Anyone 17 or older needs a Texas fishing license with a freshwater or saltwater endorsement. Kids under 17 fish free, and everyone fishes free on Free Fishing Day each June.
Lake · Piney Woods · Quitman
The trophy bass capital of Texas — most of the state's record bass came out of this flooded timber. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Trophy largemouth bass, Crappie
Best season: February–April
Hire a local guide for your first trip; the standing timber is hard on props.
Lake · Piney Woods · Jasper
Texas's largest lake inside the state and a regular stop for national bass tournaments. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Largemouth bass, Crappie, Catfish
Best season: March–May, October
Check the tournament calendar — ramps get crowded on weigh-in weekends.
Lake · North Texas · Pottsboro
One of the few lakes where striped bass reproduce naturally; guide boats run every morning. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Striped bass, Catfish, Smallmouth bass
Best season: April–June
A Texas or Oklahoma license works with a Lake Texoma endorsement — check before you go.
Lake · Piney Woods · Uncertain
Cypress and Spanish moss in a maze of bayous — the most beautiful lake to fish in Texas. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Largemouth bass, Chain pickerel, Crappie
Best season: March–May
Book a guide or stay on marked boat roads; it's easy to get lost.
Lake · Piney Woods · Jefferson
A quiet pine-lined lake near historic Jefferson with good bank access and family campgrounds. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Largemouth bass, Crappie, Catfish
Best season: Spring and fall
Pair it with a night in Jefferson's bed and breakfasts.
Lake · West Texas · Del Rio
Clear blue water in limestone canyons on the border, famous for big winter bass. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Largemouth bass, Striped bass, Catfish
Best season: January–April
Stay on the US side unless you hold a Mexican fishing permit.
Lake · South Texas · Zapata
A border reservoir with flooded brush and huge winter bass catches. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Largemouth bass, Catfish
Best season: December–March
Fish with a local guide and stay on the US side of the lake.
River · Hill Country · New Braunfels
The southernmost trout fishery in the US, stocked below Canyon Lake every winter. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Rainbow trout (winter), Guadalupe bass
Best season: December–March
Wade or float early before the tubers arrive in warm months.
Bay & Coast · Gulf Coast · Port Aransas
Pier, jetty, bay and offshore fishing all within a few miles — the Gulf Coast's classic fishing town. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Redfish, Speckled trout, Kingfish, Red snapper
Best season: April–October
Book offshore snapper trips during the federal season; check dates each year.
Bay & Coast · Gulf Coast · Kingsville
Shallow grass flats for sight-casting by kayak or wade — home to Texas's biggest trout. Build the rest of the day around the nearby parks, town stops and places to stay linked below.
Catch: Trophy speckled trout, Redfish, Black drum
Best season: February–May
Watch for rocks; run with someone who knows the bay.
Seasons and rules change — check Texas Parks & Wildlife before you go.
Tours, tastings & tickets
Instant confirmation and free cancellation on many tours. You book and pay directly on Viator.
Viator links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures
Where to stay
Stay links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures
Ask the Texan