Texas stands as the undisputed champion of bass fishing in America, boasting over 1,100 public lakes that produce more trophy largemouth bass than any other state. From the legendary waters of Lake Fork to the rising star O.H. Ivie, the Lone Star State offers year-round fishing opportunities that draw anglers from around the world.
This comprehensive guide reveals the top 35 fishing lakes in Texas, complete with interactive maps, trophy bass records, and expert insights. Whether you're hunting for that ShareLunker-sized bass or seeking the perfect family fishing spot, you'll discover exactly where to cast your line for the best results.
Interactive Map of Top 35 Fishing Lakes in Texas
Understanding Texas's diverse geography is crucial for planning successful fishing trips. The state's vast landscape encompasses everything from pine forests in the east to desert terrain in the west, each region offering unique fishing experiences.
North Texas Lakes (Region 1)
North Texas lakes benefit from a mix of urban accessibility and rural tranquility. Lake Texoma leads this region as a 89,000-acre giant straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border. Ray Roberts Lake and Lake Lewisville provide excellent bass fishing within an hour of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Cooper Lake and Lake Tawakoni round out the region's offerings with consistent bass production. These lakes experience moderate fishing pressure and maintain healthy populations of multiple species beyond bass.
East Texas Lakes (Region 2)
East Texas reigns supreme for trophy bass fishing, anchored by the legendary Lake Fork. This region's lakes feature abundant timber, vegetation, and ideal spawning habitat that produces giants consistently.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Toledo Bend, and Lake Palestine form the backbone of East Texas fishing. Caddo Lake adds natural beauty with its cypress-draped waters, while Lake O' the Pines offers excellent multi-species opportunities.
Central Texas Lakes (Region 3)
Central Texas provides year-round fishing close to Austin and San Antonio. Lake Travis, despite heavy recreational use, maintains good bass populations through proper management. Lake LBJ and Canyon Lake offer clear-water fishing challenges.
Stillhouse Hollow, Lake Georgetown, and Lake Belton serve as excellent options for anglers seeking less crowded waters. These lakes feature rocky structure and clear water that demands refined techniques.
South Texas Lakes (Region 4)
South Texas lakes thrive despite challenging weather conditions. Falcon Lake and Amistad Reservoir, both international waters, produce massive bass that rival any lake in the nation. Choke Canyon Reservoir adds to the region's reputation with consistent trophy potential.
These lakes experience dramatic water level fluctuations but maintain excellent fishing during stable periods. The region's warm climate enables year-round growth rates that produce heavyweight bass.
West Texas Lakes (Region 5)
West Texas surprises many anglers with quality fishing despite arid conditions. O.H. Ivie leads the region with an unprecedented run of ShareLunker bass in recent years. Alan Henry Reservoir offers unique Alabama bass fishing found nowhere else in Texas.
Possum Kingdom Lake provides scenic beauty alongside good fishing. Lake Brownwood and Twin Buttes Reservoir round out the region's offerings with consistent multi-species action.
Coastal Bend Area Lakes (Region 6)
The Coastal Bend region bridges freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. Lake Corpus Christi and Coleto Creek Reservoir offer excellent bass fishing with the added bonus of saltwater species during certain conditions.
These lakes benefit from mild winters that keep fish active year-round. The region's lakes often produce surprising trophy bass despite their proximity to the coast.
Texas Bass Fishing Records: Trophy Lakes That Made History
Texas dominates the bass fishing world through consistent production of trophy fish. The state's ShareLunker program has documented hundreds of 13-pound-plus bass, with certain lakes establishing themselves as giant factories.
Top 10 Biggest Bass Caught in Texas
The Texas top 10 biggest bass caught list reads like a bass fishing hall of fame:
| Rank | Weight | Lake | Year | Angler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18.18 lbs | Lake Fork | 1992 | Barry St. Clair |
| 2 | 17.67 lbs | Lake Fork | 1986 | Mark Stevenson |
| 3 | 17.66 lbs | Lake Fork | 1988 | Ricky Thompson |
| 4 | 17.50 lbs | Lake Fork | 1990 | Jimmie Brimer |
| 5 | 17.48 lbs | Lake Fork | 1991 | Michael Stephens |
| 6 | 17.10 lbs | Lake Fork | 1989 | Robert Dennis |
| 7 | 17.03 lbs | O.H. Ivie | 2023 | [Recent Catch] |
| 8 | 16.90 lbs | O.H. Ivie | 2022 | [Recent Catch] |
| 9 | 16.80 lbs | Sam Rayburn | 1997 | Harold Murray |
| 10 | 16.75 lbs | Lake Fork | 1998 | Charles Stehling |
ShareLunker Program Lakes
The Texas Parks and Wildlife ShareLunker program recognizes bass weighing 13 pounds or more. Lakes consistently producing ShareLunkers include Lake Fork, O.H. Ivie, Sam Rayburn, and increasingly, Alan Henry and Falcon Lake.
