Hello all, I was wondering if anyone could list a couple smaller lakes/ponds that have crappie in them that I could launch my kayak in and get my son onto some slabs! I don’t really know any places to go other than larger lakes. I’m not against larger lakes, but paddling long distances to find fish dang near puts me in a wheelchair the next day. Especially with my kiddo in the kayak with me! Not to mention I’d like to avoid big water and waves for the safety aspect when I have my kiddo with me. I’m an experienced paddler but that water is cold this time of year and I would prefer to not even run the risk. So if anyone could list some smaller lakes/community ponds or areas of larger lakes that are mostly protected waters where I can put a kayak in and catch some slabs I’d greatly appreciate it!!! Located in Azle, but willing to drive a reasonable distance. Thanks in advance!

It will cost you a few bucks but you can put in at the Fort Worth Nature Center off of 199 and Confederate Parkway (Lake Worth) and paddle up the river. Calm water, lots of snags in the river to fish and fish stack up in there like cord wood in the winter. It might be a little larger than what you are looking for but look at the "new" side of Amon G Carter Lake outside of Bowie, about 500 acres. They left all the timber in it when it was impounded and it gets very little boat traffic.

I live very close to the nature center, haven’t been up in there in years and haven’t even thought to try it out yet, I’ll definitely have to go fish it, thanks! Which part of Amon is the new side? I’ve never been to that lake before in my life, but I’ve fished Bridgeport plenty of times so I vaguely know where it is. Thanks!

If you park near where Ten Mile Bridge Rd crosses the West Fork of the Trinity (between Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Worth), there is a trail that parallels the river and you usually don't have to walk far down it to get into crappie. Lots of brush and trees in the water.

Note that there is a consumption advisory on most species of fish that come from this water, though crappie were not specifically listed as an included species last time I checked.

Amon Carter new side is south of FM1125
FM 1125 splits the new side from the old side.
Old side was built back in the 50's new side was built around 1985.

That location sounds like the Old Vance Camp location!!

Last time I went by 10 Mile Bridge, there were No Parking signs. Going upstream would be private property { Vances Camp, closed years ago)
Used to park there and walk downstream no problems, but that has been a while back, sure miss it.

I miss it also MC.That`s why i refered to it as the "OLD VANCES CAMP" location. It used to be incredible fishing in that West Fork of the Trinity heading north up towards the Eagle Mountain dam/spillway erea.

I need to drive out there and see if the No Parking signs are still there.

The no parking signs are still there, however I see many people parking there to go fish anyway. No one seems to care, though I do not advocate parking there anyway of course.

Hey Fellow TFFer JakeMcD thanks for the scout work That place used to be "THE PLACE "when ole Eagle Mountain would let loose a little h2o from the dam. I understand why some folks R willing to risk a citation but I`m like you capt.

I thought they got rid of the advisory after they dredged the lake?

The latest: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/dshs-issues-updated-consumption-advisory-lake-worth

My pops use to always take me there as a kid, this place is such a forgotten memory.

Marine Creek has crappie if you have electronics. Weatherford and Mineral Wells have good crappie populations. Pretty much every lake around does. Just use weather apps for wind, and internet maps to find sections to access and fish.

Good advise TTC

There’s a bunch of small lakes in the lbj grasslands up around Decatur too btw. Marinas are a good spot this time of year with a yak. They’re usually fairly sheltered areas and can hold fish in the slips and under pontoons. Just don’t tie up to their property or stuff like that. I do it occasionally lol but it can bring you trouble if caught