West Tawakoni, Texas sits on the shores of Lake Tawakoni, officially recognized as the "Catfish Capital of Texas" by the Texas State Legislature. This 37,879-acre East Texas reservoir, constructed in 1960 with the Iron Bridge Dam, offers anglers an exceptional fishing experience just 90 miles east of DFW Airport.
Lake Tawakoni's waters are famous for their abundant catfish population, with trophy blue catfish catches common, especially during winter months. Anglers target these whiskered giants using various techniques including drift fishing, bank fishing, and trotlining with baits ranging from cut bait and shrimp to liver and stink baits.
Beyond catfish, the lake boasts excellent fishing for striped bass, hybrid striped bass, and white bass in its open water areas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department maintains these fisheries through annual stocking programs. Largemouth bass fishing can be productive around shoreline structures like piers, boat houses, vegetation, and trees, with spring spawning and fall schooling periods offering peak action.
Crappie fishing thrives around standing timber, bridge pilings, and artificial attractors, while channel and blue catfish remain abundant throughout the reservoir.
The lake features multiple access points including Wind Point Park with concrete boat ramps and a 300-foot fishing pier, the public ramp at Two Mile Bridge East, Kenny's Landing, and several other facilities offering convenient water access.
West Tawakoni fishing charters provide the perfect opportunity to experience this diverse fishery with knowledgeable local guides who specialize in targeting the lake's famous catfish or pursuing other popular gamefish species. Whether you're after a trophy blue catfish or a limit of tasty eating-size fish, Lake Tawakoni delivers year-round fishing action in a scenic East Texas setting.