The fish of Texas.

8 species in Lakes & Reservoirs

• Native

  Largemouth Bass

  Micropterus salmoides

  Texas reservoirs are known for big fish. Look for them around grass edges, laydowns and shade.

  Stock Ponds & TanksLakes & ReservoirsRiversHill Country Creeks
• Native

  Spotted Bass

  Micropterus punctulatus

  Common in East Texas rivers. Hits hard and likes rocky banks with current.

  RiversLakes & Reservoirs
• Native

  Bluegill

  Lepomis macrochirus · “Bream, perch”

  The classic tank fish. In late spring, look for their spawning beds in the shallows.

  Stock Ponds & TanksLakes & ReservoirsHill Country CreeksRivers
• Native

  Redear Sunfish

  Lepomis microlophus · “Shellcracker”

  Feeds on snails along the bottom, so fish deeper and slower than you would for bluegill.

  Stock Ponds & TanksLakes & Reservoirs
• Native

  White Bass

  Morone chrysops · “Sand bass”

  In late winter they run up the rivers to spawn. Every Texas fly angler should fish the sand bass run at least once.

  Lakes & ReservoirsRivers
• Native

  White Crappie

  Pomoxis annularis · “Sac-a-lait”

  Look for them around brush piles and boat docks. Strip slowly.

  Lakes & ReservoirsStock Ponds & Tanks
• Native

  Longnose Gar

  Lepisosteus osseus

  An ancient fish. Use a frayed rope fly that tangles in their teeth.

  RiversLakes & Reservoirs
• Introduced

  Common Carp

  Cyprinus carpio

  Sometimes called the freshwater bonefish. Sight-fish them while they tail in the shallows.

  Lakes & ReservoirsRiversStock Ponds & Tanks