Lake Meredith, TX

Fishing Regulations

Most fishes are currently regulated under statewide regulations. The exception is smallmouth bass, which are currently managed with a 12 to 15 inch slot limit. All fish 12 inches and smaller and 15 inches and larger can legally be harvested. Smallmouth bass between 12 and 15 inches must be immediately released. The daily bag limit is three fish. Walleye, under statewide regulations, are managed with a five fish daily bag limit, but you can keep only two fish less than 16 inches. The remainder of your bag limit must be fish over 16 inches.

Angling Opportunities

Meredith Reservoir has a very diverse fish community and provides opportunities for every type of angler. Walleye are the primary sport fish in the reservoir. The walleye population in the reservoir is maintained through natural reproduction with high quality fishing available in the spring. Meredith Reservoir also has an excellent smallmouth bass population. Most of the reservoir is rocky habitat, which is preferred by smallmouth bass. A number of 4-pound and larger fish are caught from Meredith each year. White bass provide an excellent fishery, especially during summer and fall. Largemouth bass are limited by habitat, but crappie fishing is generally good with occasional years of excellent fishing. Yellow perch are caught on rare occasions; the Texas record of 1.04 pounds came from Lake Meredith in 1996. Channel and flathead catfish are present in good numbers

Fishing Cover/Structure

Meredith Reservoir is dominated by steep rocky banks with limited areas of isolated flooded timber and vegetation. The upper reservoir is very turbid with suspended red clay while the lower reservoir is clear. In most of the reservoir rock ledges, rock piles, and steep drop-offs provide cover for game fish.

Tips & Tactics

Meredith Reservoir has the best walleye fishing in the state of Texas and is comparable to many lakes in the native range of walleye. The peak period for walleye fishing is from April through June. Over 90% of the walleye harvested are caught during this period. The key to successful walleye fishing on Meredith is to use small tackle and fish slowly. You will be most successful with 6-pound test line or smaller. Walleye can be caught on crankbaits and spinners, but the most successful method is drift fishing minnows or nightcrawlers on a small jig head. Drift-fish your jig in about 15 feet of water along the shoreline focusing mainly on rock outcrops and drop-offs. Smallmouth bass are typically caught along rocky shorelines near large structure or drop-offs. They can be caught on a variety of baits including crank baits, spinners, minnows, crayfish, and worms. The best season for smallmouth bass is spring when waters reach 60 degrees.