Fishing near Waco, Texas
The nearest lakes to Waco, with distances, access and bait shops.
- 5lakes in 30 mi
- 40access points
- 7shops nearby
Pick for rainbow troutPiscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel28% OFFSale $57.99 Photo: Brian Stansberry, CC BY 4.0
Fishing near Waco, Texas
Head north about 2 miles from Waco and you reach Lake Waco, the closest TPWD lake.
A 30 mile radius takes in 5 lakes, including Lake Waco, Lake Brazos, Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir, Aquilla Lake and Lake Whitney.
Inside 20 miles of Waco you have 40 public access points on the TPWD access layer, including river access on Hog Creek, Middle Bosque River and South Bosque River.
Rainbow trout stockings in Waco totaled 896 at Buena Vista Park Lake* during the 2025-2026 season. The 2020 Census counted 138,486 people in Waco.
Straight line distances from the center of Waco.
For the rainbow trout herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 Lakes around Waco
Lake Waco
2 miles north, 8,465 acres; excellent largemouth bass and channel & blue catfish.
See detailsLake Brazos
5 miles east, 523 acres; excellent channel & blue catfish.
See detailsTradinghouse Creek Reservoir
12 miles east, 2,010 acres; excellent catfish.
See detailsAquilla Lake
24 miles north, 3,020 acres.
See detailsLake Whitney
24 miles northwest, 23,500 acres.
See detailsBelton Lake
35 miles southwest, 12,385 acres; excellent smallmouth bass and hybrid striped bass.
See detailsLake Mexia
36 miles east, 1,048 acres; excellent channel catfish.
See detailsMeridian State Park Lake
38 miles northwest, 50 acres.
See detailsWhere the public can fish near Waco
The map shows lakes and public access around Waco.
- Hog Creek5 access points within 20 miles
- Middle Bosque River4 access points within 20 miles
- South Bosque River3 access points within 20 miles
- North Bosque River2 access points within 20 miles
- Aquilla Creek2 access points within 20 miles
- Bosque River1 access point within 20 miles
- Park on Lake Brazos1 access point within 20 miles
- Brazos River1 access point within 20 miles
Points around Waco: TPWD access layer and GLO coastal inventory.
Buying bait near Waco
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Wacosporting goods, 3 miles southeast, (254) 399-2410
- Ron's Marina One Ltemarina, 4 miles northwest, (254) 754-1642
- Bass Pro Shops Wacosporting goods, 5 miles southeast, (254) 870-4300
- Pullin Family Marinamarina, 5 miles east
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Lacy Lakeviewsporting goods, 5 miles northeast, (254) 591-8010
- (3) Fly-Tyingfly shop, 8 miles north
- Big catch bait and tacklebait tackle, 18 miles south, (254) 717-3525
- Kleigh Westphall's Lake Waco Guide ServiceFreshwater guide, (830) 708-6019
Waco listings: OpenStreetMap contributors, store lists and guide websites, October 2026.
Biggest fish on record around Waco
| Species | Weight | Lake | From town | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catfish, Blue | 84.13 lb | Lake Waco | 2 miles | 2019 |
| Carp, Grass | 70.12 lb | Lake Waco | 2 miles | 2010 |
| Catfish, Flathead | 62.1 lb | Belton Lake | 35 miles | 2016 |
| Buffalo, Smallmouth | 50.4 lb | Belton Lake | 35 miles | 2017 |
| Gar, Hybrid | 39.76 lb | Lake Waco | 2 miles | 2023 |
| Bass, Striped | 39.69 lb | Lake Whitney | 24 miles | 1989 |
| Buffalo, Bigmouth | 39 lb | Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir | 12 miles | 1995 |
| Carp, Common | 36.25 lb | Belton Lake | 35 miles | 2017 |
| Gar, Longnose | 33 lb | Lake Whitney | 24 miles | 1990 |
| Drum, Red | 29.5 lb | Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir | 12 miles | 1991 |
TPWD all-ages rod and reel lake records, lakes within 40 miles of Waco.
Trout releases in Waco
| Location | Trout stocked | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Buena Vista Park Lake* | 896 | 11/26/2025, 12/12/2025, 12/23/2025, 1/9/2026, 1/23/2026, 2/6/2026, 2/20/2026, 3/2/2026 |
Waco trout dates: TPWD winter stocking schedule, 2025-2026 season.
Asked often about fishing near Waco
What lake can I reach fastest from Waco?
Lake Waco, roughly 2 miles to the north.
Which lakes are a 30 mile drive from Waco?
5 lakes with TPWD survey data: Lake Waco, Lake Brazos, Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir, Aquilla Lake and Lake Whitney.
What is the largest lake around Waco?
Lake Whitney, with 23,500 surface acres, 24 miles from town.
Is there public access to fish near Waco?
Within 20 miles of Waco, TPWD shows 40 public access points on lakes and streams.
Can I fish a river near Waco?
Within 20 miles, river access is on Hog Creek, Middle Bosque River, South Bosque River and North Bosque River.
Where do I pick up bait around Waco?
Look at Academy Sports + Outdoors Waco in Waco, some 3 miles from town.
Are trout released in Waco?
Yes, at Buena Vista Park Lake*, for the 2025-2026 season.
In what county will I find Waco?
It is in McLennan County.
Do teens under 17 need a license in Waco?
Not if they are Texas residents under 17, though adults fishing around Waco do.
What is the top bass lake near Waco?
The closest lake TPWD rates excellent for largemouth bass is Lake Waco, 2 miles away.
Where can I see water levels near Waco?
Each lake page, starting with Lake Waco, shows the live TWDB level.
Next stops from Waco
From Waco, every nearby lake has ramps and records listed.