas.

I guess that it is  a good thing that I live really close to two of the lakes, Ray Roberts, And fork, I like ray roberts more because I fish it more and it is closer, if anyone needs a report on Ray Roberts I can give one.

Give one every time you go fishing please. 

Will do

I got to meet Alton Jones this winter and we talked about fishing in Texas. I need to take a trip there someday. You live in a great Bass Fishing State !

I think that im at the perfect spot too, 2 bass pros within 30 min, a brand new cabellas 20 min away ant countless other baitstores really colse. not to mention lake fork is really close. If you ever need a fishing report on any lake in Texas I can get you it.

Most of these I am fishing this year!