Hey all. I'm kind of getting into/getting back into kayaking. At the time my schedule prevented me from getting out as much as I had hoped to, and eventually just stopped all together for the last couple of years. What suggestions do you have for me for small bodies of water to get out and get started on? Thank you

How far you willing to go?

Purtis Creek State Park is not very far from you.

Depending how far you are interested in driving there are several good smaller lake/pond options. The LBJ Grasslands north of Decatur has multiple 15-40-ish acre lakes one of my favorite areas. Lake Clark in Ennis can be fun caught lots of dinks in it, Cleburne State park has a nice 116ac lake, Marine creek Fort worth. East Texas has numerous places Tyler state park, Purtis creek (already mentioned), Dangerfield state park. I kayak Holbrook and Hawkins, there is some boat traffic but I haven't felt in danger on them.

Have fun and Be safe

Near where you live…Wheeler branch.
It’s deep and clear. Learn how to fish it and you will get big ones.
I never suggest fluoro, but I’d use fluoro on this lake.
Jerkbaits, drop shot, natural looking swim jugs and swim baits, flukes, clear water attack mode.

If you're wanting to go kayak fishing, but not desperate to catch, Lake Alvarado, Lake Aquilla, Lake Pat Cleburne, the Cleburne State Park, Lake Waxahachie and Lake Bardwell are close and easy paddling. You might catch something at those. I don't live there anymore, and don't know about the water levels. Many of the North Texas lakes are low. IslandJim

Really, however far I need to go. Ideally hoping to find a place or two close to home for quick, easy trips. But also willing to travel out further when time allows for it.


Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into it.


Perfect! Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll look into them for sure.


Awesome, thank you so much for the suggestion. I'll take a look at it. Thanks for the tips as well.


Great, thanks for the suggestions. Gives me some options to look into. I'd say I'm anxious to get back out on the water and to get fishing again. Definitely wouldn't say I'm desperate to catch at this point, just excited to get back out.

For those of you who offered all of these great options, do you happen to know if they require permits (or any other fees) for kayaks?

Most LBJ grasslands, Holbrook, Hawkins no permit required. Black creek lake at the grasslands has a self pay station its a couple bucks. Its been years since I been to marine creek no permits or launch fee was required at that time. State parks were normal entry fee.

If you go to the grasslands do some google earth scouting. I’ll save you a little time. Main lake I bass fish are Clear lake , Black creek, Cotton wood and Rhodes (very low currently).
Grasslands map

FYI I've been told road 900A has been closed....

Got to kayak the grasslands today and do some scouting. I can confirm road 900a is closed west of TADRA, but it doesn't affect transversing the lakes. Could use some rain for sure.

Dans pond is 5-6' low, probably not worth going.


Cottonwood is 2-3' low but in good shape.


Black Creek lake looks good also probably 3-4' low




Clear lake is in poor shape my guess 6'+ low

Thanks for the report! Catch anything?

I did, fished from 6a-7p. Boated 14 bass, & 1 bream. First fish was on topwater (pop-R), then hooked a small one on a deep little N (fire tiger), 2 more on jigs punching grass mats, the rest on soft plastic: 2 on tx-rigged brush hawgs, 1 wacky rig senko, and 8 on drop shot even the bream hit it. Nothing of size the bass were all in the 1lb range. Lotta fun and slightly surprising for mid aug fishing.

I was a +1 for the Grasslands, but the report from texas-rig is a reality check for sure. How about a small part of a big lake (weekdays)?