Fishing in Houston
The “make-or-break” of a good day fishing with your kids depends on whether they are having fun. It means absolutely nothing about fish. However, if they come home with a cooler filled with fish, regardless of size… it might help. Have fun: Don’t worry about technique or be concerned about catching your “trophy fish.” To a child, small crappie or bluegill caught with little tackle is a major achievement. And for some children, a big fish might be scary or intimidating.
Make it an Adventure: Like any great adventure, planning it is three-quarters of the fun. Fishing is the same way. Even if the fish aren’t biting, you can have fun buying a family fishing license; studying a map of where you’re going; exploring the lake, stream or beach, digging for worms, making a picnic lunch, or pretending you are in search of the Monster Crappie or Catfish.
Fishing is an excellent opportunity to teach kids how to be kind, caring adults. Children learn by example: they love and respect. So, make a good impression on your kids…even if they aren’t yours. Taking the time to take kids fishing a great way to build a solid child-parent relationship that encompasses trust, love and respect.
Here are some great places near Houston to do some family fishing.
Caddo Lake
If you have never tried fishing at Caddo Lake, you should. It is located on Texas and Louisiana border, and honestly, the only thing that rivals its history is its captivating beauty. Much of Caddo is protected, so this is a great place for fishermen and women. This spot has numerous fish sizes ranging from minnows, shiners, and chubs, as well as flathead catfish. The natural surroundings of Caddo Lake set the perfect ambiance for your day of fishing.
Keep it Simple: Don’t make your trip a big production. The more complicated you make it, the more frustrated they will become. Remember: Kids can only take in so much information at one time. Keep it simple; after all, the main reason you are out there with him/her is to spend quality time together.
Choke Canyon Reservoir
Choke Canyon is barely more than one hour’s drive from San Antonio, so if you were looking for a spot to ward away your daily stress, this is your best sport. It’s one of the best big bass lakes in Texas, perhaps the biggest bass fishing spot in the country. You can head to Choke Canyon any time of the year since plenty of catfish exists. The summer heat may be a little challenging, but you will feel a world away with the wildlife, including alligators.
Make sure your equipment is “up-to-spec.” Nothing is worse than a delay due to a tangle or bad reel. This will frustrate your child and cause him to lose interest altogether.
Lake Amistad
Located 12 miles on the northwestern tip of the South Texan plain, Lake Amistad is a perfect fishing spot to visit in spring and fall. This spot is considered the greatest lake as far as the largemouth bass is concerned. The lake is surrounded by a desert of clean water, making it one of the best places to get rid of the daily pressures of life. The lake is consistently a great fishery, especially during winter.
Kids have a short attention span. Be sure to plan ahead. Make sure that there is no bad weather. Look for a fishing spot with access to restrooms and maybe a playground. Bring snacks, toys, or anything that will occupy your child if he/she gets bored. Never make the mistake of forcing your child to fish. Sometimes they may not fish at all… and nothing is wrong with that. Fishing is an acquired taste. Give your child time; sure enough, they’ll be fishing with you full-time.
Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is among the four great border reservoirs and is prominently known for its abundance of bass fishing. Of course, you won’t miss several smallmouth basses along Denison Dam. If you want to get largemouth, head on to the rocky banks.
“Eeewww, I don’t want to touch the fish!”: If a child catches a fish, don’t force him or her to take it off the hook or to touch the fish. Do it for them… Set an example; eventually, they’ll want to do it themselves. You are the teacher. If they are watching you, tell them what you are doing – step-by-step.
Buffalo Bayou
Buffalo Bayou is one of Houston’s most popular fishing spots, offering a great variety of fish species to catch. This bayou stretches from Katy to the Port of Houston, making it a long fishing spot with many different areas to explore. The water in Buffalo Bayou is generally shallow, but sections with deeper channels are ideal for targeting larger fish.
