I have recently moved to Houston, and I am having all kinds of trouble finding places to fish for bass in Houston. I have tried several of the places off of the TPWD website, but they invariably have been disappointing at best. The one exception is the McGovern Lake at Hermann Park, but, theoretically, only senior citizens and kids are supposed to fish there.

Any Houstonites know of other places to fish from the bank for bass? Tried a lake in Pasadena this morning. Looked great. Tons of structure, but no fish. Really. None. I got there before dawn, and I didn't see a single boil, jump, splash, or anything all morning. Water clarity was alright, and the ol polarized sunglasses didn't find anything either.

Help!

Caleb

Lake Sheldon State Park off of Beltway 8 east
Jones State Park off FM1488 & I45N There is two small lakes full of small bass Nice park for picnics
Boughrows(sp?) Park in Tomball off FM2920 & FM2978
Maybe some others will come on and give more

To quote Slick Willie, "I feel your pain.".

Houston, despite its location very close to the ocean, and its proximity to the lake-ridden Northern Piney Woods region, absolutely sucks for fishing access.

BUT, if you are creative, and willing to go to some interesting lengths to get to certain places, you can find spots to fish at!

I've heard good things about Sheldon, for instance, but having driven by it multiple times it looks like a really bad area and a really dangerous place. I wouldn't fish it alone.

GOLF COURSES, if you can find your way onto a golf course, there are some excellent tanks to fish at at most golf courses.

Community ponds, etc.

Finally, something that I am hesitant to admit to most people, I fish at water management ditches/creeks/ravines, whatever you want to call them, that essentially take runoff water from the suburban areas of Houston. There can be some large fish in them, and from experience, the fishing there can be as good as, or better than, that which can be found at most big lakes or well-known spots.

I fish a ditch that runs into, or runs from, Lake Houston, and it is a prime spot for some great bass action, sunfish action, and from what I've seen, the carping possibility exists.

I had a lot of fun in April with spawning bass, and caught a 5 pound keeper(though I let her go) and her 2/3 pound mate.


Good luck! Don't be afraid to check out the muddy bayous, some big cats in them!

Golf courses...there's one right by my house. I was already scheming on how to get on the course to fish. Does one have to go clandestine at night, or will most courses let one fish there on the days they're not open? And I wish I knew of any drainage ditches. But, I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks a bunch.

Anyone ever fish or hear reports on the tanks at Tom Bass Park off of Beltway 8 in south Houston? It's mentioned on the TPW website...

Don't know about Tom Bass, but if you are that close, I was talking to a surveyor the other day that fishes Clear Creek at 45 with DOA shrimp.

I got a buddy in Austin with a jet ski set up to fish and we hit Greens Lake for a few Reds last month.

TexJohn,
Where does Clear Creek cross I45? Like I said, I'm new to Houston. And what is he fishing for there? From the sound of DOA shrimp, I would assumer Reds or Trout. Is Clear Creek salt or fresh? Any info you offer would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Caleb

There is plenty of room to bank fish at Tom Bass. I have caught a few small bass after work on occasion. i dont know the history of Tom Bass though...

Hey folks, I have the same problem that Caleb does. New to Houston and am having a heck of a time trying to find some spots to bank fish. Not only intersted in bass...catfish crappie even a nice little pond to take the kids to would be great. Anyone have any suggestions?

M-Man,

Clear Creek passes under I-45 in League City. Not sure how sweet it is there, but it is definately salty and tidally influenced.

I've caught a handful of reds and specs now after being a bass fisherman the rest of my life and fishing for Reds where 18" is SMALL is, well, pretty cool. Especially when you are using the exact same tackle you'd use for similar sized Bass -- excellent play on a 6 or 7' medium action rod.

I've only got up to 23" Red myself, but still took 10 or 15 minutes to bring it in :>)

hth,
John

PS I'm following this thread myself because I don't have a boat and hate not having places to fish!

Walked Surfside Jetties last week -- much longer on foot than they look in aerials! Still over an hour away even from Sugar Land.

Tex,
If you are near south Houston (medical center area), I'd be happy to share the few places I have found to catch some bass. I fully intend to spend some more time figuring out the coast soon, as well. Anyway, good luck, and let me know if you want to fish in south Houston.

MM

We recently went fishig in Alvin, near the railroad track. We caught some pretty good size bass and cats. The bass was about 4-5 pounds. I used minnow for bait. Great little fishing hole

jcurry,

Are you talking about the spot right off of Old Manvel Rd?

What ever became of Lake Houston?

Any one of you come down Bltwy 8 West and can fish tomorrow?

Wife has my truck in Austin while her car with a blown tranny sits in my driveway :>) I'm just about 2 miles from Airport and 59 in the Meadows and that's the first exit South off 8 & 59.

Be happy to toss everything in my box to help figure out what's biting where...and bring an extra rod and corn and maybe try this carping that seems popular enough I think TFF is gonna need to add a new Freshwater Forum!

John