Fishing Near Gainesville, Texas.
Texas offers a unique fishing experience that draws visitors from far and wide. Gainesville, TX, situated amidst a variety of lakes and rivers, is a prime destination for anglers seeking tranquility and a rewarding catch. In this guide, we will take you through the must-visit fishing spots near Gainesville, as well as the essentials you need to know before casting your line.
Texas Fishing License
Before we dive into the fishing hotspots, it's essential to note that a
Texas Fishing License is mandatory for all anglers above the age of 17, regardless of residency. Fortunately, both residents and non-residents have the option to purchase either a one-day license or an annual permit. The cost is $11 for Texas residents and $16 for non-residents for a one-day all-water license, granting access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. These licenses are available for purchase online or at authorized retailers.
Red River Fishing
The Red River serves as the natural boundary between Texas and Oklahoma, offering numerous access points for fishing. For guests of Lone Oak Ranch and Retreat, convenient access near Thackerville, Oklahoma, awaits. While fishing above Lake Texhoma can be challenging, anglers have reported successful catches of bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, walleye, gar, and carp. Lake Texhoma itself provides an excellent fishing experience for visitors.
Lake Ray Roberts, a nearby body of water, is an excellent choice for anglers. Whether you prefer fishing from the shore or by boat, this lake has it all. Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, white bass, and sunfish are the primary species you'll encounter here. Keep an eye out for blue bass ranging from 12 to 20 inches. Some specimens reach impressive sizes exceeding 10 pounds. The best time for largemouth bass is during the spring and fall, with February and March being ideal for trophy bass.
Moss Lake, located approximately 10 miles northwest of Gainesville, promises a satisfying bass fishing experience. Here, you'll find largemouth, spotted, and white bass, with both largemouth and spotted bass providing excellent angling opportunities. White bass fishing is also feasible. Additionally, catfish, crappie, and sunfish are present, all offering rewarding catches. The abundance of largemouth and spotted bass makes spring, fall, and winter the prime seasons for visitors.
Muenster Lake, situated west of Gainesville near U.S. Highway 82, provides enticing opportunities to catch largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and fair chances for channel catfish. During the spring, you'll find bass in shallow waters. Muenster Lake is conveniently located near Muenster, Texas, and the Muenster Lake Park offers amenities such as parking, pavilions, and a pier extending into the water.
Elm Fork Trinity River
Running south of Gainesville and flowing into Lake Ray Roberts, the Elm Fork of the Trinity River offers excellent fishing opportunities. The river continues south, passing through the Denton Greenbelt and the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center before reaching Lewisville Lake. Fishing is productive as long as the river maintains sufficient depth for fish movement. The Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center is a fantastic spot to cast your line, with bass being the predominant catch in this stretch of the river. For a unique experience, try your hand at fly fishing either from the shore or in the water.