These lakes share common characteristics: quality habitat, restricted harvest regulations, and excellent genetics. The program's success has elevated Texas to international recognition in trophy bass production.
Texas State Record Largemouth Bass
The Texas state record largemouth bass weighs 18.18 pounds, caught by Barry St. Clair at Lake Fork in 1992. This massive fish measured 25.5 inches in length with a 22.5-inch girth, setting a standard that has stood for over three decades.
Lake Fork's dominance in the record books stems from purpose-built habitat and strict regulations. The lake's 16-24 inch slot limit protects prime spawning-age bass while allowing harvest of smaller fish.
Texas State Record Smallmouth Bass
While largemouth bass grab headlines, Texas also produces quality smallmouth bass. The state record smallmouth bass weighs 8.16 pounds, caught at O.H. Ivie. Meredith Reservoir and Lake Alan Henry also produce notable smallmouth catches.
These clear, rocky lakes provide ideal smallmouth habitat rare in Texas. Anglers targeting smallmouth find success with finesse techniques and deep-water presentations.
The Top 5 Premier Bass Lakes in Texas
These five lakes represent the pinnacle of Texas bass fishing, consistently producing both numbers and trophy-sized fish. Each offers unique characteristics that create ideal bass habitat.
1. Lake Fork - The Trophy Bass Capital
Lake Fork stands alone as Texas's most celebrated bass fishery. This 27,690-acre reservoir has produced over 65% of the state's 50 largest bass, including the top six fish ever recorded in Texas.
The lake's success stems from purpose-built habitat featuring extensive timber, creek channels, and vegetation. Hydrilla provides essential cover while supporting a robust forage base of shad and sunfish.
Best fishing times: February through April for spawning bass, October through November for fall feeding. Early morning topwater action excels during summer months.
Key locations: Major creek arms, bridge pilings, submerged roadbeds, and grass edges consistently produce quality fish.
2. O.H. Ivie - The Rising Star
O.H. Ivie has exploded onto the trophy bass scene with multiple ShareLunkers exceeding 16 pounds in recent years. This 19,100-acre West Texas reservoir features diverse structure including rocky points, submerged timber, and extensive grass beds.
The lake's remote location reduces fishing pressure while allowing bass to reach maximum growth potential. Recent vegetation improvements have created ideal habitat for both bass and forage species.
Trophy tactics: Large swimbaits and deep-diving crankbaits produce giants during pre-spawn. Live bait anglers score consistently on trophy fish year-round.
Access points: Three public ramps provide good access, though a quality boat helps reach productive offshore structure.
3. Sam Rayburn - The Tournament Favorite
Sam Rayburn Reservoir spans 114,500 acres of prime bass habitat in East Texas. This massive impoundment hosts more bass tournaments than any other Texas lake while maintaining excellent fish populations.
The lake contains an estimated 400,000 bass over 14 inches, testament to its productivity. Extensive grass beds, timber, and creek channels create diverse fishing opportunities.
Seasonal patterns: Spring bass migrate to shallow spawning areas in major creeks. Summer requires deeper tactics around main-lake structure. Fall finds schooling bass chasing shad in open water.
Top techniques: Texas-rigged plastics, spinnerbaits, and square-bill crankbaits excel in shallow cover. Carolina rigs and deep-diving crankbaits produce on offshore structure.
4. Toledo Bend - The Consistent Producer
Toledo Bend's 181,600 acres straddle the Texas-Louisiana border, creating one of America's premier bass fisheries. This reservoir consistently ranks among the nation's best for both numbers and quality of bass.
The lake's extensive standing timber, grass beds, and creek channels support tremendous bass populations. Mild weather enables year-round fishing with consistent success rates.
Prime areas: Mid-lake ridges, creek channel swings, and grass lines hold bass throughout the year. The Pendleton Bridge area produces consistent results.
Proven patterns: Chatterbaits and swim jigs excel in grass. Jigs and Texas rigs work timber effectively. Topwater action peaks during spring and fall.
5. Falcon Lake - The International Giant
Falcon Lake's location on the Mexico border creates unique fishing opportunities and challenges. This 83,654-acre impoundment produces massive bass despite fluctuating water levels and international regulations.
When water levels stabilize, Falcon rivals any lake for trophy potential. The lake's warm climate and abundant forage create ideal growing conditions for heavyweight bass.
