How to Fish in Texas Lakes All Year Long

Velo Steve/Flickr.com

The great thing about fishing in Texas is that it can be done year-round in relative comfort. You'll have to change your strategies, depending on the season or weather pattern, but this can easily be done once you learn what to expect and begin to understand fish behavior.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing tackle Texas fishing license Fishing boat
Fishing tackle
Texas fishing license
Fishing boat

Step 1

Be aware of temperature changes. Texas is the second-largest state in total land area, so it's a given that there will be a wide range of temperatures within the state at any time of the year. The average high temperature in Brownsville, Texas, near the Mexican border, is 68 degrees F in January. Conversely, the average January high in Amarillo, located in the panhandle, is 49 degrees F. An air-temperature change of approximately 20 degrees will also have a similar effect on water temperatures, which will influence which gear you need and where you'll go to find your fish.

Step 2

Choose the species you wish to fish. This will likely determine which baits or lures you use and which fishing style you may need to employ. Texas lakes offer many opportunities for those looking for popular game fish, such as the largemouth or striped bass. However, Texas lakes also offer some trophy-sized catfish that can easily feed a family.

Step 3

Look for year-round spots to ensure a good catch. For striped bass all year, but especially in the winter, try Lake Texoma on the Texas/Oklahoma border. Lake Amistad is another year-round spot, though note that the National Park Service urges catch and release there. Reservoirs stocked and overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are also good spots with year-round stocks---check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife stocking reports for a full list and status updates (see Resources).

Step 4

Adjust your strategy as needed. In winter or summer, the way you fish for certain species is much the same. For example, largemouth bass become lethargic and seek deeper water in both hot temperatures and cooler temperatures. If fishing in Texas during either of these major temperature shifts, focus on deeper water and use slower baits that sink, such as deep-diving crank baits and spinner baits. Texas lakes generally offer deeper areas in the channels that make for excellent fishing when the fish go deep.

Step 5

Keep bag limits in mind. In Texas, there are no seasonal limits on freshwater fish, such as those generally taken from lakes. However, it is worth noting that any angler who wants to venture from lakes into salt water will need to keep some seasons in mind. For example, mullet cannot be taken the last three months of the year, or in January.

Step 6

Prepare for sudden changes in the weather. In winter cold fronts can come through and quickly change conditions. Always bring along a light jacket, especially in the cooler months, just in case one of those fronts hit while out on the water.

Tips & Warnings

No matter when you fish, make sure you purchase the proper Texas state fishing license.

Resources

Article Written By Kenneth Black

Kenneth Black has been a freelance writer since 2008. He currently works as a staff writer for "The Times Republican" in Central Iowa. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including business, politics, family life and travel. Black holds a bachelor's degree in business marketing from the University of Phoenix.

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