Hello fellow forum members. I just moved to the DFW metroplex about a month ago and with the cooler weather moving in, I would to start doing some fishing. I moved here from Memphis, and I used to do a lot of crappie/bream fishing in the reservoirs in Northern Mississippi. I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some lakes/locations where I might do some bank fishing for crappie and/or bream. I love crappie fishing and would do it 365 days a year if I didnt have to work. Im not asking for anyone's honey hole, just some general information on what lakes to fish and what the fish bite. Thanks for your help.

First off, welcome to Texas and the TFF!

You have come at a difficult time for our Texas waters, as our lakes are very low due to the drought that has been around all year. Our lakes normally look a lot better than they do right now.

If you are in the Carrollton area, then the closest lakes to you are:
- Lewisville
- Lavon
- Grapevine
- Joe Pool
- Ray Roberts

Fish here will bite the same jigs and minnows that you used back in Mississippi. Right now, our water temps are in the low 70's, so there are some shallow fish to be caught (6-8')...but the bank access will depend on the lake, due to the low water levels.

DallasCrappieMan, I too want to welcome you to Texas and the TFF. Lots of info here and friendly anglers.

I want to send you a file that may help you find some bank fishing areas. Check my email message I sent to you.

As Duck_Jerky told you, the lake levels have been low. Maybe this rain we have had will help some of them.

Welcome to the TFF. Stay tuned and you will probably find out some good fishin holes from some of the members. Bank fishing for crappie here on CC probably wont be good for a few more weeks. Good luck!

DCM,

Though i'm native to the Metroplex area, I did come back home after doing a stint with the NWS (weather service) in Jackson,MS and lived right on Ross Barnett Resevoir there on the NE edge of town.

Talk about an awesome crappie lake, I loved it and it was right in my own backyard literally. But alas, Texas called me back with family here.

Fall is a good time on just about any lake to catch in the main creeks and off points/ brushpiles/or trees in 8'-15' (could go deeper as well) while they're fatting up on shad for the upcoming Winter.

The 3 folks who posted before me get to fish alot more than I, especially the two guides, because I have a full-time job as well. But I think the info they gave is dead on. Your good until a week or so before Thanksgiving this year, since we're in for a milder/wetter Winter with El Nino going on over the E Pacific Ocean. So we may have a little more extended time for some good fishing than regular years.

My favorite lakes here locally are: Lake Ray Roberts (about a 45 minute drive up I-35 N of North Fort Worth and about 8 miles N of Denton), Lake Lewisville (N of Dallas off of I-35E), and Lake Weatherford (about 10 miles west of downtown Fort Worth off of I-20).

All three have fishing barges or marinas for those w/o boats like myself. I live near Keller N of Fort Worth, but like Chuck said, Cedar Creek is a good lake as well for crappie, but too far for me, but if you're in say E Dallas, then you're in reasonable driving distance.

Good luck and welcome to N TX!!

--Eric
AgAlum93'

RedTopLady, can you also please send me a copy of the bank fishing areas? Thank you in advance. Also DallasCrappieMan welcome.

Sparky, I would be happy to but I need your email address before I can, sending email through the forum does not give me your address since you have chosen to keep it private. Send me a message to RedTopLady@redhaven.com and I will send the file to you.

Don't know how the water level is there now but, if you choose a barge my recommendation would be Lewisville. Biggest barge around and many different areas to fish there. I used to go there several times a week and caught many many Crappie any time of the year. I have not been there in a while but it probably would be a good place to go. Give them a call and they will tell you whether or not the bite is on.

Welcome DallasCrappieMan,

You've sure come to the right place. Great forum and Great Folks.

DCM - You might look into purchasing an annual pass to the state parks. If you plan on fishing regularly, it'll save you quite a few dollars in the long run. Welsome aboard!!

Luinker Luck - Billy

Thanks everyone for all the great information. I really appreciate everyone' suggestions. I will probably head to the barge in Lewisville either this weekend or next weekend. Again thanks and good fishing to everyone.

Yes it surely will, I use mine often, every lake I go to I look for the State Park.

RedTopLady, email has been sent. Thanks.

Hi DCM,

I found it VERY difficult to find a bank spot to fish here. I grew up in a small town, and the concept of paying to have a place to fish or hunt was foreign to me. But the reality is, in a city...hard to find a spot. Best way is a marina slip or a boat.

HLS

Hope I did not miss anyone. If someone asked for the file and I did not send it please remind me. I am getting ready for my Tuna trip next weekend and I am excited.