The Best Texas Lakes for Summer Fishing
Howdy, folks! Cap’n Ron here, your trusted fishing guide on the legendary Lake Fork. I’ve spent decades chasing bass across Texas, and I can tell you – there’s no better time than summer to hit the water and hook into some serious fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking for a relaxing day with a rod and reel, Texas has some of the best lakes in the country for summer fishing. In this post, I’ll walk you through a few of my favorites – including, of course, my home waters, Lake Fork.
Lake Fork – The Crown Jewel of Texas Fishing
If you’re talking Texas fishing, you have to start with Lake Fork. Located in East Texas, just 90 miles east of Dallas, this lake is world-famous for its trophy bass. In fact, Lake Fork holds more than half of the top 50 largemouth bass ever caught in the state.
Summer brings warm water temps, thick vegetation, and active bass ready to bite. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time, especially around deep ledges, creek channels, and submerged timber. Whether you’re fishing soft plastics, deep crankbaits, or topwater frogs, Lake Fork has something for every angler. And if you want to maximize your chances of catching a personal best, I’d be honored to guide you.
Lake Sam Rayburn – Big, Bold, and Full of Fish
Sam Rayburn is another East Texas favorite and a top destination for summer fishing. It’s a massive reservoir known for producing both quantity and quality. This lake consistently ranks among the best bass fisheries in the country, and summertime means you’ll find fish holding on deep structure, humps, and brush piles.
Sam Rayburn also supports a healthy population of crappie, catfish, and sunfish, making it a great option for families or anglers looking for variety. Bring your electronics – they’ll help you locate the schools once the fish head deep in the midday heat.
Lake Texoma – Where Striper Dreams Come True
Looking for something a little different? Lake Texoma, located on the Texas-Oklahoma border, is a striper hotspot. These hard-fighting fish are active all summer long, and you can find them schooling and feeding on shad near the surface in the mornings and evenings.
Texoma also holds good numbers of largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus catfish and panfish. It’s a versatile lake with plenty of options, especially for those who like the idea of landing a powerful striped bass that can really put your gear to the test.
Falcon Lake – Remote and Rewarding
Down in South Texas, right along the border with Mexico, you’ll find Falcon Lake – a remote reservoir that’s known for its giant bass. While it’s more off-the-beaten-path than some of the others on this list, it offers incredible fishing for those willing to make the trip.
Summer fishing on Falcon can be outstanding, especially around rocky points, submerged brush, and ledges. It’s a place where anglers regularly report double-digit bass, and you’ll have the chance to fish with fewer crowds than the more well-known lakes up north.
Toledo Bend – Big Water, Big Opportunity
Straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, Toledo Bend is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country. And with that size comes opportunity. It’s a deep, clear lake with a lot of structure, which makes it perfect for summertime fishing. Bass, crappie, and catfish all thrive here, and the summer months offer great offshore fishing as bass school up on points and humps.
Plan Your Summer Fishing Trip
Whether you’re targeting lunker bass at Lake Fork, chasing stripers at Texoma, or exploring hidden coves at Falcon Lake, Texas has something for every angler. And if you’re looking for the ultimate bass fishing experience, I’d love to have you join me on Lake Fork. With more than 30 years of experience and a boat full of knowledge, I’ll help you unlock the best summer fishing East Texas has to offer.
Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water!