Fishing At Lake Waco

AKA: Waco Lake, Waco Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, white bass, hybrid striped bass, longnose gar and spotted gar at Waco Lake in Central Texas.

Within the city limits of Waco, Lake Waco is a convenient place to wet a line any time you have an hour or more for fishing. This 7,200-acre lake in the east-central part of the state offers fishing for bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish, white bass, crappie, gar and bluegill.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Lake Waco, located in Central Texas, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a rewarding 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 Waco. With its submerged structure, boat docks, and abundant cover, 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.

Boating is a favored activity on Lake Waco, 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 indulge in their favorite activities. Lake Waco features multiple boat ramps and even boat rentals, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. The serene ambiance and picturesque landscapes of the lake create a delightful environment for boating adventures.

Camping is a popular pastime at Lake Waco, 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 Waco allows visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the tranquility of the outdoors.

Lake Waco offers a well-rounded recreational experience, combining exceptional fishing prospects, boating adventures, and camping facilities. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or a nature lover seeking a tranquil escape, Lake Waco provides a serene haven where you can connect with nature, indulge in outdoor activities, and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of Central Texas.

While the lake does have small amounts of aquatic vegetation, the primary cover for fish and baitfish is the structure of the lake itself - points, humps, islands, creek channels, ledges and old road beds. White bass, hybrids, and to some extent, bass tend to follow schools of baitfish as they move shallow in spring and fall, then when winter or summer sets in they move deeper for more comfortable water conditions and temperature. Spring and early summer is prime time for all three. Catfish are available year round with activity peaking in late spring. Crappie fishing can be very good, especially February through April when they move extremely shallow to spawn. Fish shallow cover for sunfish in spring, then a bit deeper the rest of the year. Several boat ramps make easy launching of pleasure and fishing boats. Numerous places around the lake have access to sections of the sixty miles of shoreline for fishing from the bank and portage of a kayak or canoe.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Waco

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Waco Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Waco Marina and Cove Marina
Rentals: Kayaks
254 717-1901

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Airport Park Boat Ramp
Located on the north side of the lake, off Airport Park, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Airport Park Boat Ramp #2
Located on the north side of the lake, off Airport Park, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Airport Park Boat Ramp #3
Located on the north side of the lake, off Airport Beach Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Flat Rock Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Flat Rock Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Koehne Park Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Koehne Park Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Lacy Point Access
Located mid lake, west side, off Classic Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Waco Marina Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off McLaughlin Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Midway Park COE Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, southeast side, at the east end of the W Highway 6 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Reynold's Creek Campground Boat Ramp #1
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, south side, off Speegleville Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Reynold's Creek Campground Boat Ramp #2
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, south side, off Speegleville Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Tennant Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, south side, off Classic Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Twin Bridges Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the southwest side of the lake, off Over Flow Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.