Fishing near Houston, Texas
The water near Houston, from closest lake to bait shops.
- 2lakes in 30 mi
- 24access points
- 12shops nearby
Pick for rainbow troutPiscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel28% OFFSale $57.99 Photo of Sheldon Lake: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0
An angler overview of Houston
The closest lake with TPWD data to Houston is Sheldon Lake, about 14 miles east of town.
The 30 mile list holds 2 lakes, led by Sheldon Lake and Lake Houston.
A 20 mile circle around Houston holds 24 public access points on the TPWD map, including river access on San Jacinto River, Collins Park and Lower Cypresswood Bridge.
In the 2025-2026 winter season, TPWD released 7,800 rainbow trout at Bane Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Pond and Kickerillo-Mischer in Houston. In 2020, Houston was home to 2,304,580 residents.
Miles are measured as the crow flies from Houston.
For the rainbow trout herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 Lakes a short drive from Houston
Sheldon Lake
14 miles east, 1,230 acres.
See detailsLake Houston
18 miles northeast, 11,854 acres.
See detailsLake Conroe
41 miles north, 20,118 acres; excellent largemouth bass and catfish.
See detailsLake Raven
58 miles north, 204 acres; excellent largemouth bass and sunfish.
See detailsPublic access around Houston
Access points and lakes within reach of Houston.
- San Jacinto River10 access points within 20 miles
- Collins Park1 access point within 20 miles
- Lower Cypresswood Bridge1 access point within 20 miles
- Kuykendahl Road Bridge1 access point within 20 miles
- Herman Little Park1 access point within 20 miles
- Mercer Arboritum1 access point within 20 miles
- Jesse H. Jones Park1 access point within 20 miles
- E. Shadowlake Pocket Park1 access point within 20 miles
- HWY 59 Bridges1 access point within 20 miles
Points around Houston: TPWD access layer and GLO coastal inventory.
Bait stops and guides around Houston
- Fischer Anglingbait tackle, 1 mile southwest, (713) 234-6846
- Gordy & Sons Outfittersbait tackle, 1 mile southwest, (713) 333-3474
- Gulf Coast Fishing Rod Holdersbait tackle, 4 miles northwest, (713) 875-4340
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Houstonsporting goods, 4 miles southwest, (713) 874-6020
- Fish King the Remixbait tackle, 4 miles southeast, (832) 594-6102
- Bayou City Fly Anglers, LLCfly shop, 4 miles southwest, (832) 831-3104
- Tactical Tacklebait tackle, 4 miles southwest, (713) 501-0904
- Texas National Outfittersbait tackle, 4 miles southwest, (832) 767-6586
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Houstonsporting goods, 5 miles northwest, (713) 613-6300
- Tackle Hutbait tackle, 6 miles north, (713) 694-8008
- Swan Point Landing Marinamarina, 7 miles southwest, (713) 784-8800
- Fishing Tackle Unlimitedbait tackle, 7 miles west, (713) 827-7762
- A Plus ChartersUnclassified, (713) 589-7060
- Fishing Tackle UnlimitedUnclassified, (281) 481-6838
- Al's Ultra ChartersUnclassified, (281) 469-2846
- Houston Fishing TripsUnclassified, (832) 221-7909
- FishndiversUnclassified, (409) 763-5232
- Wicked South OutfittersUnclassified, (713) 594-2209
- Speckle Trout Red Fish & Tarpon GuideInshore, (713) 723-1911
Houston listings: OpenStreetMap contributors, store lists and guide websites, October 2026.
Trophy records around Houston
| Species | Weight | Lake | From town | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catfish, Blue | 65.3 lb | Lake Houston | 18 miles | 2013 |
| Catfish, Flathead | 58.2 lb | Lake Houston | 18 miles | 2017 |
| Carp, Common | 40.19 lb | Lake Houston | 18 miles | 2009 |
| Carp, Grass | 31 lb | Lake Houston | 18 miles | 1998 |
| Drum, Freshwater | 11.4 lb | Lake Houston | 18 miles | 2024 |
| Bass, Largemouth | 11.16 lb | Sheldon Lake | 14 miles | 2018 |
| Bowfin | 9.71 lb | Lake Houston | 18 miles | 1992 |
| Bass, Hybrid Striped | 9.2 lb | Lake Houston | 18 miles | 2010 |
| Catfish, Channel | 8.25 lb | Lake Houston | 18 miles | 2016 |
| Tilapia, Blue | 7.75 lb | Lake Houston | 18 miles | 2010 |
TPWD all-ages rod and reel lake records, lakes within 40 miles of Houston.
Winter trout in Houston
| Location | Trout stocked | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Bane Park Lake | 800 | 1/8/2026 |
| Eisenhower Park Pond | 1,600 | 1/21/2026, 2/11/2026 |
| Kickerillo-Mischer | 2,500 | 12/11/2025, 1/5/2026 |
| Meyer Park Pond | 1,300 | 12/11/2025, 1/8/2026 |
| Sheldon State Park Children's #1 | 800 | 1/13/2026, 1/29/2026 |
| Tom Bass I | 800 | 12/17/2025, 1/14/2026 |
Houston trout dates: TPWD winter stocking schedule, 2025-2026 season.
Answers for anglers in Houston
Which TPWD lake sits closest to Houston?
Sheldon Lake, about 14 miles east of town.
How many lakes are within 30 miles of Houston?
The list holds 2 lakes with TPWD data, such as Sheldon Lake and Lake Houston.
Which lake near Houston covers the most water?
Lake Conroe, roughly 20,118 acres, 41 miles from the center.
Where is public shore access near Houston?
TPWD counts 24 public access points inside 20 miles of Houston.
Which rivers are close to Houston?
Public access within 20 miles is on San Jacinto River, Collins Park, Lower Cypresswood Bridge and Kuykendahl Road Bridge.
Where is bait sold in Houston?
Fischer Angling, in Houston, sits about 1 mile away.
Is there winter trout fishing in Houston?
Rainbow trout went into Bane Park Lake, Eisenhower Park Pond and Kickerillo-Mischer during the 2025-2026 season.
What pier is closest to Houston?
Try Tugboat Marina, 19 miles away on the GLO list.
Which Texas county is Houston located in?
Harris County.
Do minors need a license to fish near Houston?
A license starts at age 17, so younger kids fish free near Houston.
Where is the best bass fishing near Houston?
For bass, Lake Conroe is the nearest excellent lake at 41 miles.
How do I know if lakes near Houston are low?
Open any lake above, since Sheldon Lake has a live TWDB level on its page.