Hey guys,

I am headed out to explore a new river this weekend. I am going to hit up the Neches above Lake Palestine.

Should I take my kayak or just plan on wade/bank fishing?

This water is new to me so any fly tips or other comments would be greatly appreciated. I am going site unseen.

Anywhere to camp?

I am hoping to find some sandies.

I will post a report when I return.

I went there once last year during the run and filled a five gallon bucket with whites and crappie. The lake and river were at a lot lower level than this year.


I fished on south of the railroad bridge but found the best waters about a hundred yards before you get to it and went back. I would highly recommend the kayak as the shores were shoulder to shoulder with fishermen until you paddle on away from the launch and there are private property issues.

http://goo.gl/maps/2GY3r
Launch area off HW 31 outside Chandler, above, its not that far a paddle to best fishing last year (see map below). Just let bank fishermen know you're coming through as you approach and that you will try to be as quiet as possible and you won't have any problems.



http://goo.gl/maps/PAIXf
There's a deeper hole in this pool towards the south end of map above and before you get to chokepoint in river. May be hard to tell with river levels up this year.

Slab bandits, take assorted colors for if they are picky that day, just use one at a time as you will be hanging up often. Good luck.

Great information. I really appreciate it!