You know how the saying goes – everything’s bigger in Texas! And this is especially true for Houston. Whether it’s the city itself, its population, its natural resources, or most importantly – its fish. The “Bayou City” really embodies this nickname, and fishing in Houston is the best way to capture the city’s essence.
Speaking of nicknames, one that’s really gained weight for Houston is the “Space City,” thanks to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. And fishing here lives up to this one as well, as it’s truly out of this world! You can visit the many winding waterways and lakes in and around the city to confirm this for yourself.
If you’re looking to get a city adventure, but with a lot of great fishing, Houston’s where it’s at. And if you’re looking to unwind, it’s got that too! Some of the most beautiful natural areas surround the city, so read on to find out what makes it so special.
Best Fish to Catch in Houston
The Bayou City can’t disappoint with a nickname like that. With so many angling opportunities on offer and the variety of fishing grounds, you’ll have a hard time choosing what to target. We’ve tried to make that job a bit easier, so read on for more information on the top fish species in Houston.
Largemouth Bass
As one of the most sought-after freshwater species, Largemouth Bass is the one to target in Houston. With so many bodies of water holding great numbers of this game fish, you won’t have any issues finding the best spot to go after them. Lake Houston and San Jacinto River are considered great fisheries if you’re looking to reel in big Largemouth.
Looking for a city adventure? Don’t overlook the Buffalo Bayou. This ancient river is Houston’s main water source, but it’s also a great place to sink a line for Largemouth. Combine city fishing with the incredible fight this freshwater beast puts up, and have yourself an adrenaline-filled fishing experience.
White Bass
While it’s not as popular as its Largemouth cousin, White Bass is surely worthy of your attention. Are you looking for your first freshwater challenge? This is a great target for newbies and anglers who are just getting into freshwater fishing. If you’re looking to hook your kids on fishing, this is your go-to guy.
This is an especially tasty fish with a very interesting flavor. If you’ve never tried it, you’ll find it to be a new experience, so cooking it for dinner is sure to be enjoyable. Just head out to Lake Livingston, the best White Bass fishery in the area, and have fun. You’ll find big schools roaming around here, so sink a line and enjoy the fight.
Redfish
Moving on to saltwater species, we have to mention Redfish. One of the Texan fishermen’s favorite fish, this feisty creature will give you a run for your money. What makes it special? We’re sure you know this, but it’s delicious. Apart from that, it’s one of those inshore beasts that provides a great fight.
Getting a Redfish to bite isn’t hard, but reeling it in is where the struggle begins. Make sure to arm yourself with patience, and you won’t have any issue catching a tasty dinner. And where do you find it? Just head over to Clear Lake or any saltwater bay around Houston, and you’ll find schools of trophy Redfish.
Speckled Trout
Looking for an inshore saltwater adventure? Speckled Trout is the one for you. Highly revered and sought after in Texas by novice and experienced anglers alike, this creature will show you a good time. This tasty fish is a favorite light tackle game fish, giving you just enough fight to make it a challenge.
Get down to Galveston Bay for your fill of adventure, and spend the day relaxing while going after prized Specks. It even holds some true monsters, with Gator Trout over 6 pounds being a frequent occurrence. You’ll have your hands full, and your belly satisfied after a nice dinner back at home.
Flounder and More
One of the most beloved fish in Texas, Flounder is the tastiest meal you can have after a day on the water. And there’s hardly a better place to find it! Just head out to the Galveston Bay area and let the games begin. One of the best places to visit for some prized Flounder is Clear Lake, so grab a rod and try it out.
There’s a variety of other species on offer that didn’t make the list. Freshwater fishing can also yield big Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Carp, Crappie, and Bluegill. Saltwater species also include Black Drum, Sheepshead, Sharks, Mackerel, Cobia, and many more.
How to Go Fishing in Houston
With all the bodies of water around the Houston area, it’s no surprise that there’s a whole host of ways you can explore it. Whether it’s heading out to the rivers and lakes, or all the way out to the Gulf, fishing around Houston is a unique experience. Keep on reading to figure out the best ways to go about it.
