Top 5 Winter Fishing Destinations in Texas: Where to Go and What to Catch

​Winter might seem like an unusual time to fish, but in Texas, the cool months offer incredible opportunities. Whether you're casting for trout, walleye, or pike, Texas’ diverse ecosystems make winter fishing both exciting and rewarding. The combination of cooler weather and fewer crowds creates the perfect setting for avid anglers to catch some seasonal favorites. Here are the top five winter fishing destinations in Texas, along with the species you can expect to reel in and expert tips to make your trip a success.

1. Lake Texoma – Trout & Striped Bass Paradise
Location: Northern Texas on the Texas-Oklahoma border
Popular Species in Winter: Striped bass, rainbow trout

Lake Texoma is known for its year-round fishing, but winter brings a special treat with rainbow trout and striped bass being top catches. Rainbow trout are stocked seasonally, providing the perfect opportunity to hook these colorful fish during the colder months. Meanwhile, Texoma remains one of the few lakes in Texas where striped bass thrive throughout the winter, offering anglers a challenging but rewarding catch.

Fishing Tips:

• For trout, use light tackle with small spinners or live bait like worms. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for trout fishing here.
• If targeting striped bass, opt for jigs or swim baits, and fish along deeper channels since they tend to school near drop-offs.

Best Time to Fish: December through February

2. Guadalupe River – The Best Trout Fishing in Texas
Location: Central Texas near New Braunfels
Popular Species in Winter: Rainbow trout, brown trout

The Guadalupe River is a premier destination for winter trout fishing. Thanks to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s stocking program, you’ll find rainbow trout in abundance here during winter. With a cooler water temperature maintained by the Canyon Lake dam, this river creates an ideal habitat for rainbow and brown trout from December through March.

Fishing Tips:

• Fly fishing with nymphs or streamers works wonders along the Guadalupe’s clear waters.
• Use ultra-light spinning rods with small spinners or salmon eggs for an exciting trout chase.

Best Time to Fish: December to February

​3. Lake Fork – Go Big for Largemouth Bass
Location: Northeast Texas, about 90 miles east of Dallas
Popular Species in Winter: Largemouth bass, crappie

Lake Fork may be best known for trophy-sized bass, but it’s also a great winter fishing spot. As the water cools, largemouth bass move into deeper areas of the lake, presenting a thrilling challenge for anglers. Winter is also a great time to catch crappie—another popular species here—because they gather in large schools near submerged structures.

Fishing Tips:

• For bass, try using jigs or crankbaits along deep points and channels. You’ll want to fish slowly to match the slower metabolism of bass in cooler waters.
• Use minnows or small jigs for crappie, focusing on brush piles or submerged trees.

Best Time to Fish: Late December through February

​4. Possum Kingdom Lake – A Hidden Winter Gem for Striped Bass
Location: Palo Pinto County, Northwest of Fort Worth
Popular Species in Winter: Striped bass, catfish

Possum Kingdom Lake is a scenic winter fishing destination with excellent opportunities to catch striped bass. As temperatures drop, striped bass remain active, especially along the deep water channels of the lake. The lake also offers great catfish fishing during the winter months.

Fishing Tips:

• Use live shad or artificial swim baits when targeting striped bass along the lake’s deeper sections.
• For catfish, try cut bait or stink bait, focusing on deep coves and channels.

Best Time to Fish: January to March

​5. Sam Rayburn Reservoir – Home to a Variety of Winter Species
Location: East Texas, near Lufkin
Popular Species in Winter: Largemouth bass, crappie, white bass

Sam Rayburn Reservoir is a year-round favorite, but it offers exceptional fishing in the winter. With a wide variety of species, you’ll find plenty of action for largemouth bass, crappie, and white bass. The cooler water prompts many fish species to move into shallower waters, making it easier to locate schools.

Fishing Tips:

• For largemouth bass, use Texas-rigged soft plastics or jigs along submerged timber.
• For white bass and crappie, try spoons or live minnows near bridge pilings or brush piles.

Best Time to Fish: December through February

​Essential Gear for Winter Fishing in Texas
Before heading out, it’s essential to prepare for the cooler conditions. Winter fishing might mean bundling up, but having the right gear ensures you stay comfortable while waiting for that big catch.

• Layered clothing: Wear thermal layers, waterproof jackets, and gloves to stay warm.
• Polarized sunglasses: These are great for spotting fish in clear winter waters.
• Quality tackle: Depending on your target species, bring a variety of lures like crankbaits, jigs, and spinners.
• Bait and tackle box: Carry live bait such as minnows or worms for trout and crappie fishing.

​Why Winter Fishing in Texas is Worth It
Unlike northern states where lakes freeze over, Texas offers ideal conditions for winter fishing without the need for ice fishing gear. Additionally, fewer anglers on the water mean you get a quieter, more peaceful experience. The abundance of stocked trout and active bass in the winter ensures that you’ll leave with plenty of memorable catches—and possibly a trophy fish!
Winter fishing also gives anglers the chance to explore Texas’ scenic landscapes without the intense heat of summer. Whether you're wading through rivers or casting off from a boat, the cooler temperatures make every outing enjoyable.

​Winter fishing in Texas offers something for every angler, from rainbow trout in the Guadalupe River to striped bass in Lake Texoma and trophy bass at Lake Fork. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to enjoy the calm of winter waters, Texas’ fishing destinations have you covered. With these top five locations--Lake Texoma, Guadalupe River, Lake Fork, Possum Kingdom Lake, and Sam Rayburn Reservoir—you’ll have no trouble reeling in exciting catches like trout, largemouth bass, and catfish.

So, grab your gear, bundle up, and hit the water! Winter fishing in Texas promises unforgettable moments, a variety of fish species, and plenty of reasons to keep casting all season long.