Smallmouth bass Fishing in Texas
Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for smallmouth bass.
- 7.93 lbstate record
- 12lakes rated
Photo: ASprigOfFig at English Wikipedia, Public domain
Smallmouth bass in Texas
Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a freshwater species in Texas. The Texas rod and reel record is 7.93 pounds from Meredith, set in 1998. TPWD rates 12 Texas lakes for this fish; 2 of them as excellent.
When and where to find smallmouth bass in Texas
When
Spawns in spring as water approaches 60F
Where they hold
Large clear lakes (over 100 acres, over 30 ft deep) and cool clear streams with gravel; Stocked widely, especially Edwards Plateau streams
Smallmouth bass facts from the TPWD species profile.
Best Texas lakes for smallmouth bass
Texas lakes rated for smallmouth bass, best rating first, then by size.
Lake Texoma
Excellent for smallmouth bass; 74,686 acres in Grayson County.
See detailsBelton Lake
Excellent for smallmouth bass; 12,385 acres in Bell County and Coryell County.
See detailsGrapevine Lake
Good for smallmouth bass; 6,684 acres in Tarrant County and Denton County.
See detailsStillhouse Hollow Reservoir
Good for smallmouth bass; 6,429 acres in Bell County.
See detailsWheeler Branch Reservoir
Good for smallmouth bass; 180 acres in Somervell County.
See detailsAmistad Reservoir
Fair for smallmouth bass; 64,900 acres in Val Verde County.
See detailsO.H. Ivie Lake
Fair for smallmouth bass; 19,149 acres in Concho County and Coleman County.
See detailsLake Meredith
Fair for smallmouth bass; 16,411 acres in Hutchinson County.
See detailsCanyon Lake
Fair for smallmouth bass; 8,308 acres in Comal County.
See detailsMedina Lake
Fair for smallmouth bass; 5,426 acres in Bandera County and Medina County.
See detailsLake Georgetown
Fair for smallmouth bass; 1,297 acres in Williamson County.
See detailsGreenbelt Reservoir
Poor for smallmouth bass; 1,990 acres in Donley County.
See detailsTexas limits for smallmouth bass
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth bass | 5 | 14 in | 5 combined for largemouth, smallmouth, Alabama, Guadalupe, spotted bass |
Lakes with their own rules for this fish: Alan Henry Reservoir, Lake Athens, Lake Bastrop, Caddo Lake, Lake Casa Blanca, Lake Conroe, Davy Crockett Lake, Fayette County Reservoir, Lake Fork, Lake Gilmer, Grapevine Lake, Houston County Lake, Lake Jacksonville, Joe Pool Lake and Kurth Reservoir.
Smallmouth bass limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas state records for smallmouth bass
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 5.21 | 21 | Texoma | 2002 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 7.93 | 23 | Meredith | 1998 |
Smallmouth bass records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Where TPWD stocks smallmouth bass
- Whitney205,422 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Belton (Bell County)115,211 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Grapevine Reservoir69,567 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Possum Kingdom25,526 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Meredith180 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
Smallmouth bass stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
Questions about smallmouth bass in Texas
What is the Texas state record smallmouth bass?
7.93 pounds, caught at Meredith in 1998, rod and reel all tackle.
What is the daily bag limit for smallmouth bass in Texas?
5 a day statewide with a 14 inch minimum.
Where is the best smallmouth bass fishing in Texas?
TPWD rates Lake Texoma and Belton Lake excellent, among others.
When do smallmouth bass spawn or bite best in Texas?
Spawns in spring as water approaches 60F.
Where do smallmouth bass hold?
Large clear lakes (over 100 acres, over 30 ft deep) and cool clear streams with gravel; Stocked widely, especially Edwards Plateau streams.
Do any Texas lakes have special smallmouth bass rules?
Yes: Alan Henry Reservoir, Lake Athens, Lake Bastrop, Caddo Lake and Lake Casa Blanca, among others.
Does TPWD stock smallmouth bass?
Yes. The most stocked water from 2024 to 2026 was Whitney.
Do I need a license to fish for smallmouth bass in Texas?
Yes. Anglers 17 and older targeting smallmouth bass need a license with the freshwater endorsement.
What is the scientific name of smallmouth bass?
Micropterus dolomieu.
Can I keep smallmouth bass caught in a Texas state park?
Yes, under the same smallmouth bass limits, and no license is needed inside the park.