Texas offers abundant opportunities for catfish enthusiasts. The Lone Star State boasts numerous lakes, rivers, and reservoirs teeming with channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Anglers can find prime fishing spots across different regions of Texas, from the expansive Lake Tawakoni in the northeast to Lake Conroe near Houston.
The best places to catch catfish in Texas include Lake Tawakoni, Lake Conroe, and Lake Livingston, where anglers can target trophy-sized fish. After a successful day on the water, preparing catfish for a delicious meal is straightforward. Proper cleaning, filleting, and cooking techniques can transform a fresh catch into a mouthwatering dish enjoyed by family and friends.
1) Lake Fork
Lake Fork is a premier catfish destination in Texas. This 28,000-acre reservoir on the Sabine River offers excellent opportunities for anglers seeking various catfish species.
Channel catfish are abundant in Lake Fork. Anglers can expect to catch fish ranging from 3 to 8 pounds, with many exceeding this size. These catfish respond well to traditional baits like chicken livers, cut shad, and commercial catfish doughs.
The lake also harbors impressive blue catfish and flathead populations. While less common than channel cats, these species can reach substantial sizes, providing exciting challenges for dedicated catfish hunters.
Lake Fork’s diverse habitat contributes to its thriving catfish fishery. Anglers can target catfish in various depths and structures throughout the lake. Humps, creek channels, and submerged timber are productive areas to explore.
Despite its reputation as a bass fishing haven, Lake Fork’s catfish potential should not be overlooked. The lake’s excellent water quality and forage base support a healthy catfish population year-round.
Fishing techniques vary depending on the target species and time of year. Bottom fishing with cut bait or prepared baits is effective for channel catfish, while live bait often produces results for larger blue and flathead catfish.
2) Toledo Bend Reservoir
Toledo Bend Reservoir is a prime location for catfish anglers in Texas. This massive lake spans the Texas-Louisiana border and offers excellent opportunities for catching blue and channel catfish.
The reservoir is known for its diverse fishing spots, ranging from shallow flats to deep channels. Anglers can find success fishing near submerged structures, such as tree stumps and brush piles.
Blue catfish are particularly abundant in Toledo Bend. The best time to target them is during cooler months when they move to shallower waters. Channel catfish can be caught year-round, with peak activity in spring and summer.
Popular baits for Toledo Bend catfish include cut bait, live bait, and prepared stink baits. Fishing from a boat allows access to more productive areas, but bank fishing can also yield good results.
To prepare your catch for a delicious meal, clean the catfish promptly and remove the skin. Fillets can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then fried, grilled, or baked for a tasty dinner.
3) Lake Sam Rayburn
Lake Sam Rayburn, affectionately known as “Big Sam,” is a premier catfish destination in Texas. This massive 114,000-acre reservoir offers excellent year-round catfish fishing opportunities.
The lake’s diverse habitat provides ideal conditions for catfish to thrive. Anglers can find success targeting creek channels, submerged timber, and deep water areas.
Popular catfish species in Lake Sam Rayburn include channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Each species offers a unique fishing experience and culinary potential.
For successful catfish angling, consider using cut bait, live bait, or prepared stink baits. Fish near the bottom, where catfish typically feed.
When preparing your catch, proper cleaning is essential. Remove the skin, fillet the meat, and trim away any dark or fatty areas for the best flavor.
Popular cooking methods for Sam Rayburn catfish include frying, grilling, and baking. Season with your favorite spices or try a classic Cajun-style preparation for a delicious meal.
Remember to check current fishing regulations and obtain necessary licenses before your trip to Lake Sam Rayburn.
4) Trinity River
The Trinity River offers excellent opportunities for catfish anglers in Texas. Stretching 710 miles across the state, it provides diverse fishing environments.
Below the Lake Livingston Dam is a prime spot for catching catfish. This area boasts abundant populations of blue catfish and channel catfish. The murky, muddy waters create ideal conditions for these species to thrive.
Anglers can also find success in the river’s upper sections. The 25-mile stretch from Lewiston Dam to Junction City is known for year-round fishing productivity.
Blue catfish and channel catfish are the most common catches in the Trinity River. These species can grow to impressive sizes in the river’s nutrient-rich waters.
To catch catfish in the Trinity River, use baits like cut shad, chicken liver, or prepared stink baits. Fish near structure such as submerged logs or deep holes for best results.
When preparing Trinity River catfish for a meal, fillet the fish and remove the skin. Dredge in seasoned cornmeal and fry until golden brown for a classic Texas catfish dinner.
