Fishing
Types of Fishing Available
- Bank fishing: Most lakes and ponds have areas accessible by foot
- Boat fishing: Available on larger lakes like Sam Rayburn and Lake Conroe
- Kayak/canoe fishing: Great option for smaller lakes and remote ponds
- Family fishing: Designated spots like Ratcliff Lake and Boykin Springs offer restrooms, trails, and picnic areas
License Requirements
All anglers must follow Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulations:
- Fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older
- Freshwater fishing license or an all-water license can be used
- Licenses can be purchased online through TPWD, at sporting goods stores, or by phone
- Exemptions: No license is required when fishing from shore in a state park, but this exemption does not apply to national forests
Things to Keep in Mind
- Always check local signage and TPWD fishing regulations before heading out
- Observe catch limits and seasons
Some lakes are managed jointly with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or TPWD, so rules may vary
Lake and Pond Fishing
The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas offer a wide variety of public fishing opportunities across several notable lakes and smaller ponds, especially in the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine, and Sam Houston National Forests, as well as the Caddo and LBJ National Grasslands.
Popular Lakes for Fishing on Public Land
- Sam Rayburn Reservoir (Angelina NF)
- One of the top bass fishing lakes in the nation
- Target species: Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish
- Numerous boat ramps and access points across the forest boundary
- Boykin Springs Pond (Angelina NF)
- Quiet spot for panfish and small bass
- Ideal for shore fishing and kids
- Lake Crockett and Coffee Mill Lake (Caddo NG)
- Managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife
- Great for crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish
- Ratcliff Lake (Davy Crockett NF)
- A smaller, scenic 45-acre lake good for bank fishing
- Ideal for catfish and bass; great for beginners and families
- Black Creek Lake, Cottonwood Lake (LBJ NG)
- Quiet and remote fishing experiences
- Species include bass, bluegill, and catfish
Lake Conroe (Sam Houston NF)
- Shared shoreline with the national forest
- Popular for hybrid striped bass, catfish, and largemouth bass
Search for Fishing Opportunities
Bayou Boat Ramp
Site Open
Bayou Boat Ramp provides year-round access to the 114,000-acre Sam Rayburn Reservoir.Boat ramp: Concrete
Black Creek Lake
Site Temporarily Closed
Located on the north shore of the 35-acre Black Creek Lake, Black Creek Recreation Area has a picnic area and boat launch facility. The area also has 14 walk-in camping sites available. Cash, Check…
Bouton Lake
Site Open
Bouton Lake Campground provides visitors with primitive camping, fishing and hiking amidst bottomland hardwoods and cypress trees. LAKE USE - Visitors should note that the west side of Bouton Lake is…
Boykin Springs
Site Open
Boykin Springs Recreation Area offers camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking or just getting in touch with nature. A picnic shelter accommodating up to 74 people is available by reservation. The area…
Cagle Recreation Area
Site Open
Cagle Recreation Area, located on the shores of Lake Conroe, offers great fishing and water sports just 45 minutes north of Houston. This recreation area offers a developed boat ramp, hiking trails…
Caney Creek
Site Open
The Caney Creek Recreation Area is located on the 114,000 acre Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The area provides boat access and primitive camp sites. This is a PACK IT IN/PACK IT OUT site. No trash service…
Clear Lake
Site Open
Located within Unit 41 of the LBJ National Grasslands, Clear Lake is an 18-acre flood prevention lake that was constructed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides excellent…
Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area
Site Open
Located on the north shore of the 750-acre Coffee Mill Lake, Coffee Mill Recreation Area was completed in 1968 with additional major construction done by volunteers in the early 1990s. The lake was…
Cottonwood Lake
Site Open
Cottonwood Lake is a 40-acre flood prevention reservoir in the Lyndon B. Johnson National Forest that was constructed by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Fishing and duck hunting…
Double Lake Recreation Area
Site Open
Double Lake Recreation Area was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and offers camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking or just getting back in touch with nature. A 21-mile…