Anglers can expect to catch fish here, including bass, catfish, and sunfish. The most popular fish in the bayou are largemouth bass, as they are abundant and weigh up to 10 pounds. Buffalo Bayou is also a great spot for fly fishing due to its shallow waters and ample vegetation. Some anglers like to take guided bayou tours to learn about the different species of fish that inhabit the area and how to catch them best.
Lake Houston
Lake Houston is a well-known and popular spot for fishing enthusiasts in Houston. This lake is located in the northeast of Houston and is a great spot for catching largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake spans over 12,000 acres with a maximum depth of 45 feet, making it one of the largest bodies of water in the city.
Fishing on Lake Houston is a great experience, with plenty of opportunities to catch various fish. The lake has fishing piers, boat ramps, and hotspots to make your fishing experience more convenient and enjoyable. You can rent a boat or kayak at the lake or simply fish from the shore.
One of the best things about fishing on Lake Houston is that it is easily accessible from the city center. The lake is just a short drive from downtown Houston, making it a great spot for an afternoon fishing trip or a weekend getaway. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, Lake Houston is a great place to fish and enjoy the outdoors.
Cedar Creek Lake
Cedar Creek Lake is another great place to go fishing for bass. If you are one of those who want to stay nearby and travel that far, then this is your best bet. This spot is located approximately one-hour drive southeast of Dallas. You will love the shoreline if you are a ‘weekender.’
With little ones a little success early on, they can become very interested in fishing. Find a spot where you know he/she will instantly catch something. Kids don’t care about the size of the fish. However, they love to catch fish. Even if it’s a bluegill or crappie, let the child bring it in all by him/herself. You’ll see how their eyes light up.
Sheldon Lake State Park
Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center is a must-visit place for all fishing enthusiasts. The park spans 2,800 acres and offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities. The park’s main attraction is the 1,200-acre Sheldon Lake, stocked with various fish species, including catfish, bass, and crappie. The lake also has a fishing pier, boat launch, and fish cleaning station, making it convenient for visitors to catch and clean their fish.
Besides fishing, visitors can also participate in various other activities such as hiking, bird watching, and camping. The park has over 6 miles of hiking trails that offer scenic views of the lake and the surrounding wilderness. The Environmental Learning Center provides educational programs and exhibits about the park’s ecology, history, and culture. Visitors can learn about the park’s wetlands, prairies, and forests and the animals and plants that inhabit them.
Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center is a great place for families and groups of friends to spend a day or a weekend. The park has picnic areas, playgrounds, and campsites that offer a comfortable and relaxing stay. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center has something for everyone. So, pack your fishing gear and head to this beautiful park to catch some fish and enjoy nature at its best!
Falcon Lake
For a long time, Falcon Lake has been regarded as the best largemouth bass lake in Houston. But it is also a channel catfish. Although water fluctuations may make your trip challenging, the journey here is worth it. The lake is 40 miles southeast of Texas and is quite a good spot for a 3-pound fish.
It’s never too early to show your child to love and respect the outdoors. While you fishing, take the time to show your child other creatures in the area, i.e., birds, ducks, squirrels, etc. Here’s an idea: Put a plastic Wall-Mart bag in your child’s pocket before leaving for your trip.
Colorado Bend Park
Colorado bend state park is your best bet if you want a mixture of fishing and other sporting activities. The area of the river is somehow slow-moving, but anglers here can cast a life for a day on this amazing nature. If your kiddo asks what the bag is for, tell them you always help Mother Nature whenever you go out. During or after your trip, try to pick up some candy wrappers or trash in the area, even if you didn’t put it there. Don’t make it a chore… explain that “this is a part of fishing.”
Lake Anahuac
Lake Anahuac is part of a wildlife refuge on the Texas coastline just 45 miles from Texas. This is one of the few places to access fresh water and saltwater fishing easily. The area has white crappie, flounder, and black drum, and one area you can enjoy with family.
