Texas offers incredible fishing opportunities year-round, whether you’re fishing in freshwater lakes or coastal waters. Each season brings different fish species to target, making it essential to plan your trips accordingly. This guide covers the best fishing seasons in Texas and what you can expect to catch throughout the year.
Spring Fishing (March – May)
Spring is one of the best times to fish in Texas, as warming waters bring fish closer to the surface and into shallower areas.
Best Fish to Catch in Spring:
- Largemouth Bass – Actively feeding in lakes like Lake Fork and Sam Rayburn.
- Crappie – Spawn in shallow waters, making them easy to catch near docks.
- Redfish – Found along the Texas coast, especially in shallow flats.
- Speckled Trout – Thriving in the bays and coastal inlets.
- Catfish – Active in warmer freshwater areas like Lake Texoma and the Brazos River.
Top Spring Fishing Spots:
- Lake Fork – Famous for trophy bass.
- Galveston Bay – A hotspot for redfish and trout.
- Caddo Lake – Great for crappie and largemouth bass.
Summer Fishing (June – August)
Hot temperatures can make fishing challenging, but early mornings and late evenings provide excellent conditions.
Best Fish to Catch in Summer:
- Striped Bass – Found in deep, cooler waters in lakes like Buchanan and Texoma.
- Tarpon – Active along the Gulf Coast in areas like Port Aransas.
- King Mackerel – Popular offshore catch near South Padre Island.
- Alligator Gar – Thriving in Texas rivers and lakes.
- Blue Catfish – Deepwater dwellers, best caught using cut bait.
Top Summer Fishing Spots:
- Lake Texoma – Excellent for striper fishing.
- Port Aransas – Ideal for offshore fishing trips.
- Trinity River – A great location for catching massive alligator gar.
Fall Fishing (September – November)
Cooler temperatures make fish more active, and fall is often the best time for trophy catches.
Best Fish to Catch in Fall:
- Flounder – Move from shallow bays to deeper channels.
- Largemouth Bass – Feeding heavily before winter.
- Red Snapper – Peaking in deeper offshore waters.
- White Bass – Gathering in schools, making for exciting action.
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Catfish – Found in abundance in lakes and rivers.
Top Fall Fishing Spots:
- Sabine Lake – Excellent for flounder and redfish.
- Lake Conroe – Great for bass and catfish.
- South Padre Island – A prime location for offshore fishing.
Winter Fishing (December – February)
While winter fishing requires patience, Texas still offers excellent opportunities, especially in coastal areas.
Best Fish to Catch in Winter:
- Rainbow Trout – Stocked in lakes and ponds by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
- Speckled Trout – Active in deeper Gulf Coast waters.
- Crappie – Found near underwater structures and deep channels.
- Redfish – Congregating in warmer, shallow waters.
- Blue Catfish – More active in cooler temperatures.
Top Winter Fishing Spots:
- Guadalupe River – Stocked with rainbow trout.
- Lake Livingston – Great for crappie and catfish.
- Matagorda Bay – A winter hotspot for redfish and speckled trout.
Best Times of Day to Fish in Texas
- Early morning (sunrise – 10 AM) – Most fish are actively feeding.
- Late afternoon (4 PM – sunset) – Cooler water temperatures increase fish activity.
- Night fishing – Catfish and some saltwater species are more active.
Fishing from a Dock: A Year-Round Advantage
Having a stable dock can enhance your fishing experience, allowing you to fish comfortably throughout the year. With EZ Dock Texas’ floating docks, you get:
- A stable, slip-resistant surface for all-season fishing.
- Customizable layouts to fit your fishing needs.
- Durability in both freshwater and saltwater conditions.
Plan Your Texas Fishing Trip!
No matter the season, Texas offers fantastic fishing opportunities across its lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Understanding when and where to fish can help you make the most of your trips.
Looking for the perfect dock to enhance your fishing setup? EZ Dock Texas offers top-quality floating docks designed for anglers. Contact us today or follow us on Facebook for more fishing tips!
