The 11 Best Fishing Lakes in Texas

Discover the best fishing lakes in Texas! From Lake Texoma and Possum Kingdom Lake to Lake Amistad and Falcon Lake, learn about the top fishing spots in the Lone Star State and the kinds of fish you’ll find in each lake.

Lake Amistad

Lake Amistad, located on the Rio Grande River, is the second largest lake in the state of Texas. It spans 90,000 acres and is one of the most popular fishing spots in the state.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth, spotted and white bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, carp
• Types of Fishing: Fly fishing, shore fishing, boating fishing
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Available
• Fishing Guide Service: Available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: Lake Amistad Resort and Marina, Comfort Inn & Suites
• Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Amistad Fishing and Outdoor, 4 miles
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid Texas fishing license and abide by Texas inland fishing regulations
• Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, boat ramps, picnic areas, swimming areas, camping
• Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Flying J Fuel Stop, 15 miles

Lake Sam Rayburn

Lake Sam Rayburn, located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, is one of the largest lakes in the state of Texas. It covers an area of 114,000 acres and features various fishing opportunities.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth, smallmouth and white bass, spotted and white crappie, catfish, bluegill, sunfish
• Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boating fishing, wading
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Available
• Fishing Guide Service: Available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: Lumberton Hotel, Cabins On The Lake
• Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Rayburn Country Tackle, 4 miles
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid Texas fishing license and abide by Texas inland fishing regulations
• Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, boat ramps, swimming areas, camping
• Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Sam Rayburn Marina, 8 miles

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is located in the Hill Country region of central Texas and spans 8,000 acres. It is a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing, camping, and water sports.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth, smallmouth, and white bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill
• Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, wading, boating fishing
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Available
• Fishing Guide Service: Available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: Hilton Garden Inn, La Quinta Inn & Suites
• Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Canyon Lake Bait & Tackle, 5 miles
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid Texas fishing license and abide by Texas inland fishing regulations
• Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, boat ramps, picnic areas, swimming areas, camping
• Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Texas Market, 5 miles

Lake Fork

Lake Fork, located in the East Texas Piney Woods region, is one of the most well-known fishing spots in the state. This lake spans 28,000 acres and is home to a variety of fish.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth, smallmouth and white bass, crappie, catfish, striper, bluegill, carp
• Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boating fishing, wading, fly fishing
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Available
• Fishing Guide Service: Available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn & Suites
• Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Lake Fork Marina, 3 miles
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid Texas fishing license and abide by Texas inland fishing regulations
• Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, boat ramps, picnic areas, camping
• Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Southside Speedway, 6 miles

Lake O’ the Pines

Lake O’ the Pines, located in the Piney Woods region of Northeast Texas, is an 18,000 acre reservoir that is popular for fishing and other recreational activities.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth, smallmouth and white bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, carp
• Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boating fishing, wading
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Available
• Fishing Guide Service: Available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn & Suites
• Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Lake O’ The Pines Bait and Tackle, 4 miles
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid Texas fishing license and abide by Texas inland fishing regulations
• Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, boat ramps, picnic areas, swimming areas, camping
• Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: East Texas Oil Company, 5 miles

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is located in the Central Hill Country of Texas and is known its clear blue waters and abundance of fish. The lake spans approximately 19,000 acres and is a popular spot for fishing and water recreation.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth and white bass, crappie, catfish, carp, sunfish
• Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boating fishing, wading
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Available
• Fishing Guide Service: Available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: Omni Barton Creek Resort, Holiday Inn Express
• Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Lake Travis Bait & Tackle, 8 miles
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid Texas fishing license and abide by Texas inland fishing regulations
• Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, boat ramps, swimming areas, camping
• Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: E-Z Mart, 10 miles

Ray Roberts Lake

Ray Roberts Lake, located in North Texas, is a 30,000 acre lake that is known for its excellent fishing and recreational opportunities.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth, smallmouth and white bass, spotted and white crappie, catfish, bluegill, carp
• Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boating fishing, wading
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Available
• Fishing Guide Service: Available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: Comfort Suites, La Quinta Inn & Suites
• Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Ray Roberts Lake Marina, 3 miles
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid Texas fishing license and abide by Texas inland fishing regulations
• Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, boat ramps, picnic areas, swimming areas, camping
• Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: BP Gas, 5 miles

Falcon Lake

Falcon Lake, located on the Rio Grande River in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, is a favorite spot for both fishing and recreational activities. This lake spans 83,654 acres.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth and striped bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, carp
• Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boating fishing, wading
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Available
• Fishing Guide Service: Available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: La Posada Del Falcon, Holiday Inn Express & Suites
• Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Falcon Lake Tackle, 4 miles
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid Texas fishing license and abide by Texas inland fishing regulations
• Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, boat ramps, picnic areas, swimming areas, camping
• Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Stripes, 4 miles

Cedar Creek Lake

Cedar Creek Lake, a popular freshwater lake in the East Texas Piney Woods region, spans 30,000 acres. It is known for its clear waters and abundance of fish.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth, smallmouth and white bass, spotted and white crappie, catfish, bluegill, carp
• Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boating fishing, wading
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Available
• Fishing Guide Service: Available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: Hilton Garden Inn, Best Western
• Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Cedar Creek Country Store, 5 miles
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Must have a valid Texas fishing license and abide by Texas inland fishing regulations
• Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, boat ramps, picnic areas, swimming areas, camping
• Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: E-Z Mart, 6 miles

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

If you’re looking to explore the best fishing locations in Texas, then the Google map below is the perfect place for you to start! From the majestic Lake Texoma to the beautiful Inks Lake, this map will help you discover the best fishing spots in the Lone Star State. You can explore other lakes and areas that offer great fishing, as well as get driving directions and find out more information about each location. With this map, you’ll be able to find the perfect spot to cast your line and enjoy a day of fishing in Texas!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Texas

Texas is a great sport fishing destination throughout the year. The weather can vary drastically depending on the region, but generally speaking, temperatures range from lows of around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to highs of 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The state has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Rainfall is abundant and Texas has some of the most diverse and abundant fishing opportunities in the US with over 200 species of fish.