Catch, Praise, and Release: Don’t worry about catch and release. Better yet, let your child make the decision. Give him or her the opportunity to take the fish home and show relatives what they accomplished. Whatever the catch, be sure to pile on the praise for learning a new skill that you love to share with him or her.
Tom Bass park
Tom bass park is large that is divided into three parts. Each part has a pond with bank access and a fishing pier. You can get trout, catfish, and other small fish. You will love the park’s size; It makes the spot one of the few places where you can get a relaxing atmosphere with friends and families.
Galveston Bay
If you prefer saltwater fishing, there is no reason you shouldn’t head to Galveston Bay. Most people here make a living out of fishing, but you will find a spot of your own at Galveston Fishing Pier and Pelican Island. Fishing here is active all year, so it is a great spot this weekend.
Anglers can fish from the shore, jetties, or by boat. The bay also offers a variety of fishing charters that cater to both beginner and experienced anglers. These charters provide all the necessary fishing gear and equipment, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own.
One of the main attractions of Galveston Bay is the annual migration of speckled trout. Every year, between May and September, these trout swim into the bay to spawn. This allows anglers to catch many speckled trout during this time frame.
Aside from fishing, Galveston Bay also offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding area. It’s a great place to spend a day fishing with friends or family or enjoy the peacefulness of being out on the water.
Licenses and Regulations
Before you set out on your fishing adventure, it’s important to ensure you have the necessary licenses and know the regulations. Fishing without a valid license can result in fines and legal repercussions, so don’t take any chances.
In Texas, a fishing license is required for anyone over 17, and different licenses are available depending on your needs. For example, if you plan on fishing in saltwater, you will need a saltwater fishing license and a freshwater license.
It’s also important to know specific regulations for the area you plan to fish in. This may include size and catch limits for certain species, restricted areas, and even specific gear requirements. These regulations are in place to ensure the fish populations’ sustainability and protect the natural environment.
You can easily obtain a fishing license online or in person at various locations throughout Houston, including sporting goods stores, bait shops, and Walmart stores. By obtaining the necessary licenses and being aware of the regulations, you can enjoy your fishing experience with peace of mind, knowing that you are fishing legally and responsibly.
Best time of year to fish in Houston
The best time of year to fish in Houston can vary depending on the type of fish you’re hoping to catch. Generally, spring and fall are great seasons for fishing in Houston. You can expect to catch fish such as bass, crappie, and catfish in spring. The water temperatures start to warm up, which brings the fish back into the shallows to feed.
The weather is cooler in the fall, and the water temperatures drop. This causes the fish to feed more aggressively in preparation for the winter. You can also expect to catch fish during the fall, such as catfish, bass, and crappie.
However, it’s important to note that Houston’s climate is relatively mild throughout the year, so you can fish pretty much year-round.
During the summer, you may adjust your fishing times to early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler. And during the winter, you may have to bundle up and fish during the warmer parts of the day.
The best time of year to fish in Houston depends on the specific fish you’re looking to catch and your preferences. But with Houston’s mild climate, you can cast your line pretty much any time of year and have a good chance of catching something.
Conclusion and final thoughts
In conclusion, Houston is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. From the Gulf of Mexico to the numerous lakes and rivers, many fish species are waiting to be caught. Whether looking for a relaxing day on the water or a challenging fishing adventure, Houston has something for everyone.
Remember to obtain the proper licenses and follow all regulations and guidelines when fishing in Houston. Always respect the environment and other fishermen, and practice catch and release whenever possible to help preserve the fish populations.
Don’t forget to take in the beauty of the surrounding nature and enjoy the peacefulness that fishing can bring. Houston is truly a hidden gem for fishing, and with these top spots, you will surely have a great catch and an unforgettable experience. Happy fishing!
We hope you have enjoyed reading about the best places to go fishing in Houston. Houston is home to many great spots that provide a great fishing experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners. From urban lakes to rivers and bayous, there is something for everyone. Check the local fishing regulations before heading out to any of these spots to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tight lines and happy fishing!
