Fishing Choke Canyon Reservoir

AKA: Choke Canyon Lake

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Choke Canyon Reservoir, TX

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Blue Catfish Fishing

This year blue catfish are plentiful in Choke Canyon Reservoir. Local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 120 pounds. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits.

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Choke Canyon Reservoir continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass, as it has for several years now. A significant number of larger bass also roam these waters, so there is always the potential for catching a lunker. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If you find them shallow, and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Choke Canyon Reservoir on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Thoughtful fisheries management by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has maintained a decent bass fishery here. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding lately. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

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Crappie Fishing

Choke Canyon Reservoir has long been a decent crappie fishing lake. The lake has populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, tilapia, white bass, alligator gar and longnose gar at Choke Canyon Reservoir in Central Texas.

Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing Video

If you enjoy fishing for bass or catfish, add Choke Canyon Reservoir to your bucket list. It is a 26,000-acre lake in the south-central part of the state, at Three Rivers, TX. The lake also maintains populations of crappie, sunfish, gar and white bass. Two boat ramps and several area campgrounds simplify camping and fishing, and a great place to bring the family.

Choke Canyon Reservoir, located in South Texas, is a renowned fishing destination that offers a wealth of opportunities for anglers. The reservoir is known for its excellent fishing prospects, attracting enthusiasts from near and far. Largemouth bass is the prized target for many fishermen at Choke Canyon Reservoir. The lake's structure, submerged vegetation, and abundance of forage provide an ideal habitat for bass, making it a hotspot for both recreational anglers and tournament fishermen. Anglers can also find other popular species such as catfish, crappie, and sunfish, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing adventure.

Fishing options span the 130 miles of shoreline offering deep and shallow brush and trees, rocky points and humps, and aquatic vegetation. Bank fishing is an option at various locations around the lake, and boats of all kinds provide access to some of the less-accessible shoreline areas. Canoes, kayaks, fishing boats and pleasure boats are all welcome here. During spring, anglers have the potential of catching a lunker over 10 pounds. Spring and Fall feature shallow-water fishing while most of the fish move deeper in summer and winter.

Primary fish species residing in Choke Canyon Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Choke Canyon Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Another favorite activity on Choke Canyon Reservoir is boating, with its expansive waters and scenic surroundings providing an ideal setting for water-based fun. Whether it's cruising, water skiing, or simply enjoying a leisurely day on the water, boaters have plenty of space to indulge in their preferred activities. The reservoir features boat ramps and marinas, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. Exploring Choke Canyon Reservoir by boat allows visitors to take in the natural beauty, marvel at the abundant wildlife, and fully embrace the serenity of the reservoir.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Calliham Unit Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Recreational Road 8, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Highway 99 Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, at the north end of the Highway 99 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Mason Point Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Recreational Road 7, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

San Miguel Public Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Wildlife Ranch Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

South Shore Unit Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, at the south end of the dam, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Choke Canyon Reservoir

Choke Canyon Charters - bass, crappie

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Texas Fishing License.

Camping is a popular pastime at Choke Canyon Reservoir, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat. The reservoir provides several campgrounds, accommodating both tent and RV campers. Campers can relax amidst the serene ambiance, enjoy hiking trails, and savor evenings by campfires under the starry sky. Camping at Choke Canyon Reservoir allows visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the tranquility of the outdoors.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Choke Canyon State Park Campground - 361 786-3868

Choke Canyon RV Park - 361 786-4515

Miller Crossing Campground - 361 786-4600

Big Ranch RV Park - 817 734-5589

Choke Canyon Reservoir TX Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Choke Canyon Lake
Choke Canyon State Park
P. O. Box 2
Calliham, TX 78007
361 786-3868

Fishing lakes in each state.

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