Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing Lake Report Guide
Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing Lake Report Guide – Texas
Welcome to the Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing Guide! If you’re looking for a prime fishing spot in Texas, Choke Canyon Reservoir is an excellent choice. This reservoir is known for its rich fish population and beautiful surroundings, making it a top destination for anglers. Let’s dive into all the details you need to plan an unforgettable fishing trip to Choke Canyon Reservoir!
About Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing
Choke Canyon Reservoir is located in South Texas, in McMullen and Live Oak Counties. This man-made lake was created by the construction of Choke Canyon Dam on the Frio River in 1982. The reservoir is part of the larger Choke Canyon State Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
The reservoir’s picturesque setting, surrounded by rolling hills and abundant wildlife, makes it a perfect spot for a fishing adventure. Anglers come from all over to enjoy the excellent fishing opportunities and the peaceful, natural environment.
Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing Details
Here are the key details about Choke Canyon Reservoir:
- Water Surface: 25,670 acres
- Shoreline: 130 miles
- Average Depth: 18 feet
- Max Depth: 95 feet
- Surface Elevation: 220 feet above sea level
- Location: McMullen and Live Oak Counties, Texas
- Coordinates: 28.4783° N, 98.3501° W
- Accessibility: Multiple public boat ramps, fishing piers, and shore access points
- Type of Lake: Reservoir
- Lake Amenities: Boat ramps, fishing piers, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, marinas
Types of Fish in Choke Canyon Reservoir
Choke Canyon Reservoir is home to a wide variety of fish species, making it a favorite spot for anglers. Here are some of the types of fish you can find in the reservoir and where you can typically find them:
- Largemouth Bass: Often found near submerged vegetation, rocky points, and underwater structures.
- White Bass: Typically located in open waters, especially during their spring spawning run.
- Catfish (Channel, Blue, and Flathead): Commonly found in deeper parts of the reservoir, especially around submerged timber and channels.
- Crappie: Often found near brush piles, submerged structures, and around boat docks.
- Sunfish (Bluegill and Redear): Typically found in shallow waters near vegetation and structures.
- Alligator Gar: These large fish can be found in deeper, slower-moving waters and near submerged structures.
Each of these fish species offers a unique challenge and experience, making Choke Canyon Reservoir an exciting place to fish year-round.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle Recommendations for Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing
To make the most of your fishing trip to Choke Canyon Reservoir, it’s important to use the right baits, lures, and tackle. Here are some recommendations for each type of fish:
- Largemouth Bass:
- Baits/Lures: Plastic worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures.
- Tackle: Medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 10-20 lb. line.
- White Bass:
- Baits/Lures: Small spoons, spinners, and jigs.
- Tackle: Light to medium spinning rod, 6-10 lb. line.
- Catfish:
- Baits/Lures: Chicken liver, cut bait, and stink baits.
- Tackle: Heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 20-30 lb. line.
- Crappie:
- Baits/Lures: Small jigs, minnows, and soft plastics.
- Tackle: Light spinning rod, 4-8 lb. line.
- Sunfish:
- Baits/Lures: Worms, crickets, and small jigs.
- Tackle: Ultralight spinning rod, 2-6 lb. line.
- Alligator Gar:
- Baits/Lures: Cut bait, live bait (such as shad or mullet).
- Tackle: Heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 50-80 lb. line, wire leaders.
Using the right gear will increase your chances of having a successful day on the water.
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- Unbeatable Value: This fishing lure kit contains two crankbaits that run at a depth of 9 to 14 feet and serves as a great addition to your tackle box to cover a huge range
- BERKLEY POWERBAIT POWER GRUBS FRESHWATER SOFT PLASTIC BAITS: Featuring irresistible scent and flavor, PowerBait Power Grubs baits have a bulky body for presence and easier rigging, making it an essential tool for anglers who want to catch more fish.
- DOUBLE-BLADE UNIQUE DESIGN – TRUSCEND fishing lures for bass uses a double-blade rotating tail design, which delivers a heavy sputter as it moves across the surface, create noise and commotion that fish can not ignore. It also “roll resistant” and works well at a variety of speeds. Interestingly, when the monster bass bites the top water fishing lures, its tail will close to prevent the bass from spitting it out.
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS – Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- ✅ Purpose and Size: These grubs for fishing attract a wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, panfish, bluegill, bream, roach, carp and more. Using grub fishing lures that imitate worms offers many advantages over live worms or minnows. These crappie lures are equipped with an optimal size hook and a rubber grub. The hook dimensions are 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and the length of the larva itself is 22 mm.
