Spotted bass Fishing in Texas
Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for spotted bass.
- 5.56 lbstate record
- 18lakes rated
Photo: Dick Biggins, USFWS, Public domain
Spotted bass in Texas
Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) is a freshwater species in Texas. The Texas rod and reel record is 5.56 pounds from Lake O` the Pines, set in 1966. TPWD rates 18 Texas lakes for this fish; 1 of them as excellent.
When and where to find spotted bass in Texas
When
Spawns at water temperatures of 57-74F
Where they hold
More current than largemouth habitat; Native to East Texas from the Guadalupe River to the Red River; popular in Sabine, Neches and Cypress rivers
Spotted bass facts from the TPWD species profile.
Best Texas lakes for spotted bass
Texas lakes rated for spotted bass, best rating first, then by size.
Lake Cypress Springs
Excellent for spotted bass; 3,461 acres in Franklin County.
See detailsLake Palestine
Good for spotted bass; 25,560 acres in Cherokee County.
See detailsLake Bridgeport
Good for spotted bass; 11,954 acres in Jack County and Wise County.
See detailsB.A. Steinhagen Lake
Good for spotted bass; 10,687 acres in Jasper County.
See detailsGrapevine Lake
Good for spotted bass; 6,684 acres in Tarrant County and Denton County.
See detailsAlan Henry Reservoir
Good for spotted bass; 2,880 acres in Garza County.
See detailsLake Tyler
Good for spotted bass; 2,224 acres in Smith County.
See detailsStriker Reservoir
Good for spotted bass; 1,863 acres in Rusk County.
See detailsLone Star Lake
Good for spotted bass; 1,516 acres in Morris County.
See detailsHouston County Lake
Good for spotted bass; 1,330 acres in Houston County.
See detailsLake Jacksonville
Good for spotted bass; 1,320 acres in Cherokee County.
See detailsMoss Lake
Good for spotted bass; 1,140 acres in Cooke County.
See detailsTexas limits for spotted bass
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotted bass | 5 | 5 combined for largemouth, smallmouth, Alabama, Guadalupe, spotted bass; no minimum length |
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.
Spotted bass limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas state records for spotted bass
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 1.94 | 15.25 | Cypress Springs | 2002 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 5.56 | 21 | Lake O` the Pines | 1966 |
Spotted bass records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Questions about spotted bass in Texas
What is the Texas state record spotted bass?
5.56 pounds, caught at Lake O` the Pines in 1966, rod and reel all tackle.
What is the daily bag limit for spotted bass in Texas?
5 a day statewide.
Where is the best spotted bass fishing in Texas?
TPWD rates Lake Cypress Springs excellent, among others.
When do spotted bass spawn or bite best in Texas?
Spawns at water temperatures of 57-74F.
Where do spotted bass hold?
More current than largemouth habitat; Native to East Texas from the Guadalupe River to the Red River; popular in Sabine, Neches and Cypress rivers.
Do any Texas lakes have special spotted bass rules?
Yes: Alan Henry Reservoir, Lake Athens, Lake Bastrop, Caddo Lake and Lake Casa Blanca, among others.
Do I need a license to fish for spotted bass in Texas?
Yes. Anglers 17 and older targeting spotted bass need a license with the freshwater endorsement.
What is the scientific name of spotted bass?
Micropterus punctulatus.
Can I keep spotted bass caught in a Texas state park?
Yes, under the same spotted bass limits, and no license is needed inside the park.