AUSTIN – Anglers across the state look forward to hitting the water each spring for the annual white bass spawning run upstream from reservoirs into rivers and creeks. Whether it be fishing on the bank, ++motorized boat, or paddle craft, the white bass run can provide an exciting day on the water for new and seasoned anglers alike.
“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has received reports that some anglers have started catching white bass since the beginning of February, but the main spawning run does not really get going until water temperatures and flows are just right,” said John Botros, TPWD’s Inland Fisheries River Access Coordinator. “Some good rains this spring would trigger abundant white bass spawning runs. Anglers should make plans to target this species in rivers and creeks upstream of many of our reservoirs from now until early May.”
White bass, also known as sand bass, are a popular freshwater species preferred by Texas anglers both for sport fishing and for the dinner table. While most riverside property is privately owned, public access to high-quality white bass runs can be found at many Texas State Parks, Texas Paddling Trails, leased River Access and Conservation Area (RACA) sites and highway and bridge crossings.
Here are a few locations to get started:
Colorado River: Above Lake Buchanan, bank anglers can fish for white bass without a fishing license at Colorado Bend State Park. The park offers a boat ramp and bank access.
San Gabriel River: Upstream of Granger Lake, anglers can find white bass fishing at a public access point called Dickerson’s Bottom, a.k.a. “The Steps” in the Granger Wildlife Management Area. This location can be found three-quarters of a mile east of SH 95 on County Road 347 in Williamson County.
Neches River: Above Lake Palestine, anglers
