UTERWhite bass fishing in Texas freshwater
In Texas freshwater, white bass peak February–March and July–October and are around year-round, spawning in February–March, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. February: The run: Colorado above Buchanan, the Brazos, the Trinity, the Neches — mid-to-upper 50s water.
No note for October — see the months around it.
White bass in Texas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAroundSouth Texas runs start early — the Nueces and the Frio when flows allow.
- FebruarySpawningThe run: Colorado above Buchanan, the Brazos, the Trinity, the Neches — mid-to-upper 50s water.
- MarchSpawningPeak of the run in central and north Texas; females follow the males by weeks.
- AprilLeaving
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyPeakJump schools busting shad on the main lakes at dawn.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish white bass near Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork
The big East Texas bass lakes — Fork, Rayburn, Toledo Bend — Texoma's stripers, white bass runs up every river, Hill Country rivers with native Guadalupe bass, giant alligator gar, and winter trout.
What to use for white bass
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–86°F water, best at 56–78°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch white bass in Texas freshwater?
Peak season is February–March and July–October, with fish spawning in February–March (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). White bass are here year-round. February: The run: Colorado above Buchanan, the Brazos, the Trinity, the Neches — mid-to-upper 50s water.
Where do white bass hold in Texas freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, creek / stream, bridge — around Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, Lake Texoma, Lake Conroe, Guadalupe River.
What is the best bait for white bass in Texas freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for white bass in Texas freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and change — read the current rule at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/freshwater-fishing before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses.
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