White bass Fishing in Texas
Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for white bass.
- 5.56 lbstate record
- 98lakes rated
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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White bass in Texas
White bass (Morone chrysops) is a freshwater species in Texas. The Texas rod and reel record is 5.56 pounds from Colorado River, set in 1977. TPWD rates 98 Texas lakes for this fish; 20 of them as excellent.
When and where to find white bass in Texas
When
Early spring spawner; males run upstream up to a month before females
Where they hold
Schools feeding on shad near the surface; Spawns over gravel or rock in running water; Native to the Red River drainage in Texas
White bass facts from the TPWD species profile.
Best Texas lakes for white bass
Texas lakes rated for white bass, best rating first, then by size.
Lake Livingston
Excellent for white bass; 90,000 acres in Polk County and San Jacinto County.
See detailsRichland Chambers Reservoir
Excellent for white bass; 41,356 acres in Freestone County.
See detailsLake Tawakoni
Excellent for white bass; 37,879 acres in Van Zandt County and Rains County.
See detailsCedar Creek Reservoir
Excellent for white bass; 32,623 acres in Henderson County.
See detailsLewisville Lake
Excellent for white bass; 29,592 acres in Denton County.
See detailsCaddo Lake
Excellent for white bass; 26,800 acres in Harrison County and Marion County.
See detailsRay Roberts Lake
Excellent for white bass; 25,600 acres in Denton County and Cooke County.
See detailsLake Palestine
Excellent for white bass; 25,560 acres in Cherokee County.
See detailsLake Buchanan
Excellent for white bass; 22,211 acres in Burnet County County and Llano County.
See detailsJim Chapman Lake
Excellent for white bass; 19,305 acres in Delta County and Hopkins County.
See detailsWright Patman Lake
Excellent for white bass; 18,994 acres in Bowie County and Cass County.
See detailsPossum Kingdom Reservoir
Excellent for white bass; 15,588 acres in Palo Pinto County and Young County.
See detailsTexas limits for white bass
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White bass | 25 | 10 in |
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.
White bass limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Texas state records for white bass
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 3.36 | 16.5 | Richland-Chambers | 1999 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 5.56 | 20.75 | Colorado River | 1977 |
White bass records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Where TPWD stocks white bass
- Kemp (Baylor County)599 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
White bass stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
Questions about white bass in Texas
What is the Texas state record white bass?
5.56 pounds, caught at Colorado River in 1977, rod and reel all tackle.
What is the daily bag limit for white bass in Texas?
25 a day statewide with a 10 inch minimum.
Where is the best white bass fishing in Texas?
TPWD rates Lake Livingston, Richland Chambers Reservoir, Lake Tawakoni and Cedar Creek Reservoir excellent, among others.
When do white bass spawn or bite best in Texas?
Early spring spawner; males run upstream up to a month before females.
Where do white bass hold?
Schools feeding on shad near the surface; Spawns over gravel or rock in running water.
Do any Texas lakes have special white bass rules?
Yes: Alan Henry Reservoir, Lake Athens, Lake Bastrop, Caddo Lake and Lake Casa Blanca, among others.
Does TPWD stock white bass?
Yes. The most stocked water from 2024 to 2026 was Kemp (Baylor County).
Do I need a license to fish for white bass in Texas?
Yes. Anglers 17 and older targeting white bass need a license with the freshwater endorsement.
What is the scientific name of white bass?
Morone chrysops.
Can I keep white bass caught in a Texas state park?
Yes, under the same white bass limits, and no license is needed inside the park.