5) Falcon Lake
Falcon Lake, an 83,800-acre reservoir on the Texas-Mexico border, is a prime destination for catfish enthusiasts. The lake boasts impressive populations of channel, blue, and flathead catfish.
Anglers can expect to catch catfish year-round in Falcon Lake. The best spots are often near underwater structures, creek channels, and submerged timber.
Local fishing guides, like Captain Ricky Garza, offer expert services to help visitors locate the most productive fishing areas. These guides have extensive knowledge of the lake and can assist in targeting trophy-sized blue catfish.
The lake’s state park provides convenient access with a three-lane boat ramp, dock, and ample parking. This makes it easy for anglers to launch their boats and spend a day pursuing catfish.
When preparing Falcon Lake catfish for a meal, it’s important to clean and fillet the fish properly. Remove the skin and any dark meat to ensure the best flavor. Catfish from Falcon Lake can be prepared in various ways, including frying, grilling, or baking.
6) Brazos River
The Brazos River offers excellent catfishing opportunities in Texas. This scenic waterway is home to various catfish species, including blue, channel, and flathead catfish.
Anglers can find productive fishing spots along the river’s bends and near the mouths of tributary streams. These areas often provide ideal habitats for catfish to rest and feed.
Using satellite imagery or maps can help locate promising fishing spots and access points along the Brazos. Many trails lead to the riverbank, providing opportunities for both shore and boat fishing.
Popular baits for Brazos River catfish include cut bait, live bait, and prepared stink baits. Fishing techniques may vary depending on the target species and river conditions.
The Tin Top, Texas boat ramp is a common starting point for guided catfishing trips on the Brazos. These excursions can provide valuable insights into effective fishing methods and prime locations.
Catfishing on the Brazos can be productive year-round, with peak seasons varying by species. Anglers should check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before fishing.
7) Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake, straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, offers excellent catfish fishing opportunities. This unique lake is known for its cypress trees, Spanish moss, and maze-like waterways.
Anglers can find channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish in Caddo Lake’s waters. The lake’s diverse habitats, including submerged vegetation and underwater structures, provide ideal conditions for catfish to thrive.
Popular fishing spots include the main lake area, Big Cypress Bayou, and the numerous backwater sloughs. Fishing from a boat allows access to more remote areas where larger catfish often lurk.
Catfish in Caddo Lake can be caught using various techniques. Bottom fishing with cut bait, live bait, or prepared stinkbaits is effective. Jug fishing and trotlines are also popular methods among local anglers.
When preparing Caddo Lake catfish for a meal, filleting and skinning the fish is recommended. The mild, sweet flavor of the catfish pairs well with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods, such as frying, grilling, or baking.
8) Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is a prime destination for catfish anglers in Texas. This massive reservoir straddles the Texas-Oklahoma border and offers excellent opportunities for catching channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish.
Catfish in Lake Texoma can be found in various areas, including river channels, creek mouths, and near underwater structures. Anglers often target deeper waters during summer months when catfish seek cooler temperatures.
Popular catfishing techniques on Lake Texoma include drift fishing, anchoring near structure, and using jugs or trotlines. Baits such as cut shad, chicken liver, and prepared stinkbaits can be effective for attracting catfish.
The lake’s diverse habitat supports a healthy catfish population. Anglers can expect to catch good-sized fish, with some blue catfish reaching impressive weights.
When preparing Lake Texoma catfish for a meal, proper cleaning is essential. Remove the skin and any dark meat to ensure the best flavor. Popular cooking methods include frying, grilling, or baking the fillets.
9) Choke Canyon Reservoir
Choke Canyon Reservoir stands out as a prime catfish destination in Texas. Located about 85 miles south of San Antonio, this 25,670-acre lake offers excellent opportunities for catching blue, channel, and flathead catfish.
The reservoir’s varied habitat, including steep rocky banks, flooded timber, and shallow brushy flats, provides ideal conditions for catfish to thrive. Blue catfish are particularly abundant, with some specimens reaching impressive sizes.
Anglers can expect good catches year-round, though spring and fall tend to be peak seasons. The lake’s warm waters contribute to consistent fishing conditions throughout the year.
Local fishing guides offer specialized catfish trips, focusing on trophy blue catfish. The state record for blue catfish exceeds 120 pounds, giving anglers a chance at a truly remarkable catch.
