Spring Fishing in Texas: What to Expect in March

​Spring in Texas is an exciting time for anglers, as warming waters trigger changes in fish behavior that can lead to some of the best fishing opportunities of the year. March is a transition month, with fish becoming more active after the colder winter months. Whether you're fishing freshwater lakes or coastal waters, understanding how fish behave in early spring and choosing the right bait and lures can significantly improve your success.

How Fish Behavior Changes in March
As temperatures rise in March, fish become more active due to increased metabolism and the onset of spawning season. Water temperatures across Texas start to creep into the ideal range for many species, making them more aggressive and willing to strike.

Here’s how some of Texas’ most popular game fish react to the changing season:

Largemouth Bass: March is prime time for bass fishing, as the prespawn period kicks into full swing. In most Texas lakes, water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, prompting bass to move from deep winter holding areas to shallower waters in preparation for spawning. Bass are looking for structure—rocks, brush piles, docks, and submerged vegetation—where they can build nests.

Best Baits & Lures:

• Jigs with Craw Trailers – Mimics crawfish, a key food source in early spring.
• Lipless Crankbaits – Effective for covering water and triggering reaction strikes.
• Soft Plastic Lizards – A great choice for slow presentations in spawning areas.

Crappie: March marks the start of the crappie spawn, making it one of the best months to catch these tasty fish. As water temperatures hit the mid-50s to 60s, crappie migrate from deeper waters into creeks, coves, and around submerged structures like fallen trees and docks.

Best Baits & Lures:

• Small Jigs (1/16 to 1/8 oz.) – Chartreuse, pink, and white are top colors.
• Live Minnows – A tried-and-true crappie favorite.
• Marabou Jigs – Great for slow, vertical presentations near structure.

Catfish: March signals increased catfish activity, particularly for blue and channel catfish. Rising temperatures stir up baitfish movement, and catfish are eager to feed in preparation for the upcoming spawning season.

Best Baits & Lures:

• Cut Shad – A top choice for blues and channels.
• Chicken Liver – Effective for channel catfish in warmer waters.
• Dip Baits & Punch Baits – Excellent for targeting channel catfish near shallow flats.

Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper: Spring striper fishing heats up as these powerful fish move upstream in search of spawning grounds. They are often found in river systems, dam tailwaters, and open water chasing schools of baitfish.

Best Baits & Lures:

• Swimbaits – Mimics shad, their primary food source.
• Topwater Plugs – Effective on warm days when stripers are feeding near the surface.
• Live Bait (Shad or Herring) – Always a top producer.

Saltwater Species (Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder): Along the Texas coast, March is an exciting time for inshore anglers. Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder become more active as water temperatures rise. Trout and redfish begin feeding aggressively in shallow bays and estuaries, while flounder start their migration back from offshore wintering spots.

Best Baits & Lures:

• Soft Plastic Shrimp Imitations – Works well for redfish and trout in marshes and grass flats.
• Topwater Walk-the-Dog Lures – Effective for trout early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Live Shrimp or Finger Mullet – A great choice for all three species.

Where to Fish in Texas During March
Texas is home to a diverse range of fishing destinations, from massive reservoirs to coastal bays. Here are a few top spots for March fishing:

• Lake Fork – A legendary largemouth bass lake, perfect for prespawn fishing.
• Sam Rayburn Reservoir – Excellent for bass, crappie, and catfish.
• Toledo Bend – One of the best places for catching big bass and crappie.
• Lake Texoma – A prime location for striped bass fishing.
• Galveston Bay – Great for redfish, trout, and flounder as water temps rise.
• Port Aransas & Corpus Christi – Fantastic inshore and offshore fishing opportunities.

Final Tips for March Fishing Success

1. Monitor Water Temperature – Knowing the temperature can help predict fish movement and activity levels.
2. Fish During Warmer Parts of the Day – Mornings can still be chilly in March, so fishing in the afternoon often yields better results.
3. Match the Hatch – Choose lures and bait that resemble the natural forage in the area.
4. Use Slow Presentations – Fish are just becoming more active, so slower retrieves can be more effective.
5. Be Patient – Spring fishing can be unpredictable with changing weather patterns, but persistence pays off.

March is a fantastic time to fish in Texas, with abundant opportunities for anglers targeting freshwater and saltwater species. With the right knowledge of fish behavior and the best lures for the season, you’ll be well-equipped to land some impressive catches.

Looking to gear up for spring fishing? Proline Marine has everything you need, from the latest baits and lures to expert advice on the best spots and techniques. Stop by and get ready for a successful fishing season!