Caddo Lake began as a natural lake, but was dammed for flood control in the early
1900s. Native and non-native aquatic vegetation covers approximately 95 percent
of the lake's surface area in Texas. Inundated baldcypress trees are scattered
throughout this comparatively shallow water body and provide excellent fish
habitat. Man-made structures such as fishing piers and duck blinds also provide
habitat for cover-seeking species.
Fishing: Largemouth bass is the most popular sportfish at
Caddo Lake with good numbers of
trophy-size bass (over 8 lbs) available. The lake also supports quality crappie,
white bass, and sunfish fisheries. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are
present and provide good seasonal fishing opportunities. Chain pickerel, a
smaller cousin of the northern pike, is also present and frequently sought by
anglers because of its sporting qualities.
Tips & Tactics: Although largemouth bass fishing is good throughout the
year, the time to fish for trophy fish is spring, with March being the most
productive month. Crappie fishing is most productive in winter
and early spring with good numbers of legal-size fish available for harvest.
Peak fishing time for white bass occurs during winter and early
spring in areas where water current is present. Chain pickerel
are also good at this time of the year; the best habitat to fish is around
submerged aquatic vegetation. Late spring and early summer is a most productive
time to fish for sunfishes and catfishes at
Caddo Lake.
Location: On Big Cypress Bayou on the Texas-Louisiana state line, northeast of
Marshall in Harrison and Marion counties
Surface area: 26,800
acres
Maximum depth: 20 feet
