Strategy and Fishing Tips for Locating and Catching Fish in Lake Conroe

Lake Conroe was created in 1973 by impounding the West Fork of the San Jacinto River. Originally created as a water supply, the lake is extensively used for recreation. The shoreline is highly developed with residential and commercial development.

Largemouth bass are the most pursued sportfish in Lake Conroe. The lake holds a moderate-sized population but has good potential to grow trophy-size bass. Channel catfish are the most abundant sportfish in the lake, with crappie, white bass and hybrid bass providing additional opportunities for anglers.

Lake Conroe is diverse with a variety of aquatic plants. Emergent, submergent and floating plants can be found in the shallow water in coves and creek arms. The exact area covered by vegetation will vary from year to year, but generally ends up being around 2,000 acres.

Flooded timber can be found in many of the creek arms especially below the Cagle Recreation Area and upstream from Scotts Ridge. Private individuals have placed countless brush piles. Private boat docks along the southern half of the lake provide excellent cover. Creek channels of larger inlets will provide some cover.

Excessive amounts of hydrilla were present in the late 1970’s. Grass carp were introduced to reduce the amount of vegetation present. As a result, hydrilla coverage is now at an acceptable level.

5 Key Strategy Tips to Locate and Catch Lots of Fish in Lake Conroe:

Berkley Flicker Shad Crankbait

1. In summer, largemouth bass often relate to ridges, roadbeds and along shoreline riprap. Crankbaits are the top producing bait at this time.

Chartreuse with an orange belly, firetiger, Tennessee shad and chrome with a blue back are great colors to use. The lure should run deep enough to bump the bottom occasionally on the retrieve.

2. White bass tend to stay deep from mid-summer through mid-winter. Fish will relate to deep-water structure, such as humps. Slabs and large jigs in white, yellow and chrome should be used.

7 lb 15 oz Largemouth Bass - Lake Conroe

3. Crappie will spawn as early as February 1, if the weather is sufficiently warm. Spawning fish will seek brush piles, buck brush at the backs of coves, boat docks and shallow pond dams for places to reproduce. At this time, fish are ready biters. After the spawn, crappie will be found either in or around brush piles. Small minnows or jigs consistently produce fish.

4. Using heavy fishing line for trotlining for catfish is popular in the upper end of the lake. Baits used by rod and reel anglers will also work here.

5. Spring and summer are good times to pursue sunfish on Conroe. Fish can readily be caught worms placed below a bobber. Shaded areas around boat docks, shallow brush piles or the rocky area along dam will consistently produce bream. Ample numbers of sunfish can provide a good way to introduce a child to the joys of fishing.

Find even more fishing tips, including an interactive map for Lake Conroe, and fishing reports across the state of Texas on Fishidy.