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Texas Bass fishing is legendary. Anglers journey from around the country and beyond to fish the local lakes and reservoirs. Pro Bass circuits tour the Lone Star State, bringing in Largemouth Bass weighing well over 15 pounds. In fact, all the Texas Top 50 Largemouth are over that magic number. Simply put, they grow bigger, and fight harder, than anywhere else in the country.

 

And it’s not just Largemouth. Striped, White, and Smallmouth Bass are found in certain spots around the state. It’s still the Largemouth that draw the crowds. These other species are often an annoyance where they would be a trophy elsewhere. That’s how good the Bass fishing in Texas is.

Pick a lake. Any lake. Fishing lakes in Texas is as simple as looking for blue on a map. Some places stand out even by Texas standards for the huge fish they hold. Here are a few spots you absolutely can’t miss.

 

Twice voted “Best Bass fishing lake in America,” Toledo Bend Reservoir has a lot more going for it than its size. You can catch huge Bass all over the lake, but the shallow waters towards the south of the lake produce the biggest fish of all. Especially in the fall and winter when the fish move to shallower waters.

 

Lake Fork is much smaller than Toledo Bend, but it draws crowds from just as far. Why? Just take a look at the Texas Top 50 Largemouth Bass catches. Over half of them were caught here, including all the top six. The lake has become a pilgrimage point for seasoned Bass anglers from around the world.

 

“Big Sam” is a popular stop on all the Pro Bass circuits, with good reason. This Army Engineers-operated reservoir has been producing trophy Bass since the ‘60s. And the fish show no sign of drying up. Where you fish will change with the seasons, but some of the best action is in 8-10 feet of water during the winter. The fish may be slow, but they’re still mean.

 

If you want variety on your trip, this is the place to go. It’s one of the few spots that hold good numbers of both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. You can also find Striped Bass here if you’re after something a little bigger. The lower end of the lake has some of the best fishing, at spots like Willow Springs and Eisenhower State Park.

The main ways to catch Bass are baits, jigs, lures, and flies. In cold weather, the fish are sluggish, and will react better to large baits. Fish in and around grasses in about 10 feet of water, using crankbaits or flipping jigs with flapping trailers. During the summer, finesse jigs with lighter trailers give you more play and really get these aggressive hunters going. 

 

Topwater flies are the general way to go. A variety of flies work well, but grasshopper imitations are a real winner. Throw them over still water and strip, letting the fly settle every few strips so the fish can get a good look at it. 

 

And of course, how can we talk about Bass in Texas without mentioning Texas rig fishing? This tried-and-true Bass magnet is made by dropping plastic worms or lizards on straight shank hooks and bullet sinkers. Whoever came up with this simple-yet-deadly rig was a genius, and it’s still one of the top ways to present soft plastics.

You need a freshwater fishing license to fish Texas’ many lakes and reservoirs. Buy these online or pick them up in person from tackle shops and other approved vendors. Many guides are strictly catch-and-release when it comes to Bass and other gamefish. If you’re fishing on your own, be aware that many lakes have been infested with Zebra Mussels. Read up on the body of water and remember to thoroughly clean all your gear to avoid spreading these invasive shellfish.