My son and I are just getting into fishing. We've mostly been going after bass in the ponds around town (McKinney) but we've taken short trips to Lake Lewisville and Ray Roberts where we've gone after bass and crappie. In all, we've had very little luck; a few largemouth and one striper. I suspect our biggest gap is not knowing where to find the fish.

We'd love to have more success... For a couple of beginners in North Texas (Collin County), where would you recommend we go, and what should we fish for? We don't have a boat, so we're limited to fishing from the bank. We're central to Lavon, Lewisville, and Ray Roberts.

Thanks in advance -

Go after Carp! They're the most fun fish to catch by far IMO. Ron's Harbor House at Lavon is where I'd head in your area. Not to mention you'll catch loads of Catfish as well while targeting Carp if you like fresh Catfish

One other thing to consider is that TX stocks alot of local ponds with rainbow trout during the winter. Check their stocking schedule & see if there's any locations close to you:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/management/stocking/trout_stocking.phtml

Holy cow, what a monster! Thanks for the idea, I'll check that out.

Cool! I knew they stocked local ponds with bass but didn't know about the trout. That link shows several stocked ponds near me, thanks!

There are lots of community lakes in Texas. Many of them are stocked with trout in the winter, but others are stocked with catfish in the summer. Many of these lakes have great bank access and contain catfish, bass, sunfish, bullheads, carp, buffalo, etc. They do have some method restrictions so check that before you go. Good luck and let us know how you do.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/cfl.phtml?r=3

and

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ie=UTF&msa=0&mid=14Bo6cJ0jDfCcRxRZXK9ANZePLRA&ll=31.58001359598144%2C-97.83158&z=7

This map helps me as a bank fisherman in the area. Good luck

Thanks for the link and the welcome!

Thanks!