Freshwater Fishing at Choke Canyon: A Texas State Park
Fishing for largemouth bass among the hydrilla grass is exceptional. Catfish can be found in 20 to 40 feet of water. You can fish along the jetty near the boat ramp. There is also a 75 foot lake that is stocked with catfish, bass, and sunfish.
Choke Canyon participates in the special family-oriented fishing events which are held yearly and are fun. Many events offer prizes such as fishing equipment. For info regarding these fishing celebrations contact the Texas State Park near you.
Angling Opportunities
The most plentiful catfish species are the Blue catfish, but flathead and channel catfish also are good catches. White bass present outstanding angling prospects in the main Frio River channel during the cooler months and along the northern shoreline during summer. Largemouth bass and catfish are the most popular sport fish in the reservoir. Bass are abundant with frequent reports of double-digit fish being caught.
Tips Provided by Choke Canyon Park
Catfish anglers can find channel, blue, and flathead catfish throughout the reservoir. Cheesebait and cutbait produce notable catches of blue catfish, while the larger flathead and blue catfish prefer live bluegill and shad. Experienced flathead anglers focus on creek channels and the main Frio River channel.
White bass assemble in the Frio River channel from December through February. Although live minnows are popular baits during this annual “spawn run,” many anglers catch their limit using small rattletraps, shad raps, small spinnerbaits, and small grubs. When the weather warms, white bass will school in deeper water located near the northern shoreline of the main reservoir.
Largemouth bass anglers are most successful at Choke Canyon during the spring, fall, and winter months. Popular spring baits include spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and rattletraps. Summer bass fishing at Choke Canyon can be frustrating for even the most experienced angler. Topwater baits such as buzzbaits, Zara Spooks, or Pop-R’s, presented very early or very late in the day near weedbeds, are popular and can be successful throughout the day if cloudy. As summer temperatures rise, some fishermen concentrate on shaded areas in submerged vegetation while many experienced anglers go deep. Deep water bass fishing is best using crankbaits, Texas-rigged worms, Carolina-rigged plastics, or jigging spoons. Brushy main-lake points, rocky shorelines, submerged roadbeds, and flooded brush near deep water or a dropoff are highly recommended targets for bass when temperatures reach 90Ã?°F or higher.
Camping:
Camping at the southern portion of Choke Canyon State Park is available with 15 sites providing electricity and water hookups. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table as well. Features include a boat ramp, lighted fishing cleaning stations, restrooms and covered picnic areas. Daily entrance fees are $3 per person over 12 years.
