With miles of lush shoreline, vibrant nature, and pristine waters, Lake Conroe is the treasure of Montgomery County. It’s also only an hour’s drive from Houston, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. And while you’re there, make sure you don’t miss out on some angling, because Lake Conroe fishing is off the charts.
Aside from serving as the venue for numerous Bass tournaments, including the prestigious Bassmaster Classic in 2017, the lake will give you a shot at several other prized freshwater species. So if you’d like to find out more about what you can catch, when, and where, keep reading. We’ll provide all the basic information you need for a successful trip.
Best Fish to Catch on Lake Conroe
First up, let’s go over what you can catch while fishing on Lake Conroe. We hinted at it a little by mentioning Bass tournaments but that’s far from all you can reel in on the lake. In fact, there’s one fish that’s just as popular in these waters, and synonymous with Texas fishing and that’s…
Catfish
Yes, Catfish! The lake is home to two varieties of this mustached species – Channel and Blue Catfish. In terms of numbers, you’ll see a lot more of the Channel variety. They’re likely the most abundant species in Lake Conroe overall. However, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hook into Blue Catfish as well, and they usually tend to be a bit bigger than their cousins.
If you’ve ever been catfishing (not the internet kind) before, you already know how fun it is. Catfish are great fighters and, since there are a lot of them in Lake Conroe, you can expect consistent action when targeting them. Of course, once you’ve fought and caught your fill of these fish, they’ll make for fantastic table fare.
Bass
There are several species of these fish swimming through Lake Conroe. The most prized ones among them are Largemouth Bass, White Bass, and Hybrid Striped Bass.
Largemouth Bass need no introduction. They’re the species that sparked sportfishing. They’re the reason many of the lures we use today were invented, and why anglers have continually sought to improve the rods, reels, and even boats used for Bass fishing. Lake Conroe will give you plenty of chances to reel in these freshwater superstars, including trophy-sized specimens.
Besides Largemouth, many anglers visit the lake to catch their fill of White and Hybrid Striped Bass. While both of these will provide you with tons of action, Hybrids are considered to be the better fighters of the two. Some anglers even compare Hybrids to Bonefish, as both are incredibly strong and tenacious considering their size.
The Bass patterns on Lake Conroe are similar to those you’ll find on many other lakes. In spring and fall, you’ll get hookups close to shore, and around weed beds and other cover. During summer, when the waters are all warmed up, Bass retreat into the depths. So if you’re visiting in the summertime, you’ll need a vessel to get the most out of your trip.
Bluegill
Another species you’ll find while fishing on Lake Conroe is Bluegill. Owing to their delicious taste, these Panfish are among the most popular targets in these waters. Bluegill are also a blast to catch. It can sometimes take a while to find where they hide. However, once you’ve located them, you’ll usually find them hungry and eager to bite.
What’s also great is that Lake Conroe Bluegill can get quite big. Occasionally, anglers have been known to catch specimens reaching up to 12 inches. You’ll often find Bluegill fishing along riprap, around weed beds, and near other types of cover. As for bait, you can use live worms, nightcrawlers, and even crickets.
Crappie
While you’re out there looking for Bluegill, you’ll also get your shot at some Crappie. Although they’re not considered to be quite as tasty as our previous entry, they’re still good eating and tons of fun to fish for. There are both White and Black Crappie swimming through Lake Conroe. They’re different in appearance but you’ll usually find them lurking around the same spots.
There are several brush piles scattered throughout Lake Conroe. These attract and provide cover for Crappie so they should be the first things you look for when targeting them. You can generally find Crappie almost year-round, but the best fishing takes place during spring and fall.
And a Few Others!
Throughout the lake, you’ll find a few more species of Sunfish besides the Bluegill we already mentioned. Although rare, you may also see the likes of Bowfin, Gar, Carp, or Smallmouth Buffalo gobble up your bait. With such a lineup of freshwater favorites, all you have to do is pick what you want to go for first and choose how you want to do it.
