The upper end of Lake Livingston, where it’s fed by the Trinity River, has some amazing catfish water, especially in springtime when cats are shallow. The water is murkier at this end, and you can often catch channel cats all day long in April and May. This upper area requires come caution, however.
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What is the biggest catfish caught on Lake Livingston?
A 114-pound catfish caught at Lake Livingston still holds the Texas record for largest catfish ever caught.
What kind of catfish are in Lake Livingston?
Lake Livingston is a notable white bass fishery. White bass are plentiful and grow to large sizes. Also notable is the catfish fishery, dominated by blue catfish. Largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie are less abundant but good catches are possible in areas of the reservoir where habitat is available.
Where is the best fishing on Lake Livingston?
Late fall fishing on Lake Livingston is excellent, and Harmon Creek is one of the best spots on the lake to catch Striped Bass, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and White Bass. Rains are frequent in December, but you can still reel in a good amount of Blue Catfish and White Bass.
Are there alligators in Lake Livingston?
Also let me assure you that even though alligators are more prolific around the coastal marshes, they can be found as far north as Oklahoma and Arkansas. There are alligators in Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston and I know there are mating alligators in Lake Fork just to mention a few fishing and water recreation hot spots.
Where is the best place to catch catfish?

How many catfish can you keep on Lake Livingston?
For blue and channel catfish, no minimum length limit; daily bag and possession limit = 50 in any combination, of which no more than 5 may be 30 inches or greater in length. For white and black crappie, their hybrids and subspecies, minimum length limit = 10 inches.
Where are the biggest catfish in Texas?
Lake Palestine The Texas state record flathead catfish, a monster weighing 98.5 pounds, was caught here in 1998.
Do you need a fishing license for Lake Livingston?
Where to Fish: The park features one fishing pier. Fish along the shoreline or by boat. Licenses and Restrictions: A fishing license is not required to fish within the boundaries of a state park.
Are there skipjack in Texas?
The Skipjack Herring is found along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida, as well as north in the Mississippi River Basin to Minnesota. This migratory species is found in medium and large rivers and is occasionally found in marine waters, but is in decline due to the construction of dams.
What lives in Lake Livingston?
You might see forest species such as the downy woodpecker, red-shouldered hawk or tufted titmouse in one section of Lake Livingston State Park. Walk a few minutes toward the shoreline, and you might spot a double-crested cormorant, great egret or black-crowned night heron.
What is the best bait to use on Lake Livingston?
Striped Bass The record striper from Lake Livingston was 31.5 pounds, caught by C.W. Henry in 1986. Texas Parks and Wildlife reports that fishing for striped bass around the 190 Bridge has proven successful with vertical jigging spoons, live shad, or trolling baits.
What is the best bait for white bass?
Best baits for white bass are floating jigs tipped with a minnow or 1/8 and 1/4 oz. lead-head jigs (size depends on river flow, in lower flow use lighter lead) tipped with white, yellow or fluorescent colored twisted plastic tails or minnows. Small silver-colored spinners and spoons may also catch white bass.
Can you eat white bass?
White Bass are considered good to eat when they are eaten fresh and prepared properly. The meat is more firm during the colder months and most anglers remove the ‘mud vein’ or dark meat of the fillet before cooking. Soaking White Bass in milk or brine can reduce any fishy flavors.
What is the cleanest lake in Texas?
- International Amistad Reservoir.
- Canyon Lake.
- Brandy Branch Reservoir.
- Lake Alan Henry.
- Lake Travis.
Is Lake Livingston water safe to swim?
At Lake Livingston State Park, you can swim, fish, boat, hike, bird, camp, picnic, mountain bike, geocache and study nature.
What is the best bait for catfish in a lake?
Worms are classic catfish bait. Okay, they’re classic everything bait. They perform well suspended under bobbers or resting on the bottom behind a sinker. They’ll catch catfish in creeks, rivers, ponds or reservoirs.
What is the best time to fish for catfish?
Late March, April, and early May are some of the best blue catfish fishing of the year for numbers of fish and also offers excellent opportunities for trophy class catfish as well. Channel catfish action is typically excellent and very consistent also.
What is the best bait for catfish?
- #1. Nightcrawler. First on the list is the ubiquitous nightcrawler, favored food for all fish species.
- #2. Gizzard Shad.
- #3. White Suckers.
- #4. Skipjack Herring.
- #5. Stinkbait.
- #7. Bluegills.
- #8. Punchbait.
- #9. Chicken Livers.
Is it safe to eat fish from Lake Livingston?
Is it safe to eat other fish from Lake Livingston and the Trinity River (US 287 to US 90)? At this time, it is safe to consume fish as recommended by DSHS or other fish not listed in the advisory.
What’s the biggest catfish caught in Texas?
Lake Texoma Texas, 121.5 Pounds, Cody Mullenix The blue catfish caught by Mullenix weighed in at 121.5 lbs, which was not only a Texas state record but also a world record.
How long does a channel cat have to be to keep in Texas?
In addition, the details of these new regulations will be incorporated into the 2021-22 edition of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Outdoor Annual. The current statewide regulations for blue and channel catfish consist of a 12-inch minimum length limit and a 25-fish daily bag limit that combines both species.
Is Lake Livingston a man made lake?
Lake Livingston is a man-made lake on the Lower Trinity River in Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, and Trinity Counties. The lake is approximately 74 miles north of Houston and about 20 miles east of Huntsville. Lake Livingston impounds 1,750,000 acre feet of water, primarily from the Trinity River (Trinity River Authority).
What Lake in Texas has the biggest catfish?
As one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, Lake Texoma is one of the most popular fishing lakes in Texas. It is located in north Texas on the border of Oklahoma. The state-record blue catfish was caught in Lake Texoma, tipping the scales at 121.5 pounds.
Are there blue catfish in Texas?
The blue catfish is the largest freshwater sportfish in Texas. Where mature populations exist, 50-pounders are not unusual. Typically, the largest fish are caught by trotliners, some of whom have landed specimens in excess of 115 pounds. The Texas rod-and-reel record is 121.5 pounds.