The “Lone Star State” is renowned for its claim that everything is bigger and better, and without a doubt, its opportunities for fishing are no different! From double-digit pound largemouth bass found in freshwater lakes and rivers, to mega-sized redfish along the coastline, Texas is a haven for anglers in search of some of the best fishing spots in the entire country.

Here is a list of 5 of the most popular fishing spots in Texas:

1. Lake Fork Reservoir

Lake Fork is regarded as one of the premier largemouth bass fisheries in the state of Texas and one of the best in the entire country. Created in 1980 by the Sabine River Authority, the lake provides ample cover; including standing timber, hydrilla, and creek channels; which attracts an abundance of forage species and regularly produces trophy-sized largemouth bass upwards of 13+ pounds. The lake also holds respectable populations of crappie and catfish which can provide ample action, although bass receive the most attention from anglers.

>> Find the latest fishing reports and shared catches for Lake Fork on Fishidy

lake fork largemouth bass
7 lb. 21 in. largemouth bass caught on a junebug rage craw on Lake Fork

2. Sam Rayburn Reservoir

This huge, nearly 115,000 acre fertile body of water is a largemouth haven and regarded by many as one of the top bass lakes in Texas, if not the nation. Some local experts believe the first 20-pound fish swims in these waters. Crappie are also a favorite and all three species of catfish are abundant as well.

>> Find an interactive fishing map of Sam Rayburn Reservoir on Fishidy

3. Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay is the largest estuary on the Texas coast and the seventh largest in the United States. Red drum, black drum, spotted seatrout, southern flounder and sheepshead are targeted by local anglers year-round. Fishing the birds, working structure, and wading the flats are some of the most popular ways to fish this extensive shoreline.

>> Find real-time reports and fishing maps for Galveston Bay on Fishidy

spotted seatrout galveston bay
Spotted seatrout caught on shrimp bait from Galveston Bay

4. Lake Ray Hubbard

Ample habitat of riprap shorelines, bridge pilings, flooded timber and aquatic vegetation allows Ray Hubbard to sustain good numbers of black bass, crappie and catfish. White and hybrid bass have plenty of open water habitat as well. A good forage base allows fish to achieve very healthy weights and good growth rates.

>> Find the top fishing spots on Lake Ray Hubbard on Fishidy

lake ray hubbard bass
Pair of largemouth bass from Lake Ray Hubbard

5. Lake Conroe

Originally created as a water supply in 1973, Lake Conroe is extensively used for recreation and largemouth bass are the most pursued sportfish with a moderate-sized population, but good potential for trophy-size fish. Channel catfish are the most abundant in the lake, while crappie, white bass and hybrid bass provide additional opportunities for anglers.

>> Find proven fishing tips for Lake Conroe on Fishidy

largemouth bass lake conroe
6 lb. 8 oz. largemouth bass caught on a brushhog from Lake Conroe

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