Randell Lake in Denison. Is that a private lake? Is there any water in it? I have seen the exit so many time but until today when I saw it on the map I had not really given it any thought.

It's a city water supply like, pretty much a constant level. You reach a boat ramp by driving across the dam. I go a couple of times a year-typical small municipal lake fishing. A guy I know fishes there frequently, and has take a six pound largemouth on a rubber worm. Usually not crowded at all. You can also apply for one of ten duck blind permits. I hear it is a hot bed for meth deals.

that kinda kills the thrill don't it?

Yeah-and it's kind of ugly.

So, if you follow the road down and turn left there at the spillway it takes you around to a boat ramp?

I went by there last week and was not overly impressed with the look of it. A ramp might help, IDK, after the meth info.

Robin, there is a big sign that states," Denison residence 0nly and a good fine amount" I do not know how well enforced it is?
Steve

Yep, that's what I know about Randell lake, that you need to take someone from Denison with you to use it.

Rex

Call me crazy but, the place has a reputation of being a "hot bed for meth deals" and we're concerned about fishing there and not being a resident? There has to be some lack of enforcement IMHO. I'll stick to Waterloo & Pickens.

Between the sign and the meth deals I agree Jerry.

Steve, thanks for the tip. I only have satellite intel, no substitute for feet on the ground!

If you don't mind the drive, try Lake Fannin in Northeastern Fannin county. I used to have a ball on that lake with a 5-wt and a handfull of clousers. You will need a canoe or something that floats.

The Forest Service takes pretty good care of the area and it's too far out of the way for troublemakers.

Another guy who was raised up that way told me the same thing a couple of weeks ago.
Have to load up the yaks and head that way soon. That's not too far from Van Alstyne.

how about the lake below the Texoma spillway. is that fishable? Has anyone ever fished there?

Christian

I've seen that and wondered the same thing.

Jerry, Fannin is a nice place but it is best fished early in the summer. It has a lot of vegatation in it and late in the summer it can be difficult to fish.

As far as the Texoma spillway, I don't know if you can legally fish it or not. But you would need to float it somehow to fish it. The cement is too steep where it enters the water to fish from, I'm afraid that I'd fall in. There is too much brush to fish from the bank. There is a trail that leads down to the water, but it would be difficult to haul a kayak or anything else down there and back out of there. There are fish in there, but I haven't figure out how to fish it yet...

Rex

I've been to Randell several times
I just drive in, Never been asked about who I am.
I think you best respect the gate closing after dark though... I just dont take fish or litter.


Fannin is a treat ! 40 acres. And nostalgia sez, it used to be fantastic. But we've never caught big fish there, and all it really offers is a few solid miles of cattails and other than huge hydrilla patches, not much else.
You cant even get out of the lake 'cept for a few spots.
But it is a good place to roll cast popper that's for sure. Frog heaven.
Fannin also has pain in the [censored], no ramp, no shore access but very safe and secure gated camping available - call ahead - 903 583 8402
Very easy camping complete with late night partying is available on the ramp and areas near by.
I've had issues being there ( the f'ree at the dam' areas ) after midnight.


In late Sept / October, anyone wanna hike down the spill way with float tubes? I am game!

actually i have fished there...when i was a kid. probably about 15-20 years ago. actually swam in it--ick, couldn't do that now. we caught catfish and an eel i remember.

actually i have fished there...when i was a kid. probably about 15-20 years ago. actually swam in it--ick, couldn't do that now. we caught catfish and an eel i remember.

how do you apply for one of those duck blinds?