Biologists Predict Strong White Bass Season for East Texas

Above-average rainfall in east Texas during the 2024 fall season should bring prime white bass fishing this spring. Biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently revealed this good news to area anglers. White bass fishing in central and south Texas may be a little more 'spotty'.

Each spring, white bass run upstream from reservoirs into rivers and creeks to spawn, creating prime fishing opportunities for new and seasoned anglers. White bass can be targeted from the bank, motorized boat or paddle craft in multiple publicly accessible locations throughout the state.

The fall rains in east Texas have increased river levels, water flows and muddied the water.  TPWD biologists predict a good year for white bass fishing and in deep east Texas, the Sabine River above Toledo Bend reservoir is the top fishery. Reports indicate large females began to move up-river in mid-January.

The Neches River and Kickapoo Creek above Lake Palestine offer more prime spots for white bass in East Texas. Inland Fisheries staff also recommend staying on Highway 31 and accessing Chambers Creek above Richland Chambers and according to reports, Lake Houston shows promise with good reports coming out of Peach, Caney, and Spring creeks and Luce's Bayou.

Other potential hot spots in north-central Texas include the East Fork of the Trinity River below Lake Lavon and upstream of Lake Ray Hubbard off State Highway 78. White Bass anglers can also hook into the occasional hybrid striper coming up from Ray Hubbard. Another hot spot is on the Stewart Creek arm of Lake Lewisville where public trails along the creek in Frisco grant access for fishing.

Early reports from Inland Fisheries Division staff in San Antonio are showing signs that the Nueces River also could be a hot spot this year. Popular runs in the Waco area that could hold promise this year include the South Bosque River and Hog Creek at the southern end of Lake Waco, Nolan River above Pat Cleburne Lake, Cowhouse Creek on the North-West side of Belton, Lampasas River above Stillhouse Hollow Lake, the Brazos above Whitney and Granbury Lakes, the Navasota River above Lake Limestone, Fort Parker State Park Lake and Mexia especially above Lake Limestone.

A variety of artificial lures and flies will work for anglers targeting white bass, including small jigs, crankbaits, and streamers. The daily bag limit for white bass is 25 with a 10-inch minimum length.