Border considerations: Anglers need proper documentation and should stay informed about current border conditions. Many productive areas lie in Mexican waters.
Big bass tactics: Large Texas-rigged plastics, oversized spinnerbaits, and magnum crankbaits trigger strikes from trophy fish. Focus on flooded brush and grass edges.
Outstanding Bass Lakes (6-15)
These lakes consistently produce quality bass fishing with less pressure than the top five. Each offers unique opportunities for both numbers and trophy potential.
6. Choke Canyon Reservoir
Choke Canyon's 25,670 acres near Corpus Christi lead Texas in 15-pound-plus tournament bags. Fluctuating water levels create dynamic fishing conditions with flooded brush providing excellent habitat.
Spring and fall produce the best bass fishing when water temperatures moderate. The lake also offers excellent alligator gar fishing for adventurous anglers.
7. Lake Conroe
Lake Conroe serves Houston-area anglers with 22,000 acres of quality fishing. While known primarily for catfish, the lake produces excellent largemouth bass fishing around docks and grass beds.
The lake's proximity to urban areas means heavier pressure, but bass populations remain strong. Night fishing under dock lights produces surprising results during summer.
8. Lake Amistad
Amistad's 65,000 acres offer clear-water bass fishing at its finest. This international reservoir features rocky structure, deep water, and surprising vegetation that combine for excellent fishing.
The lake produces both numbers and quality with potential for true giants. Spring fishing excels as bass move shallow to spawn along rocky banks.
9. Ray Roberts Lake
Ray Roberts provides Dallas-Fort Worth anglers with excellent bass fishing just 45 minutes from the metroplex. This 29,350-acre lake features diverse habitat supporting healthy bass populations.
The lake holds the unique distinction of producing quality largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass. Hybrid bass add another dimension to the fishery.
10. Lake Palestine
Palestine's 25,560 acres in East Texas consistently produce quality bass despite relatively shallow depths. The lake's extensive cover and structure support impressive bass populations.
Notable for producing the state record flathead catfish, Palestine offers true multi-species fishing. Spring crappie runs complement excellent bass fishing.
11. Lake Texoma
Texoma's 89,000 acres create one of America's largest reservoirs. This lake uniquely supports self-sustaining striped bass populations alongside excellent largemouth fishing.
The lake's size provides countless fishing opportunities from shallow coves to deep main-lake structure. Purchase a Lake Texoma license to fish both Texas and Oklahoma waters.
12. Alan Henry Reservoir
Alan Henry stands alone as Texas's only lake containing Alabama bass. This 2,880-acre gem near Lubbock produces quality bass despite its modest size.
Clear water and rocky structure create challenging but rewarding fishing conditions. The lake's slot limit protects quality fish while allowing selective harvest.
13. Lake Buchanan
Buchanan's highland location provides scenic beauty alongside excellent fishing. This 23,200-acre lake excels for striped bass while maintaining good largemouth populations.
Spring spawning runs up the Colorado River create exceptional fishing opportunities. Deep water structure holds bass during summer's heat.
14. Caddo Lake
Caddo's natural beauty matches its fishing quality. This 26,800-acre lake features cypress trees, lily pads, and extensive vegetation creating perfect bass habitat.
The shallow lake requires careful navigation but rewards anglers with quality bass. Chain pickerel add unique variety to the catch.
15. Lake Travis
Travis maintains good bass populations despite heavy recreational use near Austin. This 18,622-acre highland reservoir features clear water and rocky structure.
Deep-water techniques produce best results as bass relate to offshore structure. Night fishing excels during summer months when recreational traffic subsides.
Hidden Gems for Bass Fishing (16-25)
These lesser-known lakes offer excellent fishing with reduced pressure. Smart anglers target these waters for consistent success without crowds.
16. Lake LBJ
LBJ packs excellent fishing into just 6,534 acres. This constant-level lake features diverse structure supporting both largemouth and smallmouth bass populations.
17. Lake O' the Pines
O' the Pines' 18,700 acres provide excellent multi-species fishing. The lake produces quality bass alongside exceptional crappie and catfish populations.
18. Granger Lake
Granger specializes in big crappie but maintains solid bass populations. This 4,400-acre lake offers convenient fishing for Austin and San Antonio anglers.
19. Lake Livingston
Livingston's 83,000 acres create Texas's second-largest lake. While known for white bass runs, the lake produces quality largemouth in protected coves.
20. Cedar Creek Lake
Cedar Creek's 32,623 acres southeast of Dallas provide consistent bass fishing. The lake features extensive boat docks and grass beds holding quality fish.
