If you love to fish and find yourself at Mystic Quarry, you’re in luck. When it comes to weekend fishing getaways, Canyon Lake is one of the top destinations in Texas. Not only does it have beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities, but it’s also a great place to cool off in the summer heat.
Fishing is a huge draw here, so it’s no wonder that many people return to Canyon Lake time and again. If you’re interested in trying your luck at fishing here, keep reading to learn about some of the best spots!
Best Places to Fish at Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is a perfect destination to fish and enjoy outdoor activities. It is a great day trip from Mystic Quarry and makes an excellent weekend getaway for anyone looking for a quiet change of scenery.
Bass fishing is very popular at Canyon Lake. In the spring and summer months, anglers can find largemouth bass and white bass cruising main lake points, rocky shorelines, and flooded timber in search of food. Largemouth bass are known for their aggressive fights and sudden runs for cover.
Crappie, bluegills, and sunfish are also a common catch at Canyon Lake. Fishing for these species can be more difficult in the summer because of high water temperatures, but you will often have better luck if you are able to troll deep cuts and shelves during the early morning hours or after sunset when the sun is low.
In autumn, striped bass can be caught from the river, but catfish are more common in the deeper areas. You can catch striped bass using worms, insects, and light tackle.
Types of Fish Found at Canyon Lake
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Black and White Crappie
- Largemouth, Striped, and White Bass
- Bluegill
- Redbreast Sunfish
- Longnose Gar
- Spotted Gar
What to Pack for Fishing at Canyon Lake
When planning a fishing weekend at Canyon Lake, you’ll want to make sure to pack a few essential items. This includes your Texas fishing license, food and drinks, bait and tackle, all of your favorite fishing gear, and a cooler for your fish.
You can also bring your own boat if you have one or rent a rental boat from one of the many marinas on the lake. The best way to experience the beauty of the lake is to get on the water and enjoy all of its wonders.
Where to Go
Canyon Lake’s beautiful, clear waters are a popular destination for not only fishing, but swimming, scuba diving, kayaking and other water sports.
The lake is 8,300 acres and 134 feet deep, making it a great place to fish for a variety of species. Steep rocky banks, isolated flooded timber, rock ledges and marinas are key habitats for game fish. Cedar-tree and plastic fish habitat structures are also scattered throughout the lake.
If you’re looking to catch a big bass, head to the top of the lake, where the fish tend to congregate. They run in schools and are tough fighters!
With over 15 public access points, great fishing can be had from the shore at several parks, but the best way to enjoy Canyon Lake is by boat. With a boat, you will have access to Canyon Lake and the Guadeloupe River.
What to Know
The top target for most anglers on Canyon Lake is the largemouth bass, also known as black or bucket-mouth bass. These fish are capable of growing to over 80 pounds and give you a fight that few other freshwater or saltwater fish can match.
The fish run in schools and put up a fight when you hook one. Striped bass start running in the fall and continue to be caught through the winter. White bass are found in the spring, and you can also find catfish here any time of year.