When it comes to fishing, Texas needs no introduction. With over 1,100 lakes, dozens of rivers, and hundreds of ponds, you can find catch a multitude of freshwater fish species in the Lone Star State. However, before you head out into the water, you should take the time to research which species inhabit a particular area so you can learn about their behavior, diet, and habitat. With this information, you can make more informed decisions regarding where and when to fish, the type of bait to use, and fishing equipment/techniques.
In this post, we’ll share the most common freshwater fish species you can catch in Texas whether you’re fishing in Lake Fork, Riparian Wetlands, the Rio Grande River, or the Toledo Bend Reservoir.
The 3 Most Common Freshwater Fish Species in Texas
1. Bass
Bass is the most common and popular Texas freshwater fish species you can find in most lakes rivers in the state all year round. The Largemouth bass is considered a trophy game fish in local tournaments, while Smallmouth, striped, white, and yellow bass is more dominant, in terms of population. The best time to catch bass is during spring, as the warmer weather brings them into shallow waters. If you’re lucky, you can even reel a few from your floating dock.
2. Catfish
Catfish is the second most common freshwater fish species in the Lone Star State and one of the all-time favorites among locals. However, they can be difficult to catch and reel in since some species like the blue catfish and flathead catfish can easily grow over 100 pounds. Other subspecies include the channel catfish and yellow/black bullhead catfish.
3. Panfish
Panfish are quite popular among professional anglers all over Texas and North America since they’re one of the most highly regarded species for table fare. The most dominant species include crappie, bluegill, and sunfish, which can all be found in large lakes where it’s not too cold and prefers shallower waters compared to larger fish.
Other Freshwater Fish Species in Texas
The species mentioned above might dominate the rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in Texas; however, they share the waters with other species like:
- Carp
- Gar
- Walleye
- Suckers
- Minnows
- American eel
- Red drum
- Bowfin
- Paddlefish, etc.
Conclusion
And there you have it – the 3 most common freshwater fish species you can catch in Texas. Now that you know what you can find, it’s time to gear up and head to the fishing lake, river, or pond near you. If you live near a waterfront, you can make it more accessible for fishing by investing in a floating dock and docking accessories like storage boxes, benches, and a cleaning station. EZ Dock Texas offers an extensive range of docking products and solutions that can optimize your fishing experience.
For more information, feel free to call (800) 654-8168 Toll-Free or (817) 684-0202 Local.
