Kayak fishing in Texas is some of the best in the country. With plenty of different options to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect spot for a day of fishing. And one of the best things about this Texas lake is its variety of game fish. With so many lakes and rivers to choose from, kayak fishing enthusiasts are sure to find the right spot to enjoy the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for a trophy smallmouth bass fishing experience in Texas, try Lake Whitney. You can also try your luck catching largemouth bass in Lake LBJ, which is regulated for recreational use. But, before you choose the perfect location, make sure you do a little research on the waterways and regulations in each of them.
Throughout this article, we’ll be discussing all the best kayak fishing destinations in Texas. So let’s begin;
Top 9 Kayak Fishing Destinations In Texas
Kayak fishing in Texas is a great way to enjoy fresh water and salt water alike. There are many different types of kayaks available, so you can find the perfect one for your fishing needs. The kayaks come in all shapes and sizes, so you can get the perfect one for your specific purpose.
Lake LBJ is a great place to catch largemouth bass
Located northwest of Austin, Texas, Lake LBJ offers different types of kayak fishing, but some of the most popular species are largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.
It is home to over 6,500 acres of prime bass fishing grounds. Because it is a constant-level lake, it does not suffer from drought-driven lake levels. In fact, the lake’s water level is often intentionally lowered to facilitate the maintenance of resident docks.
In fact, you can also try your hand at fishing for bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. This lake is one of the best for fishing in the entire chain of lakes. But even if you don’t want to venture near a dock, you can rent a kayak and get right in on the action.
Anglers focus their efforts on fishing in less than 15 feet of water. The lake’s vegetation includes an underwater brush, trees, and structures. During white bass spawning season, this shallow water is an ideal place to catch trophy-sized largemouth.
Although the lake has been hit by major flooding events in the past few years, it remains a great place to catch largemouth bass. The Llano River feeds the lake and makes it ideal for fishing. Several boat launch ramps and marinas are available for visitors to use, and there are amenities nearby to accommodate recreational anglers.
Whether you’re looking for a great spot for fishing with friends or family, the lake is a must-visit place.
Lake Texoma: A trophy largemouth bass fishery
Lake Texoma, Texas is known for its excellent kayak fishing, and for good reason!
Despite being a massive reservoir, Lake Texoma is only part of the trophy largemouth bass fishery. The lake’s seven-thousand-acre reservoir supports trophy largemouth bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass. Moreover, this is one of the few places in Texas where you can catch all three species. Although there are few plants or trees in the water, anglers should take note of the topographic map and base their approach around the bottom structure.
This reservoir in Texas offers a wide range of recreational activities including boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to Black Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Spotted Bass. This is one of the few lakes in the nation that produces a self-sustaining population of striped bass.
The lake is also a trophy fishery for Blue Catfish, with the state record Blue Catfish weighing 121.5 pounds. There are numerous bank fishing options throughout Lake Texoma, including the popular Eisenhower State Park and Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.
The waters are diverse and vast, and you can find a variety of fish to tempt your taste buds. The best time to fish is when your target species is headed for shallower waters. But if you can’t wait until that time to go fishing, you can always head to the banks for a chance to hook a Striper, Catfish, or Bass. And if you’re looking for a family adventure, the shoreline is an ideal location to take your family for a paddleboat ride.
If you are an angler looking for a trophy largemouth bass, you may want to try shoreline fishing on the pristine waters of Lake Texoma. While it might seem odd at first, this technique has been a local favorite for decades. And, now, tourists are beginning to catch on to the secret. And, you don’t need a high-powered boat to enjoy the experience!
The fishing limits for Lake Texoma are among the highest in the country, so it’s important to stick to a small area to maximize your catch. It’s also wise to go fishing during the warmest times of day when the water is warm and the fish are most active. While it may be tempting to try to catch 20-inch stripers, you’ll most likely only catch a few.
Some of the most popular places to launch a kayak are Spillway Ramp and Juniper Point. These parks are public and have average day-use fees of $5. If you are looking for a more private kayaking experience, you can consider Highport Marina. Both of these marinas have a beach area and provide fishing opportunities. There are also some regulations that must be followed when kayaking on the lake.
Lake Whitney
If you’re looking for some of the best striped bass fishing in Texas, then Lake Whitney is your destination. Stripers are abundant in the lake, with prime angling opportunities available from March to May. Anglers can cast a line from a boat to the bottom of the lake while searching for inland silverside, also known as ghost minnows.
Stripers typically feed on shad, but boat anglers can also find them in a variety of submerged brush. Live bait and artificial lures are effective during the peak months because the lake is stratified and has very little oxygen.
