Bass Fishing In Texas

Guide To Catching Monster Bass In Texas

By Rick Seaman

Texas Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Texas is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass fishing basics video.

Texas is widely renowned for its exceptional bass fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from far and wide. Largemouth bass, the most sought-after species, thrive in numerous lakes across the state. Lake Fork is often hailed as one of the premier destinations for trophy-sized largemouth bass. With its abundant cover and structure, this lake consistently produces impressive catches and has earned a reputation as a bass angler's paradise. Other lakes like Falcon Lake, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and Toledo Bend Reservoir also offer fantastic largemouth bass fishing, with anglers reeling in hefty specimens year after year.

Bass Fishing In The State

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Largemouth Bass Fishing In Texas

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Texas. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Texas. The state record largemouth bass is over 18 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Texas

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 7 pounds.

The Texas Hill Country is particularly known for its smallmouth bass fishing, with rivers such as the Guadalupe and the San Marcos offering prime opportunities. These spirited fighters can also be found in certain lakes like Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis. Anglers who appreciate the tenacity and acrobatic nature of smallmouth bass will find plenty of action in these waters.

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Spotted Bass Fishing In Texas

In recent years, another bass species has gained popularity in Texas: the spotted bass. Also known as Kentucky bass or simply "spotted bass," they offer a unique angling experience. These feisty fish can be found in lakes like Lake Lewisville, Lake Belton, and Lake Georgetown. Though not as prevalent as largemouth or smallmouth bass, spotted bass are known for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature, making them a sought-after target for many avid anglers.

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Texas provides a haven for bass fishing enthusiasts, whether it's chasing after the legendary largemouth bass, battling with the spirited smallmouth bass, or seeking the thrill of landing a feisty spotted bass. With its diverse range of lakes and rivers, the Lone Star State offers endless opportunities for anglers to test their skills, explore new waters, and experience the excitement of reeling in these prized bass species.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Texas

When it comes to bass fishing lakes, Texas has almost too many to mention. These are some of the larger lakes in Texas with populations of bass - Amistad Reservoir, B.A. Steinhagen Lake, Belton Lake, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Choke Canyon Reservoir, Cooper Lake, Diversion Lake, Eagle Mountain Lake, Lake E.V. Spence, Falcon Lake, Grapevine Lake, Hubbard Creek Reservoir, Joe Pool Lake, Lake Alan Henry, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Bob Sandlin, Lake Bridgeport, Lake Brownwood, Lake Buchanan, Lake Caddo, Lake Conroe, Lake Corpus Christi, Lake Fork Reservoir, Lake Granbury, Lake Houston, Lake J.B. Thomas, Lake Kemp, Lake Kickapoo, Lake Lewisville, Lake Limestone, Lake Livingston, Lake Lyndon B Johnson, Lake Meredith, Lake O the Pines, Lake Palestine, Lake Ray Hubbard, Lake Somerville, Lake Tawakoni, Lake Texana, Lake Texoma, Lake Travis, Lake Waco, Lake Whitney, Lake Worth, Lavon Lake, Martin Creek Lake, Medina Lake, Navarro Mills Lake, O.C. Fisher Lake, O.H. Ivie Lake, Palo Duro Reservoir, Pat Mayse Lake, Possom Kingdom Lake, Proctor Lake, Ray Roberts Lake, Richland Chambers Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Stamford Reservoir, Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir, Toledo Bend, Twin Buttes Reservoir and Wright Patman Lake

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Texas this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Lake Fork yielded the state record largemouth bass.

The state record smallmouth bass was caught out of Lake Meredith.

Lake O' the Pines was home to the state record spotted bass.

This big bass was caught from Lake Fork.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Texas.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Lone Star State.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.

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