21. Richland Chambers Reservoir
Richland Chambers' 41,356 acres consistently produce trophy bass with less fanfare. The lake's extensive habitat improvements benefit bass populations significantly.
22. Lake Tawakoni
Tawakoni offers 36,700 acres of quality fishing east of Dallas. The lake produces excellent white bass runs alongside consistent largemouth action.
23. Cooper Lake
Cooper's 19,305 acres have rebounded strongly in recent years. Improved habitat and stocking programs create excellent bass fishing opportunities.
24. Lake Whitney
Whitney's 23,500 acres provide diverse fishing opportunities. The lake produces quality striped bass alongside improving largemouth populations.
25. Possum Kingdom Lake
Possum Kingdom's clear water and scenic cliffs create unique fishing experiences. This 17,700-acre lake challenges anglers while producing quality bass.
Excellent Multi-Species Lakes (26-35)
These lakes excel for multiple species while maintaining quality bass populations. Anglers enjoy variety alongside consistent bass action.
26. Meredith Reservoir
Meredith's unique ecosystem supports walleye and smallmouth bass rare in Texas. The 16,500-acre lake's rocky structure creates challenging but rewarding fishing.
27. Lake Granbury
Granbury provides consistent fishing just southwest of Fort Worth. This 8,200-acre lake produces quality bass alongside excellent striped bass fishing.
28. Canyon Lake
Canyon's clear water challenges anglers while producing quality fish. This 8,230-acre reservoir features deep water and rocky structure ideal for finesse fishing.
29. Stillhouse Hollow Lake
Stillhouse Hollow offers 6,430 acres of quality fishing near Fort Hood. The lake produces consistent bass catches with occasional trophy fish.
30. Lake Georgetown
Georgetown's 1,310 acres provide excellent urban fishing opportunities. Despite its size, the lake maintains quality bass populations through proper management.
31. Lake Belton
Belton spans 12,300 acres with diverse fishing opportunities. The lake produces consistent bass fishing alongside excellent hybrid striped bass action.
32. Lake Brownwood
Brownwood's 7,300 acres offer year-round fishing in Central Texas. The lake maintains good bass populations with consistent catch rates.
33. Lake Nasworthy
Nasworthy provides 1,500 acres of convenient fishing for San Angelo residents. The lake produces surprising quality despite heavy local pressure.
34. Twin Buttes Reservoir
Twin Buttes' water levels fluctuate dramatically but fishing remains consistent. This 9,080-acre lake produces quality bass when conditions stabilize.
35. Lake Arlington
Arlington proves urban lakes can produce quality fishing. This 1,939-acre lake maintains good bass populations despite surrounding development.
Best Times to Fish Texas Lakes: Seasonal Guide
Understanding seasonal patterns dramatically improves fishing success across Texas's diverse climate zones. Each season offers unique opportunities and challenges.
Spring Fishing (March-May)
Spring triggers the best bass fishing as warming water temperatures activate spawning behavior. Target shallow water with grass beds, stumps, and protected coves where bass build nests.
Top techniques for spring:
- Soft plastic lizards and creature baits around bedding areas
- Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits along grass lines
- Square-bill crankbaits in shallow wood cover
Water temperatures between 58-72 degrees produce peak activity. Monitor moon phases as full and new moons trigger spawning waves.
Summer Fishing (June-August)
Summer heat drives bass to deeper water and shaded cover. Early morning and late evening provide best action as bass feed actively during cooler periods.
Focus on main-lake points, deep grass edges, and offshore structure. Night fishing excels during summer with black buzzbaits and dark-colored plastics producing strikes.
Fall Fishing (September-November)
Fall brings aggressive feeding as bass fatten for winter. Schools of bass chase shad in open water, creating exciting topwater opportunities.
Look for diving birds indicating surface feeding activity. Lipless crankbaits, spoons, and swimbaits match fleeing shad effectively during fall.
Winter Fishing (December-February)
Winter requires patience and precise presentations. Bass metabolism slows, demanding slower retrieves and downsized offerings.
Target deep water near creek channels and main-lake structure. Jigging spoons, blade baits, and slowly worked jigs produce when bass become lethargic.
Texas Fishing Regulations and Licenses
Understanding regulations ensures legal, ethical fishing while protecting resources for future generations. Texas maintains specific rules varying by water body.
License Requirements
All anglers 17 and older need a valid Texas fishing license. Options include:
- Annual freshwater fishing license
- Annual all-water package (freshwater and saltwater)
- One-day licenses for occasional anglers
- Senior licenses for residents 65 and older
Special licenses apply for Lake Texoma due to interstate boundaries. Purchase licenses online through TPWD or at sporting goods retailers.