Best Fishing Spot Locations at Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing
Choke Canyon Reservoir offers numerous spots where you can cast your line. Here are some of the best fishing locations around the reservoir:
- South Shore Unit: This area is known for its excellent bank fishing opportunities and easy access to the water. It’s a great spot for largemouth bass and catfish.
- Calliham Unit: Located on the northern shore, this unit offers great access to deeper waters where you can find white bass and catfish.
- Mason Point: This spot is popular for its submerged vegetation and rocky points, making it ideal for largemouth bass.
- San Miguel Creek: A good spot for crappie and sunfish, especially around the submerged structures and brush piles.
- Frio River Channel: This area is known for its deep waters and is a great spot for alligator gar and catfish.
Each of these spots has unique features and advantages, so you can explore and find your favorite fishing hole.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations for Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing
To help you have the best fishing experience at Choke Canyon Reservoir, here are some tips and recommendations:
- Early Morning and Late Evening: These times are usually the most productive for fishing, especially during the warmer months.
- Seasonal Patterns: Fish behavior changes with the seasons. In spring, fish are often found in shallow waters. In summer, look for them in deeper, cooler areas. Fall sees fish moving back to shallower areas, while winter fishing is best in deep waters.
- Use Electronics: A fish finder can be invaluable in locating schools of fish and underwater structures.
- Stay Patient: Fishing requires patience and persistence. If one spot isn’t producing, don’t hesitate to move and try different areas.
- Respect the Lake: Follow all fishing regulations and practice catch and release when appropriate to help maintain the fish population.
Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing Reviews
Here are five positive fishing reviews from anglers who have enjoyed fishing at Choke Canyon Reservoir:
- David R.: “Choke Canyon is my go-to fishing spot. The variety of fish is amazing, and I’ve had great success with largemouth bass near Mason Point.”
- Jessica M.: “I love fishing at the Calliham Unit. The catfish here are huge, and the scenery is beautiful.”
- Mike T.: “The clear waters of Choke Canyon make it easy to spot fish. I had a fantastic day catching white bass near the Frio River Channel.”
- Emily K.: “Fishing near the South Shore Unit for largemouth bass was an unforgettable experience. The shallow waters are perfect for big catches.”
- Tom H.: “San Miguel Creek is a great spot for a family fishing trip. My kids loved catching sunfish and crappie from the shore.”
Top-Rated Closest RV Parks and Campgrounds for Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing
If you’re planning to stay overnight or for a few days, here are five top-rated RV parks and campgrounds near Choke Canyon Reservoir:
- Choke Canyon State Park Campground:
- Features/Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, fishing piers, boat ramps.
- Distance to Lake: Directly on the lake.
- South Shore Unit Campground:
- Features/Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, boat ramp.
- Distance to Lake: Directly on the lake.
- Calliham Unit Campground:
- Features/Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, boat ramp.
- Distance to Lake: Directly on the lake.
- Lake Corpus Christi State Park:
- Features/Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, swimming area, picnic areas.
- Distance to Lake: Approximately 30 minutes.
- KOA Mathis:
- Features/Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, swimming pool, laundry facilities.
- Distance to Lake: Approximately 35 minutes.
Each of these campgrounds offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing Summary
Choke Canyon Reservoir is a top-notch destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its diverse fish species, beautiful surroundings, and excellent amenities, it provides a fantastic fishing experience for anglers of all levels. Whether you’re after bass, catfish, crappie, or sunfish, Choke Canyon Reservoir has it all. Don’t forget to bring your favorite baits and lures, explore the best fishing spots, and enjoy the serenity of this South Texas gem. Happy fishing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing
Here are some commonly asked questions about fishing at Choke Canyon Reservoir:
- What is the best time of year to fish at Choke Canyon Reservoir?
- Fishing is good year-round, but spring and fall are typically the most productive seasons.
- Do I need a fishing license to fish at Choke Canyon Reservoir?
- Yes, a valid Texas fishing license is required for all anglers over the age of 17.
- Are there any fishing regulations I should be aware of?
- Yes, be sure to check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for the latest fishing regulations, including size and bag limits.
- Can I rent a boat at Choke Canyon Reservoir?
- Yes, there are several marinas and rental services around the reservoir where you can rent boats and other watercraft.
- Are there any guided fishing tours available?
- Yes, several local companies offer guided fishing tours, which can be a great way to learn more about the reservoir and improve your chances of a successful trip.
We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing fishing adventure at Choke Canyon Reservoir. Tight lines and happy fishing!
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