Top 10 Freshwater Fish to Catch in Texas
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Largemouth Bass
Verified
World Record
22 lb 4 oz
Manabu Kurita / 2009
Lake Biwa, Japan
Manabu Kurita / 2009
Lake Biwa, Japan
Signature Fact
High-speed videos show they snap their mouth fully open in about 30 milliseconds, vacuuming prey from 3 inches.
2
Alligator Gar
Verified
World Record
279 lb 0 oz
Art Weston / 2011
Rio Grande, Texas
Art Weston / 2011
Rio Grande, Texas
Signature Fact
Their eggs are poisonous to humans, even after cooking-roe tacos are a very bad idea.
3
Channel Catfish
Verified
World Record
58 lb 0 oz
Charles Ashley / 1964
Santee-Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina
Charles Ashley / 1964
Santee-Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina
Signature Fact
With over 100,000 taste buds, its whole skin acts like a tongue hunting through muddy darkness.
4
Black Crappie
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
11 lb 5 oz
Stanley P. Lopus / 1998
Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania
Stanley P. Lopus / 1998
Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania
Signature Fact
During spawn, males can shift from silvery speckles to almost jet-black while fanning and ferociously guarding saucer nests.
5
Striped Bass (Striper)
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
81 lb 14 oz
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Signature Fact
Their eggs must stay drifting for about 48 hours-sink once, and the entire spawn suffocates.
6
Chain Pickerel
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
9 lb 6 oz
R. A. Copeland / 1961
Homerville, Georgia
R. A. Copeland / 1961
Homerville, Georgia
Signature Fact
Newly hatched pickerel have a built‑in "Velcro" forehead pad that glues them to plants until the yolk's gone.
7
Flathead
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
123 lb 0 oz
Ken Paulie / 1998
Elk City Reservoir, Kansas
Ken Paulie / 1998
Elk City Reservoir, Kansas
Signature Fact
The IGFA all-tackle record flathead weighed 123 lb 9 oz-basically a kindergarten kid with whiskers.
8
Blue Catfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
143 lb 0 oz
Richard Nicholas Anderson / 2011
Buggs Island Lake, Virginia
Richard Nicholas Anderson / 2011
Buggs Island Lake, Virginia
Signature Fact
World record: 143 pounds-hook one and the first surge can shove a jon boat sideways.
9
Spotted Bass
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
11 lb 4 oz
Randy Capps / 2014
New Bullards Bar Reservoir, California
Randy Capps / 2014
New Bullards Bar Reservoir, California
Signature Fact
Spotted bass hunt like saltwater wolves, schooling to push bait into balls, then blitzing the surface together.
10
White Catfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
19 lb 5 oz
Edward J. Riddick / 2005
John H. Kerr Reservoir, Virginia
Edward J. Riddick / 2005
John H. Kerr Reservoir, Virginia
Signature Fact
North America's most salt-tolerant catfish, shrugging off brackish water near 10-15 ppt-basically light seawater.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Texas?
In Texas freshwater, you’ll find largemouth bass, alligator gar, channel catfish, black crappie, striped bass, blue catfish, and more.
What is the best time of year to fish in Texas?
Spring and fall usually bring the best action in Texas freshwater, but you can catch fish year-round.
Where are the best places to fish in Texas?
Texas is loaded with freshwater spots, from big reservoirs to winding rivers. Find a place with structure and you’ll find fish.
What gear do you need for fishing in Texas?
Bring medium to heavy rods, tough line, and sturdy hooks. Texas fish like largemouth bass and alligator gar are no joke.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Texas?
Channel catfish, blue catfish, and black crappie are some of the most beginner-friendly freshwater fish in Texas.