White bass leaves Lake Whitney in February and head up the Brazos River in April. They spawn in the Nolan River that empties into the Brazos. This river is broad and deep and does not end at Lake Whitney.
During the summer, white bass is commonly caught on sandy beaches and along river channels. Another great place to catch white bass is Kimball Bend Park, which has camping facilities and boat launch facilities. This area is also popular for anglers who want to catch spotted bass, but spawning fish can be trapped in low-flowing waters during the summer months.
Lake Whitney is one of the largest reservoirs in the state and is a popular spot for anglers of all levels. Its nearly 200 lakes are located in eastern Texas, making it a reasonable drive from most major cities. The water is clear and there are several locations where you can cast your line. There are many different types of fish, including largemouth, smallmouth, striped, white, and channel catfish.
In addition, Texans have the luxury of accessing many nearby states, such as Louisiana. It’s important to plan your trip carefully to ensure you find a spot you can call your own, so consider where to go first.
Lake Fork
Although many anglers avoid Lake Fork because of its cold winter temperatures and muddy conditions, the renowned bass fishing here is well worth the trip. This reservoir is well-known for producing trophy bass, and 65% of Texas’ top 50 largest basses were caught on the lake. It was also the site of the Toyota ShareLunker Program, in which anglers competed for cash prizes. The lake is filled with tree stumps, so it is not ideal for fishing.
While this reservoir is known for its largemouth bass, there are other species that can be found here. Channel catfish have grown in popularity, and more than half of the country’s top 50 largest basses were caught in Lake Fork in the last decade. Additionally, crappie fishing is very good here, and there are several bridges and standing timber where you can find them. Additionally, channel catfish and white bass have been increasing in abundance.
If you are going to visit Lake Fork Reservoir in Texas, you need to be aware of some fishing and kayaking regulations. These regulations apply to all fish species. Check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to see if Lake Fork is the right lake for you. If not, try a fishing license. You can also try fishing in Minneola, Texas. You’ll be glad you did.
Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake, a bayou covering approximately 25 thousand acres, is located in the southern part of Texas, near the border with Louisiana. This natural lake contains a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel and blue catfish. You can also find fisherel, a smaller relative of the northern pike. For those with a passion for fly fishing, Caddo Lake is a must-visit destination.
When is the best time to fish in Caddo Lake?
Spring and fall are the best for kayak fishing in Caddo. The best time to catch largemouth bass is during the spring season. However, March is also a prime time to catch some trophy bass. Crappie and white bass are plentiful during this time, and chain pickerel are plentiful in early spring. The upper part of the lake and its river arms offer the best opportunities for catching spawning bass.
As the lake covers ninety percent of its surface, there is little competition for catching them. If you are a novice angler, be sure to take your time and research the area thoroughly before you head there.
One of the reasons that people are hesitant to fish in Caddo Lake is the sheer amount of invasive species that live there. The invasive species, known as the giant Salvinia, came from South America and covers the bottom of the lake, preventing light from entering. This plant grows rapidly, doubling its size every two to four days, and can cover 40 square miles in three months.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Sam Rayburn Reservoir is one of the most famous bodies of water in Texas. It is a Corp of Engineers reservoir and was created in 1965 to control flooding of the Angelina River and provide drinking water to nearby communities. The lake has numerous water-based services and recreational opportunities and is surrounded by pine forests. The lake has a lot to offer fishermen and is often a destination for city dwellers.
The lower end of the reservoir tends to have clear water and more vegetation, so fishing along the edges of hydrilla beds can be a great tactic. In the main lake, bass tends to retreat to deeper water in the summer, but can still be caught on jigs and Carolina rigs around sundown. There are also several deep ledges in Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
If you’re unsure of where to start your fishing trip, there’s a good chance that a pond is too close to the shore. But if you’re determined to fish, Sam Rayburn has plenty of options for you. For instance, you can stay at the Rayburn Resort, which is 5 minutes away from the lake.
The resort is also home to a restaurant, tennis courts, and three superb golf courses. If you don’t want to stay at the resort, you can rent a condo or lake house.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find a variety of fish at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Big and small bass are common here and the reservoir is also home to more than 300 fishing tournaments annually. Bassmasters magazine ranked Sam Rayburn Reservoir as the best bass fishing lake in the U.S. in 2018 and it’s hard to argue with that!
Devils River
The Devil’s River is one of the cleanest rivers in Texas. The water in the springs is safe for drinking, and it has a nice green tint. The Devils River’s flows are usually adequate for paddle trips, though the level can fluctuate. This is because the Devil’s River is fed almost exclusively by springs. Aside from that, it is also fed rain. If it rains 50 to 100 miles away, the water level may rise a few inches.
