The 9 Best Fishing Lakes in Houston

Discover the best fishing lakes in Houston! Learn about the top fishing spots, what fish you can catch, and what gear you will need for a successful fishing trip. Get ready to reel in a big catch!

1. Lake Houston

Lake Houston is located about 25 miles northeast of Houston and is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the United States. It is one of the largest lakes in Texas, covering over 11,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth and spotted bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill sunfish, white bass.
Types of Fishing: Shore, wade, and boat fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at most hotels and local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Lake: La Quinta Inn & Suites Houston, Texas; Days Inn Houston, Texas; Quality Inn & Suites Houston, Texas.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 16 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Lake: Two boat ramps, picnicking, hiking, swimming and wildlife watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Shell; located 3 miles away.

2. Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay is located south of Houston and is the largest estuary in the state of Texas. This bay covers 600 square miles of open water and offers various fishing opportunities.

Types of Fish: Redfish, trout, flounder, croaker, black drum, sheepshead.
Types of Fishing: Surf and boat fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at most local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Bay: La Quinta Inn & Suites Galveston, Texas; Comfort Inn Galveston, Texas; Best Western Galveston East Beach Hotel.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 43 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Bay: Four boat ramps, picnicking, hiking, swimming and wildlife watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Exxon; located 5 miles away.

3. Woodlake Park

Woodlake Park is located in Houston, Texas and is a popular public fishing spot. It’s a small lake covering approximately 65 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, carp.
Types of Fishing: Shore and wade fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Park: La Quinta Inn & Suites Houston, Texas; Days Inn Houston, Texas; Quality Inn & Suites Houston, Texas.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 14 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Park: Hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and bird watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron; located 2 miles away.

4. Choke Canyon Reservoir

Choke Canyon Reservoir is located in southern Texas, about 85 miles from Houston. It covers more than 26,000 acres of water and has great fishing opportunities.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill sunfish, and white bass.
Types of Fishing: Shore, wade, and boat fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at most hotels and local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Reservoir: La Quinta Inn & Suites Three Rivers, Texas; Best Western in Three Rivers, Texas; Comfort Inn & Suites Oakville, Texas.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 64 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Reservoir: Two boat ramps, picnicking, swimming and wildlife watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Shell; located 7 miles away.

5. Lake Livingston

Lake Livingston is one of the largest reservoirs in east Texas, covering more than 86,000 acres. It is located about 90 miles away from Houston.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, white bass, sunfish, crappie, gar, and perch.
Types of Fishing: Shore, wade, and boat fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at most hotels and local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Lake: La Quinta Inn & Suites Coldspring, Texas; Comfort Inn Coldspring, Texas; Best Western Coldspring, Texas.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 90 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Lake: Two boat ramps, picnicking, swimming and wildlife watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron; located 3 miles away.

6. Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Sam Rayburn Reservoir is located south of Lufkin, Texas and is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the United States. It covers about 114,000 acres of water.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill sunfish, white bass.
Types of Fishing: Shore, wade, and boat fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at most hotels and local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Reservoir: La Quinta Inn & Suites Lufkin, Texas; Comfort Inn Lufkin, Texas; Best Western Lufkin, Texas.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 91 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Reservoir: Four boat ramps, picnicking, swimming, hiking and wildlife watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron; located 4 miles away.

7. Richland Chambers Reservoir

Richland Chambers Reservoir is located about 70 miles south of Dallas, Texas and is one of the largest reservoirs in the state. It covers more than 40,000 acres of water.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill sunfish, white bass.
Types of Fishing: Shore, wade, and boat fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at most hotels and local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Reservoir: La Quinta Inn & Suites Corsicana, Texas; Comfort Inn Corsicana, Texas; Best Western Corsicana, Texas.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 106 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Reservoir: Five boat ramps, picnicking, swimming, fishing pier and wildlife watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Shell; located 5 miles away.

8. Lake Conroe

Lake Conroe is located a few miles north of Houston, Texas and covers more than 21,000 acres of water. It’s a popular spot for both fishing and recreational activities.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill sunfish, white bass.
Types of Fishing: Shore, wade, and boat fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at most hotels and local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Lake: La Quinta Inn & Suites Montgomery, Texas; Comfort Inn Conroe, Texas; Best Western Conroe, Texas.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 14 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Lake: Five boat ramps, picnicking, swimming, fishing pier and wildlife watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Shell; located 3 miles away.

9. Caddo Lake

Caddo Lake is located on the Texas-Louisiana border, about 175 miles east of Dallas. It covers more than 26,800 acres and has a variety of different species of fish.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill sunfish, and white bass.
Types of Fishing: Shore, wade, and boat fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at most hotels and local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Lake: La Quinta Inn & Suites Marshall, Texas; Comfort Inn Marshall, Texas; Best Western Marshall, Texas.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 176 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Lake: Seven boat ramps, picnicking, hiking, swimming and wildlife watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Chevron; located 6 miles away.

10. Toledo Bend Reservoir

Toledo Bend Reservoir is located along the Texas-Louisiana border, about 180 miles east of Houston. It covers more than 186,000 acres and has great fishing opportunities.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill sunfish, white bass.
Types of Fishing: Shore, wade, and boat fishing.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at most hotels and local bait shops.
Fishing Guide Service: Available from local bait shops.
Closest Hotels to the Reservoir: La Quinta Inn & Suites Jasper, Texas; Comfort Inn Jasper, Texas; Best Western Jasper, Texas.
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops; located 87 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have valid Texas fishing license.
Amenities of the Reservoir: Six boat ramps, picnicking, swimming and wildlife watching.
Nearest Gas Station: Shell; located 3 miles away.

Find Good Fishing Spots in Houston and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re a fan of fishing in Houston, the Google map below shows some of the best fishing spots in the city. Dive deeper and explore other lakes and good fishing locations in Houston! With the help of the map, you can find the perfect spot for your fishing adventure. From Lake Houston to Sheldon Lake to Granger Lake, there are plenty of great places to wet your line and catch some fish. Don’t forget to bring your tackle, bait, and some snacks as you explore Houston’s many lakes and fishing spots!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Houston

Houston enjoys warm weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for sport fishing. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it necessary for anglers to take extra precautions when out on the water. The winter months can be mild, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the high 70s. Despite the heat, the breezes off the Gulf of Mexico make the heat bearable and provide anglers with the perfect conditions for a successful fishing trip.