How to Go Fishing on Lake Conroe
Depending on your budget, experience, and, of course, preference, there are a few different ways to go fishing on Lake Conroe. So let’s go over what they are and the kind of adventure you can expect with each approach.
Shore Fishing
The simplest, oldest way to tackle these waters is to find a spot along the shore you like and start casting. It’s also the most economical way to fish Lake Conroe. You’ll just need to bring your fishing equipment or rent it from one of the various tackle shops around the lake.
You’ll have the most luck fishing from shore in spring and fall, when the waters aren’t too warm. During summer, the fish typically retreat into deeper waters making it more difficult to target them from shore. However, if you still plan on shore fishing Lake Conroe in the summer, you should head out either early in the morning or late in the evening. That’s when you’ll find fish within range of the coast.
Boat Fishing
On the other hand, if you decide to rent a boat or fish with one of the numerous Lake Conroe fishing guides, you’ll get far more variety. Unless the weather is really awful and you make the decision to skip the trip, a boat will get you where you need to be no matter the time of the year. So you won’t need to worry about whether the fish are deep or shallow, you’ll be able to reach them either way.
And if you’re fishing with a guide, they’ll usually provide you with all the gear you need for the trip. You’ll also get to make use of both their angling and local knowledge. After all, you’ll be fishing with a professional who knows the waters and the way the fish move. For novice anglers eager to learn or seasoned anglers chasing personal bests, fishing with a guide is the best way to ensure a productive trip.
Kayak Fishing
Now, you may be thinking that kayaks give you the same type of opportunities a boat does. And, by and large, that’s true. On a kayak, you’ll get access to spots both close and away from shore. You’ll also be able to sneak up on the fish almost without making a sound.
However, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind if you decide to go kayak fishing on Lake Conroe. These are mainly wind and water conditions, which can turn your trip sour if you’re caught unprepared and in deeper waters. You also have to mind the boat traffic. During summer, you’ll have to paddle away from shore to get to the fish, but it’s also when most other boaters will be there.
Lake Conroe Fishing Spots
There’s good fishing all over Lake Conroe, so it all depends on what you want to catch and when. For Bass, you can try exploring the vegetation in the northern half of the lake. Or you can try fishing in the southern portion, along the shoreline and docks. Riprap, stumps, and brush piles are also great to fish, whether you’re chasing after Bass, Bluegill, or Crappie.
Catfish can be found all over the lake. In the early morning, evening, or night, they can be targeted from shore, in places such as Cagle Recreation Area or Lake Conroe Park. During the daytime, Catfish move to deeper waters. When the fish are deep, try searching for underwater ledges and dropoffs and you could end up reeling in all kinds of tasty prizes.
When to Go Fishing on Lake Conroe
Fishing on Lake Conroe is a year-round activity. However, spring and fall are regarded as the best seasons to conquer these waters. During these seasons, Bass fishing is off the charts. This is the time of the year when they populate the shallows to spawn, and you can easily locate them closer to the shore.
If you prefer Channel Catfish to Bass, you’ll be in for a treat even in winter. As we already mentioned, Lake Conroe is a fishery open to angling throughout the entire year, so there’s always something biting.
Lake Conroe Fishing Regulations
But before you can start your Lake Conroe adventure, you’ll need to get a Texas fishing license with a freshwater endorsement. This applies to most anglers older than 17. There are a few exceptions that you can get familiar with in our Texas fishing license guide.
It’s also a good idea to read up on some of the fish size and bag regulations. That way, you’ll know how much of which species you’ll get to keep. Except for Sunfish, the species you’ll generally catch are subject to different regulations. You can check these out by visiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Lake Conroe: The Perfect Place for a Fishing Getaway
Whether you’re a seasoned Bass fisherman or you just want to take your family on a relaxing fishing trip, Lake Conroe will rise up to your expectations. It’s both a place where you can hone your fishing skills and aim for a personal best. So pack your gear or hook up with a guide, and you’ll be in for a true Texas freshwater adventure.
Have you ever fished on Lake Conroe before? What are the species you enjoy catching the most? Tap the comment button in the section below and let us know!