If you’re not experienced and don’t want to spend a fortune on accommodations, you should avoid fishing the Devil’s River in Texas. This river is wild and remote, with a variety of fish that may be difficult to find elsewhere.
Fishing on the Devils River is best done in the fall when smallmouth bass is in season. Catfish and carp also thrive here.
For a more adventurous angler, the Devils River may be the perfect place to spend a day!
There are plenty of flies and lures that can catch largemouth bass. If you prefer fishing on a fly, you can try crawfish or baitfish patterns. For smallmouth, you can also try olive grub patterns. Olive grub patterns work best when used with bead chain eyes. If you plan to camp on the river, you can also take along a Yetti cooler.
There is one official campsite on the Devils River. It’s the Del Norte Unit of the Devils River State Natural Area, located 15 miles downstream of Baker’s Crossing. Paddlers who tried to camp here were warned against disobeying signs and were sometimes met with warning shots. To avoid trouble, paddlers should stick to the river channel and make sure to get permission from landowners before camping.
Port Isabel
If you’re a serious angler, fishing in Port Isabel, Texas, may be an excellent option. There are several freshwater lakes and rivers, and you can choose to shore cast or try fly fishing. However, catching fish in Port Isabel can be challenging and you need to know the best times to go.
The best times to fish in Port Isabel depend on several factors, including water movement, which can affect your catch or make it difficult to land the fish you’re looking for.
While fishing in Port Isabel is a rewarding experience, many visitors miss out on the best season for catching a trophy fish. The best time for redfish fishing in Port Isabel is during the months of January through February, while trout and speckled trout can be caught year-round.
While fall fishing is better for snook, it’s a little tougher in Port Isabel, so be prepared to plan a trip to the Texas coast during those months.
Snook fishing is available in the backcountry side of Port Isabel, mostly in shallow water. You can also find some bonus species while fishing. For tarpon fishing, the best times are from June through October. The weather is comfortable and fishing is stress-free during these seasons. But if you’re a beginner and don’t know where to start, check out these resources to help you plan your trip.
The best time to book a charter is early in the morning. Mornings are the best times to fish, as many fish species are active in the morning hours. However, you may need to pay more to secure a charter if you’d like to fish and kayak late at night.
In general, early mornings are the best times to go fishing, and you’ll want to find a fishing charter that operates in the early morning hours.
Lake Alan Henry
For many anglers, kayak fishing in Lake Alan Henry, Texas, means a relaxing, enjoyable way to enjoy the outdoors. Here you can find plenty of other wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, and flathead catfish.
The lake has a mildly stained bottom and is 75 degrees and 2.38 feet deep. During the early spring and evening, the bite will be best. Live minnows, crankbaits, and jigs are effective for catching bass, striped bass, and sand bass. You can also try trolling artificial mid-lake or down-rigging for bass. To catch these fish, you can use artificial baits tipped with worms or cut bait.
Kayak Fishing Guidelines For Texas
When you’re considering paddling in Texas, you should know that some kayaking laws are unique to the state. If you plan on paddling in a body of water with public access, you should check with the authorities and see if you need a permit. However, if you’re not sure if you’re legally permitted to paddle in Texas, you should check with the state’s Fish and Wildlife department before paddling.
A Texas license is not required for non-motorized kayaks, although motorized boats that have engines or propellers are required to have a boater’s license. A non-motorized kayak can be registered without a license, while a motorized kayak must have a license and be titled. If you have a motor, you should register your kayak, too. If you’re planning on taking your kayak out on the water for a long weekend, you don’t need a boater’s license, here’s the detailed regulation.
The first and most important rule when paddling on the water in Texas is wearing a PFD. This safety device is required regardless of whether the vessel is on land or in the water. Personal flotation devices are mandatory for all paddling vessels, but they are often overlooked by kayakers. Remember to check the weather before you head out on the water! You shouldn’t be too cold or too warm to wear a PFD.
In Texas, if you plan to paddle on the water with a motorized vessel, you need to have a current boater’s license and photo identification. If you’re paddling on fresh water, you should drain your craft before transferring it to a saltwater body. This will help prevent the spread of invasive species. In addition to obtaining a license, you should also make sure your vessel has mooring facilities and is at least 13 years old.
Lastly, when you are planning a kayak fishing trip to Texas, it is important to know what you need in order to kayak fish. While there are many different types of fishing opportunities available in the state, each requires its own set of supplies and equipment. Additionally, the weather can affect fish populations, so it is important to be prepared for everything from hot weather to wet conditions.
