Fishing Lake Kemp

AKA: Kemp Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Kemp Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Popular Fish Species Lake Kemp, TX

Striped Bass Fishing

Thanks to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Kemp. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day. Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

White Crappie Fishing

Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Lake Kemp, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here.

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass are often found in small schools on steep banks, around rocky or sandy shorelines, points and ledges. They often prefer hanging out in slightly deeper water than largemouths. Here at Lake Kemp, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a good tussle when hooked. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, small sunfish and small bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use drop-shot worms and jigs. Throughout winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, white bass and striped bass at Lake Kemp in Central Texas.

Lake Kemp Fishing Video

Lake Kemp, located in North Central Texas, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking an exciting angling experience. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers of all skill levels. Largemouth bass is the prized target for many fishermen at Lake Kemp. With its submerged structure, boat docks, and rocky shorelines, the lake provides an ideal habitat for bass, making it a hotspot for both recreational anglers and tournament participants. Anglers can also target other popular species such as catfish, crappie, white bass, and sunfish, ensuring a diverse and thrilling fishing adventure.

Anglers have over 100 miles of shoreline to explore around Lake Kemp. This a 15,500-acre lake in the north-central part of the state, only 10 miles north of Seymour, TX. Fluctuating water levels can impact fishing opportunities, leaving much of the cover high and dry when water levels are low. However, the lake sports good numbers of bass, stripers, catfish, crappie and white bass. Rocky shorelines, timber, aquatic vegetation (at high-water levels), brush and boat docks provide much of the cover for baitfish, crappie and bass. White bass and striped bass follow schools of baitfish which move up shallow in spring and fall, then deeper in winter and summer. Launching a boat at one of the seven pay areas with boat launch ramps is simple when the lake is full or close to it. Moonshine area may be the best option during low-water periods. Also, fishing from shore is accessible in these areas. Often the option to portage a canoe or kayak is ideal when lake levels are low.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Kemp

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Kemp Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a favored activity on Lake Kemp, as the lake's expansive waters and picturesque surroundings make it an ideal setting for water-based fun. Whether it's leisurely cruising, water skiing, or simply enjoying a boat ride, there is ample space for boaters to indulge in their favorite activities. Lake Kemp features boat ramps and marinas, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. The calm waters and beautiful shoreline of the lake create a delightful environment for boating adventures.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Flippin Creek Gate Launch Ramp
Located in the east side of the lake, off Hotel Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Moonshine Gate Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the east side of the lake, off Willingham Loop, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Kemp

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 Lake Kemp, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area and enjoy a peaceful retreat. The lake provides several campgrounds, accommodating both tent and RV campers. Campers can relax amidst the serene ambiance, enjoy nature walks, and spend evenings by campfires beneath the starry sky. Camping at Lake Kemp allows visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the tranquility of the outdoors.