When preparing catfish from Choke Canyon for a meal, filleting and skinning the fish is essential. Catfish can be fried, grilled, or baked with various seasonings to create a delicious dish. Removing any dark red meat along the lateral line ensures the best flavor.
For those interested in exploring beyond fishing, Choke Canyon also offers opportunities for boating, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
10) Lake Conroe
Lake Conroe is a prime destination for catfish anglers in Texas. The lake boasts a thriving population of channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish.
Channel catfish are abundant and can reach impressive sizes, with some specimens weighing over 20 pounds. Blue catfish in Lake Conroe can grow even larger, with records exceeding 60 pounds.
Successful catfishing spots include the old creek and river channels, which provide deep water habitat. The shallow flats adjacent to these channels are also productive areas, especially when catfish move to feed.
Anglers can use various baits to entice catfish in Lake Conroe. Popular choices include peeled shrimp, chicken livers, and other pungent catfish baits.
The best times to fish for catfish on Lake Conroe are typically early mornings and evenings. During summer months, night fishing can be particularly effective.
For those seeking trophy-sized catfish, targeting blue catfish in deeper waters can yield impressive results. The lake record for blue catfish stands at an impressive 67 pounds.
Understanding Catfish Behavior
Catfish behavior is influenced by their environment and feeding habits. These factors play a crucial role in determining where and when anglers can find success catching catfish in Texas waters.
Habitats and Locations
Catfish in Texas thrive in diverse aquatic environments. They prefer areas with cover and structure, such as submerged logs, rocks, and vegetation. Deep holes in rivers and lakes are prime catfish spots, especially during hot summer days.
In reservoirs, catfish often congregate near underwater creek channels and drop-offs. They also frequent areas with muddy or sandy bottoms, where they can easily forage for food.
During spawning season, typically late spring to early summer, catfish move to shallow waters with rocky or woody cover to build nests.
Feeding Patterns and Times
Catfish are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of prey. They rely heavily on their sense of smell and taste to locate food. Most catfish species in Texas are more active at night, making evening and early morning prime fishing times.
• Channel catfish: Feed primarily on insects, small fish, and plant matter
• Blue catfish: Prefer live or cut bait fish
• Flathead catfish: Target live prey, especially sunfish and shad
Water temperature affects feeding behavior. Catfish become more active as waters warm in spring and summer. They often feed aggressively before and after spawning periods.
During hot summer months, catfish may feed more actively at night when water temperatures are cooler. In winter, they tend to slow down but can still be caught in deeper waters.
Fishing Techniques for Catfish
Successful catfish angling requires specific techniques and gear. Proper bait selection and quality equipment significantly increase catch rates.
Using the Right Bait
Live bait often proves most effective for catfish. Nightcrawlers, minnows, and cut bait attract channel catfish. For larger blue and flathead catfish, try live sunfish or shad. Stinkbaits and chicken livers work well for channel cats in warmer months.
Prepare cut bait by slicing fish into 1-2 inch chunks. Hook the bait securely, leaving the point exposed. In rivers, cast upstream and let the bait drift naturally with the current.
Effective Fishing Gear
Medium to heavy action rods paired with baitcasting reels handle catfish fights well. Use 20-30 pound test line for most situations. Circle hooks in sizes 5/0 to 8/0 work best, reducing deep hooking.
Sliding sinker rigs allow catfish to take bait without feeling resistance. Use 1-3 ounce weights depending on current. For bank fishing, rod holders keep lines tight and detect subtle bites.
Fish finder rigs with longer leaders excel in snaggy areas. Add rattles or scent to attract more catfish.
Preparing Catfish for Cooking
Proper preparation is crucial for turning your catfish catch into a delicious meal. Clean handling and effective marinating techniques ensure optimal flavor and texture.
Cleaning and Filleting
Start by rinsing the catfish under cold water to remove any debris. Remove the skin using pliers, starting at the tail and pulling towards the head. Cut along the belly from head to tail, then remove the entrails.
To fillet, make an incision behind the gills down to the backbone. Cut along the backbone towards the tail, separating the fillet from the ribs. Repeat on the other side.
Check for any remaining bones and remove them with tweezers. Rinse the fillets again in cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Marinating Techniques
Marinating catfish enhances its flavor and can help reduce any muddy taste. A simple marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs works well. Mix 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Place the fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t marinate longer, as the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the fish.
For a Southern twist, try a buttermilk marinade. Soak fillets in buttermilk for 1 hour before coating with seasoned cornmeal for frying.