Fishing Navarro Mills Lake
AKA: Navarro Mills Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Navarro Mills Lake, TX
White Crappie Fishing
Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Navarro Mills Lake, and 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. Black crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.
White Bass Fishing
White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. Numerous successful spawn years have increased the population of white bass in Navarro Mills Lake, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Navarro Mills Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Navarro Mills Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill and white bass at Navarro Mills Lake in East Texas.
Navarro Mills Lake Fishing Video
Crappie thrive among the flooded timber at Navarro Mills Lake. This 5,000-acre reservoir in the east-central part of the state, at Navarro Mills, is also home to bass, catfish, bluegill and white bass. Multiple boat ramps provide easy launching of fishing boats, pleasure boats and water sport craft.
Navarro Mills Lake, located in Central Texas, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking an enjoyable angling experience. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers of all levels. Largemouth bass is the prized target for many fishermen at Navarro Mills Lake. With its submerged structure, boat docks, and brush piles, the lake provides an ideal habitat for bass, making it a favored spot for bass fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can also target other popular species such as catfish, crappie, and sunfish, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing adventure.
Portage of canoes and kayaks is an option at several places around the lake. Over 30 miles of shoreline has either rocky banks or vegetation for cover. The upper end of the lake has a significant number of standing timber.
Primary fish species residing in Navarro Mills Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Navarro Mills Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favored activity on Navarro Mills Lake, as the lake's calm waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal setting for water-based fun. Whether it's leisurely cruising, water skiing, or fishing from a boat, there is ample space for boaters to enjoy their preferred activities. Navarro Mills Lake features boat ramps and marinas, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. The serene ambiance and picturesque landscapes of the lake create a delightful environment for boating adventures.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Liberty Hill Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off County Road 709, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Pecan Point Park Launch Ramps
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off NW County Road 3360, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Wolf Creek Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off NW 3140 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Navarro Mills Lake
Major Guide Service - crappie, catfish
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 Navarro Mills Lake, 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 Navarro Mills Lake allows visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the tranquility of the outdoors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Navarro Mills Lake Oak Campground - 254 578-1431
Navarro Mills Lake Pecan Campground - 254 578-1431
Navarro Mills Lake Wolf Creek Campground - 254 578-1431
Navarro Mills Lake Liberty Hill Campground - 254 578-1431
Navarro Mills Lake TX Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Navarro Mills Lake
Navarro Mills Lake Marina
18500 FM 709 N
Dawson, Texas 76639
254 578-1131
Fishing lakes in each state.
100824
Navarro Mills Lake in East Texas.
TEXAS
Information about fishing lakes in East Texas
Navarro Mills Lake offers prime crappie, catfish and white bass fishing in East TX.