Charter Fishing
Are you looking to get the most out of your fishing adventure? Then charter fishing tops the list. Easily the most productive way of heading out on the water, charter fishing in Houston is as fun as it is prolific. You’ll cover a lot of ground, and depending on where you go, you’ll fill your bags with some of the most delicious fish.
And all that with the help of a local. There are numerous advantages of heading out on a charter, and one of them is getting to do it with an experienced captain. This way, you’ll get to visit the richest grounds and have guidance, so you’ll have the best chances of reeling in some personal records.
Shore Fishing
Whether it’s a river, a lake, or the sea, fishing on foot is something every angler enjoys. It’s a great way to spend your day, soaking in the sun and relaxing while waiting for that fish to bite. Luckily in Houston, there’s a variety of spots you can visit for productive fishing. You just have to get out, find a body of water, and fish on.
And finding a body of water is the easiest thing in Houston. You can cast a line right on the banks of Buffalo Bayou in the city, or head out to one of the surrounding lakes. If you’re looking for saltwater action, heading down to Galveston Bay and doing some pier or surf fishing is a great idea.
Kayak Fishing
Looking for a bit more excitement? Then getting to explore the natural world from a kayak is right up your alley. Visit one of the beautiful lakes around Houston, and enjoy it from a completely different point of view. Hopping in a kayak will give you a workout, but you’ll also get up close and personal with everything that makes fishing fun.
One of the best places to visit if you’re looking for kayak fishing is definitely Clear Lake. Here, you can rent a kayak, grab a fishing rod, and head out in search of prized Trout and Redfish. You’ll get to have a real adventure, all while making sure you’re taking some tasty dinner back home.
Houston Fishing Spots
Now that you’ve gotten a sense of what you want to do, and what species you’d like to target, it’s time to decide on where to go. It’s not an easy feat considering the sheer number of options, but we’ve tried to compile a list to help you plan your trip. Read on to find out where to go fishing in Houston.
- Lake Houston: Starting off with the eponymous lake, this is the most well-known fishing spot in the area. Considering the sheer size of it, it’s bound to give you what you need. And the healthy numbers of Bass, Catfish, and Bluegill make it a premier fishing destination.
- Buffalo Bayou: This 18,000-year-old river runs all the way through the city, and while it may not be the first to come to mind when it comes to fishing in Houston, it can provide you with a productive day. You can find Bass, Catfish, and Carp roaming these waters.
- Tom Bass Regional Park: Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful park will allow you to target Bass and Carp on a beautiful lake. There’s a fishing pier in the area, as well as all the amenities you might need for a relaxing day of fishing.
- Buffalo Run Park: Another city gem, this stunning natural area is a real treasure in the middle of the city. You’ll find four lakes filled with Bass, Catfish, and Carp here, so you can expect to have a fun city fishing adventure.
- San Jacinto River: Connecting Lake Houston and Bear Lake, this fish-filled river is a great place to unwind and let your hair down. Depending on what part of the river you’re on, you’ll be able to hook Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Sunfish, as well as prized Redfish.
- Galveston Bay: If you’re looking for a saltwater adventure, visiting Galveston Bay will yield some great results. Known for its abundance of Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Sheepshead, an inshore adventure here is sure to fill the bags.
If you’d like even more options, feel free to check out our list of the best fishing spots in and around Houston.
When to Go Fishing in Houston
When it comes to seasonality, fishing in Houston can be done at any time of the year. So if you’re not sure when to get out on the water, it’s going to depend on what you want to catch. Note that Buffalo Bayou has a catch-and-release policy, as advised by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Houston Fishing Regulations
Different fish species can be subject to specific regulations, at specific times of the year. So when it comes to the rules, it’s always best to consult the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to make sure you’re fishing within the law. You’ll also need to get a fishing license, and you can find more information on that in our extensive guide, or just watch the video above!
What makes Houston special? It’s the Bayou City!
What else do you need to know? The city’s literal nickname refers to the abundance of water in and around its limits. In Houston, you’ll find that everything’s within easy reach – beautiful rivers, stunning lakes, amazing bays, and the ocean. You won’t have to go far to find your slice of fishing paradise. And you’ll be rewarded with an experience you won’t forget.
Have you tried fishing in Houston? Did you have a good time? Tell us all about it or ask any questions you may have. We love to hear from you!
