Hey guys, I normally spend my forum time in the bass fishing section. Next weekend we will be on a little family vacation in the Dallas area, and I was hoping to sneak in a few hours trying to catch some cats from a dock or bank somewhere. We will be staying in Farmers Branch. Are there any rivers or lakes in that area with bank/dock access that would produce a few cats just to catch for fun? Won't keep any, just want to have some fun. I'm willing to drive up to 30-45 minutes if it would produce better results. Thanks!

I was told that the ray roberts spillway is producing cats. That would be east bank access.

Thanks. I'll check it out. Any others?

No one else bank fishes for cats in Dallas? Surely the water isn't that bad.

I hit three different spots Saturday and only had one bite. Tried every bait possible. Just no luck...

I have been skunked since May when the floods started. Wasn't able to reach my boat. Never been through floods like this, almost feels like I have to learn how to fish again.

You could try California Crossing dam in Las Colinas for blues, just below the damn you can cast a net and catch shad, cut them up and try to set your bait in the flooded shallows as close as you can to the current. Use a 4oz. or so weight and should produce at dark. Me and a buddy caught some nice ones out there doing that the other night. Just take care of hidden rocks and [censored] in the water, ruined another cast net out there!

i started learning cat fishing. so far no luck. but it's still fun and relaxing. seems to me, i think some parks offers some good bank access. and good people here will pm you some spots they know as well. i really wanted to give robertson park a shot, but that place is closed for the construction. i may give a try lavon someday.. probably some park with bank access.. If you read alot from the past posts, you can get some better ideas.


1) always fish wind blown your direction.
2) carolina rig with 3+ oz weight
3) night time
4) many gears..
5) fresh bait. live bait for flatties
6) spring/fall are the best time if you are just beginner
7) take tips from the pros here.
8) now go fishing and expect to get skunked a few times.
9) when the temperature goes down, you are READY!

good luck.

Check out the bank fishing map in the bank fishing section...its a stickey at the top of the page.

I have fished a good number of those spots and all I have checked had channel cat.