The Gorgeous, Little-Known Lake Is One of the Most Underrated Fishing Spots in Texas

In my opinion, the most underrated fishing spots in Texas are the lakes that offer lots of peace and quiet. After all, fishing is just as much about the fish you actually catch as it is about the solitude and tranquility of the experience. As you sit patiently, rod in hand, gazing at the shimmering water, with the sounds of songbirds in the distance, you’ll soon realize that time slows down, and each moment feels alive. You can have this experience and more at Choke Canyon Reservoir in Calliham. 

This 26,000-acre haven is filled with bass, crappie, catfish, and several other fish species just waiting to bite. Plus, it’s less known than places like Caddo Lake, making it one of the most underrated fishing lakes in Texas. 

Why Choke Canyon Reservoir Is One of Texas’ Best Kept Secrets

Fishing is a Texas rite of passage, which often means that many of the best spots are crowded – but not Choke Canyon Reservoir. Created in 1982 after the damming of the Frio River, this quiet fishing spot is located between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, inside Choke Canyon State Park. The park is divided into two units: Calliham and South Shore. Calliham is a full-service park with campsites, while South Shore is day-use only with boating, fishing, and birding. The facilities here are incredible. Both units in the park have boat ramps, while Calliham also has a rock jetty and fish cleaning shelters.

The lake itself, the centerpiece of the park, is one of the best places in Texas for largemouth bass fishing. In fact, many anglers have caught these sportfish weighing double-digits. Not only that, but the reservoir is also stocked with Alligator Gar, some reaching more than six feet long. So, you'll have a peaceful day of fishing here, and chances are you’ll reel in your very own trophy catch, too. The untouched shoreline is wonderful for casting a line, but you'll have a better experience on a boat.

Although the lake is a major draw for anglers, its main appeal is its isolation. Unlike more popular fishing lakes in Texas, there are no heavy crowds here. While enjoying a quiet day of fishing, you can also watch the copper-colored sunsets stretch across the sky. If you enjoy a slow paced destiantions that are far removed from the busy hubs in Texas, this lake is for you.

What You Can Catch at This Underrated Texas Fishing Spot

Whether you cast your line from your boat or the shore, there's a good chance you won't go home empty-handed. The lake is populated with sunfish, alligator gar, and crappie, but trophy-sized largemouth bass and blue catfish are the most abundant species here. Depending on the season, the fish will be in different sections of the lake. In spring, you'll find them in shallow waters near the shoreline, and in summer, they will move to deeper waters. In fall and winter, you'll find that everything will slow down, meaning it will take a little bit more patience to reel in that catch.

Keep in mind, there are some fishing regulations that you must follow here, so you'll want to check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website before you plan your trip. If fishing from a boat, anyone 17 or older will also need to have a Texas fishing license, so don't leave home without it. The good news is, you can cast your line from the shore without a license.

Beyond fishing, the lake is a haven for songbirds, herons, egrets, and other migratory birds, as well as alligators, white-tailed deer, javelinas, coyotes, wild boars, and perhaps the occasional bobcat. Be sure to be on the lookout for the wildlife that call this low-key lake home. This is the kind of place where you can take the kids for their first fishing trip without the competition or the crowds.

What to Know Before You Visit

As you already know, fishing takes a lot of planning. So, for the best experience at Choke Canyon Reservoir, I suggest staying overnight at the park. That way, you can take your time and not feel rushed after a day of fishing. As far as camping goes, you can choose between campsites with water, electricity, and a 50-amp hookup, walk-in tent sites with water, and a youth group camp. Nothing beats an old-fashioned camping trip at a secluded Texas lake (complete with homemade s'mores, of course) followed by an early morning fishing expedition!

If you don't want to spend the night, no worries! There are tons of picnic tables and BBQ grills for an epic day trip. The best time to visit? Spring is the prime season for fishing, especially since the bass will be spawning then. Summers are hot, but if you plan an early morning trip, you'll be in for a treat. It's typically the most peaceful time to get on the water, plus, you'll get to see the sun as it rises in the morning sky.

While Choke Canyon Reservoir doesn't hold the title for the clearest lake in Texas, it feels authentic and unmatched. Unlike more popular fishing destinations, the shorelines aren't crowded, and professional anglers and beginners can escape the big crowds for a peaceful, care-free day on the water. That alone makes this fishing destination in Texas worth visiting.

Visit Texas Parks & Wildlife for more information about fishing and visiting the park, including current hours and entrance fees.