Top 10 public fishing spots in Houston

Houston, Texas, offers a variety of public fishing spots for anglers to explore, from bayous to expansive reservoirs. Here are the top 10 places for public fishing in and around Houston.

1. Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park, in the heart of Houston, provides urban fishing along the bayou. Anglers can enjoy fishing in a natural setting with the city skyline as a backdrop. The park’s amenities and walking trails add to the overall experience.

2. Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou Nature Center, southeast of Houston, offers fishing opportunities in a natural preserve. Anglers can explore different waterways within the center, targeting a variety of freshwater species. The nature center’s tranquility enhances the fishing adventure.

3. Lake Houston

Lake Houston, northeast of the city, is a popular destination for anglers. The lakeoffers diverse fishing experiences, including shoreline fishing and boat access. Anglers can catch bass, catfish, and crappie in this expansive reservoir.

4. Tom Bass Regional Park – Cullen Park

Tom Bass Regional Park, south of Houston, features Cullen Park, providing various fishing opportunities. Anglers can fish from the shore or utilize the park’s amenities for a day on the water. The park is known for its diverse fish population.

5. Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay, southeast of Houston, offers saltwater fishing with Gulf Coast views. Anglers can target species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The bay’s tidal currents add to the dynamic fishing environment.

6. Sheldon Lake State Park

Sheldon Lake State Park, northeast of Houston, features Sheldon Reservoir for fishing. Anglers can enjoy shoreline fishing or use the park’s amenities for a complete fishing experience. The reservoir is stocked, offering diverse catches.

7. Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park, southwest of Houston, provides fishing opportunities in a natural setting. Anglers can explore different water bodies within the park, targeting a variety of freshwater species. The park’s wildlife and scenery enhance the fishing adventure.

8. Clear Lake

Clear Lake, southeast of Houston, is a large brackish bay offering diverse fishing experiences. Anglers can fish from the shore or explore the bay by boat. Clear Lake is known for its variety of saltwater species.

9. Bane Park – Horsepen Bayou

Bane Park along Horsepen Bayou provides additional fishing opportunities. Anglers can fish from the bayou’s banks, targeting various freshwater species. The park’s green spaces make it an ideal location for angling.

10. Mary Jo Peckham Park – Seabourne Creek Park

Mary Jo Peckham Park in Katy features Seabourne Creek Park, providing pond fishing. Anglers can fish from the shore or utilize the park’s amenities for a family-friendly fishing experience. The park is stocked, offering opportunities for diverse catches.

A few things to remember before you go fishing:

1. Never trespass on private property to get to a fishing spot, only use public access or property you’ve received permission to access.
2. Research your fishing spot(s) ahead of time so you know what to expect, and where the public access starts and ends.
3. Be prepared – dress for the weather, bring a spare change of dry clothes/towels just in case, and bring everything you’ll need to fish and enjoy the day (bait, lures, rod, ice, snacks, etc.).
4. Be aware of all the state regulations like catch limits, licenses, seasons, size & species restrictions.
5. Be safe and have fun! No one wants to spoil the fun with hypothermia or a hook in the leg, so remember to have fun responsibly.