Size and Bag Limits
Statewide largemouth bass regulations include:
- 14-inch minimum length limit
- 5-fish daily bag limit
Many lakes implement special regulations for improved fishing quality. Common variations include slot limits protecting spawning-size bass.
Special Lake Regulations
Notable special regulations include:
- Lake Fork: 16-24 inch slot limit, one bass over 24 inches allowed
- Alan Henry: 18-inch minimum length for Alabama bass
- O.H. Ivie: Standard regulations but voluntary catch-and-release encouraged
Always check current regulations before fishing as rules change based on fishery needs.
Essential Gear for Texas Lake Fishing
Proper equipment makes the difference between success and frustration on Texas waters. Match gear to target species and fishing conditions.
Rod and Reel Recommendations
Best bass fishing rod and reel combinations:
- Heavy-action 7'6" rod with high-speed baitcaster for flipping cover
- Medium-heavy 7' rod with 6.4:1 reel for all-around use
- Medium-action spinning outfit for finesse presentations
- Extra-heavy flipping stick for punching matted vegetation
Quality equipment handles big Texas bass while providing sensitivity for subtle bites.
Best Lures for Texas Bass
Essential Texas bass lures include:
| Lure Type | Best Applications | Top Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Rig | Year-round cover fishing | Watermelon, black/blue |
| Spinnerbait | Windy conditions, grass | White/chartreuse, gold |
| Crankbait | Points, riprap | Shad patterns, crawfish |
| Topwater | Dawn/dusk feeding | Bone, chrome |
| Swimbait | Open water, big bass | Gizzard shad, rainbow trout |
Boat vs. Bank Fishing Equipment
Boat anglers access more water but bank fishing produces excellent results with proper approach. Bank anglers should focus on mobility with tackle backpacks and versatile rod selections.
Essential bank fishing items include polarized sunglasses, long-handled nets, and appropriate footwear for various terrain.
Pro Tips for Fishing Texas Lakes
Professional techniques separate average anglers from consistent producers. Apply these strategies for improved success rates.
Understanding Lake Structure
Successful anglers read underwater terrain using electronics and map study. Focus on irregular features where structure creates ambush points for bass.
Key structural elements include creek channel bends, underwater humps, and depth transitions. Bass relate to these features throughout the year.
Weather Patterns and Fish Behavior
Texas weather dramatically affects bass behavior. Cold fronts temporarily slow fishing but position bass predictably on steep structure.
Stable weather patterns produce consistent fishing. Cloud cover extends prime feeding periods while bright sun concentrates bass in shaded areas.
Tournament Strategies
Tournament success requires efficient practice and adaptable game plans. Identify multiple patterns during practice to adjust for changing conditions.
Time management proves crucial in tournaments. Balance searching for quality fish against accumulating keeper limits early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bass lake in Texas?
Lake Fork consistently ranks as Texas's premier trophy bass lake, having produced over 65% of the state's 50 largest bass. However, O.H. Ivie currently leads for recent trophy production with multiple 16-pound-plus catches.
When is the best time to fish in Texas?
Spring (March through May) provides the best overall fishing as bass move shallow to spawn. Fall ranks second with aggressive feeding behavior. Each season offers opportunities with proper techniques.
Do I need a special license for Lake Texoma?
Yes, Lake Texoma requires a special license covering both Texas and Oklahoma waters. Purchase the Lake Texoma license to fish the entire reservoir legally.
What is the Texas state record largemouth bass?
The Texas state record largemouth bass weighs 18.18 pounds, caught by Barry St. Clair at Lake Fork in 1992. This fish remains one of the largest bass ever documented in the United States.
Which Texas lakes have produced ShareLunkers?
Lake Fork leads ShareLunker production historically, followed by O.H. Ivie's recent surge. Sam Rayburn, Alan Henry, Falcon Lake, and Toledo Bend consistently contribute 13-pound-plus bass to the program.
Conclusion
Texas fishing lakes offer unparalleled opportunities for anglers pursuing trophy bass and consistent action. From Lake Fork's legendary status to hidden gems awaiting discovery, these 35 lakes represent the best freshwater fishing in America.
Success comes from understanding seasonal patterns, selecting appropriate lakes, and applying proper techniques. Whether targeting your first bass or chasing that ShareLunker dream, Texas waters deliver unforgettable fishing experiences.
Plan your next Texas fishing adventure using this guide's insights. Study the maps, review the records, and prepare for battles with heavyweight bass that make Texas the ultimate fishing destination.
