Texas offers many fishing opportunities from lakes, rivers, and streams to state- and privately-owned fish ponds. Whether you are an experienced or beginner angler, there are many well-stocked pay-to-fish ponds in Texas. If you’re planning a day on the water, you’re probably wondering what the best fish ponds in Texas are.
There are many well-stocked state-owned or pay-to-fish ponds in Texas. Some of the best fishing ponds in Texas include Texas Fishing LLC, Moby Dick’s Private Pond Fishing, Little Yellow Pond, Indian Creek Fishing Hole, and Sendera Fishing Pond.
These are just some of the many fantastic fishing ponds in Texas. Keep on reading to discover more about these pay-to-fish ponds and the fishing opportunities they offer.
What Is a Pay Pond?
A pay pond is a body of water owned by a person and operated commercially for recreational fishing purposes for profit. Pay ponds are managed, stocked, and operated to provide a superb fishing experience for anglers of all ages and experience levels.
Most privately owned pay ponds don’t require a fishing license, and anglers can rent fishing poles or bring their own equipment. Some pay ponds strictly catch and release, while others allow anglers to take the catch home.
11 Best-Rated Fish Ponds in Texas
Texas offers many fishing opportunities to beginner and seasoned anglers. Besides rivers, streams, and lakes, Texas also has many great pay-to-fish ponds.
Both privately owned-and state-owned ponds in Texas are regularly stocked with fish and offer many fishing opportunities to anglers. Whether you want to catch channel catfish, bass, or bluegill, check out these best-rated fish ponds in Texas!
Texas Fishing LLC
Texas Fishing LLC is located in Caddo Mills, Texas, and offers a one-of-a-kind pond fishing experience. Their public lakes are ideal for the whole family, including seasoned anglers and children who have never been fishing.
No fishing license is required to fish in Texas Fishing LLC fishing ponds. All persons aged eight to 60 are allowed to the property and expected to pay a $15 fee.
The staff at this pay fishing pond is available to show you how to fish if you haven’t fished before. They will also check each pole to ensure your equipment is set properly for the day on the water.
Moby Dick’s – Private Pond Fishing
Moby Dicks Private Pond Fishing is located in Austin, Texas. Their fishing ponds are stocked with big bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, perch, and crappie.
Moby Dick’s Private Pond Fishing is open seven days a week and works by reservation only. No fishing license is required at this fish pond. However, all fish are caught and released, and you won’t be able to take your catch home.
If you don’t have the equipment, you can rent fishing poles at the pond and even buy bait. You may also bring your own equipment and enjoy a relaxing fishing experience.
Sendera Fishing Pond
Sendera Fishing Pond is located in Fort Worth, Texas. There is a children’s playground near the pond, making this location ideal for families with children who want to have an exciting day near the water.
Sendera Fishing Pond is a catch-and-release pond only. This pond isn’t as popular as it was a few years ago, so it’s rarely crowded. Besides catfish and occasional bass, this pond is also home to many turtles.
Little Yellow Pond
Little Yellow Pond or Lucky Pond is located in Crosby, Texas. This is a family-friendly Texas fishing pond that offers an excellent pay-to-fish experience.
Lucky Pond doesn’t allow catch and release, so any fish you catch you’ll have to buy and take home. Expect to pay $6 per pound of live fish or $7 per pound of cleaned fish. To take fish from this pond, you’ll also need to pay a $5 admission fee.
Kingfisher Pond
Kingfisher Pond is a state pond located in Austin, Texas. People 17 and older must hold a valid Texas fishing license to take fish from Kingfisher Pond.
Kingfisher Pond is one of the state fishing lakes and ponds that are a part of the Neighborhood Fishing Program. The goal of this program is to stock fishing ponds regularly, so anglers don’t have to go far to catch dinner.
Kingfisher Lake is stocked with fish every two weeks. This pond is home to largemouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, and bluegill.
Willow Pond
Willow Pond is a lake near League City in Texas. Like many other fishing ponds in Texas, Willow Pond is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and channel catfish.
A fishing license is required for all people age 17 or older to fish in this public pond. Willow Pond offers bank fishing and is a family-friendly spot with many fishing opportunities.
Perch Pond
Perch Pond is located in Cedar Hill state park in Texas. Like most other public lakes, the Perch Pond is regularly stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, and rainbow trout.
This small pond is ideal for children learning to fish or experienced anglers looking for a relaxing day on the water. There is no additional fee to take fish from Perch Pond, but all persons aged 17 and older must have a valid Texas fishing license.
Earl Scott Pond
Earl Scott Pond is a state fishing pond located in San Antonio, Texas. Texas Parks & Wildlife stock this pond with fish regularly, making it a great fishing spot for beginner and experienced anglers.
Earl Scott Pond is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. This pond offers bank fishing and is open seven days a week. All persons age 17 or older must carry a valid fishing license when fishing in Earl Scott Pond and other state waters.
Mills Pond
Mills Pond is located in Austin, Texas, in the middle of a friendly neighborhood, and has accessible trails for hiking, running, and biking. Non-motorized boats are allowed on this pond which has a fishing pier and floating boat dock.
If you plan to fish in the Mills Pond, know that all Texas Parks & Wildlife regulations apply for fishing in a community pond. Mills Pond is regularly stocked with fish and offers many fishing opportunities, such as channel catfish and rainbow trout.
Private Water Fishing
Private Water Fishing is a members-based fishing club that offers the ultimate fishing experience in Texas and Oklahoma. Members of this club have access to more than 95 private fishing lakes.
Once you reserve a lake, you have exclusive access to it, with no crowd or other members to worry about. Private Water Fishing offers annual membership plans and allows its members to fish in professionally managed and well-stocked lakes.
Millers Pond
Millers Pond is located in a 42-acre park that features a picnic area, basketball court, and a football field. Located in San Antonio, Texas, this pond is stocked by Texas Parks & Wildlife every two weeks. It offers many fishing opportunities to experienced and beginner anglers.
Millers Pond is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. A fishing license is mandatory for adults aged 17 or older.
Do You Need a Fishing License to Fish in a Private Pond in Texas?
A fishing license isn’t necessary to fish in privately owned lakes or ponds in Texas. However, all adult persons fishing in public waters from private property must have a valid Texas-issued fishing license.
Bear in mind that it’s illegal to fish in privately owned waters or to enter private land to fish in public waters without the owner’s permission.
Conclusion
There are many excellent pay fishing ponds in Texas. Whether you are a resident or a visiting angler, you will likely find a well-stocked pond near you in Texas.
Anyone fishing within a Texas State Park or on privately owned lakes or ponds doesn’t require a fishing license. However, be prepared to pay a fishing fee for catch and release ponds and the lakes where it’s allowed to take the catch home.
