Lone Star Travelers Blog » fishing

Fort Parker State Park, Mexia Texas

joanie7 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:29:28 +0000

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Fort Parker State Park is named for Fort Parker, a nearby historic settlement established in 1833 and site of the well known Comanche Indian raid of May 1836 during which Cynthia Ann Parker was captured. One of the largest remaining tall grass prairies in Limestone County mingles into dense woodlands providing a pleasant, shady respite from Dallas 80 miles to the north or Waco 47 miles to the west. In 1939 the CCC built a 729 ft dam across the Navasota River creating the 7oo acre Fort Parker Lake. Canoe rentals are available seasonally at $25 for 8 hours or $15 for a 3 hour minimum. Swimming is unsupervised from a small beach or you may fish from the banks of the lake, the dam or from one of the two fishing piers. Common catches include crappie, bass, catfish or trout in season. The Springfield 1.5 mile multi-use loop trail is for hiking or biking. The .5 mile one way Bur Oak nature trail through the woods rewards the bird watcher as many different species swoop through the trees. We observed bluebirds, cardinals, an indigo bunting and a red-tailed hawk. The 1.5 mile each way Bainscreek Trail brings you up close to the herons and other shorebirds and wading birds frequenting the park. The trailer camping loop (sites #1-25 water & electric) is well situated along the lake shore however most of the sites are close together and smaller suited for small trailers or pop-ups. If your trailer is 25 ft or longer call ahead to see if one of the few larger spaces is vacant. 10 inviting shelters are set into a hillside overlooking the lake. Primitive car camping sites #40-49 are a short drive down River Rd. A vault toilet is in the area. Tip: You may paddle 3 miles on the Navasota River to the Confederate Reunion Grounds. Allow 3-4 hours. Call the park 254-562-5751 to inquire about the availability of shuttles.

Eisenhower State Park, Denison Texas

joanie7 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:36:42 +0000

We just returned from a short trip to Eisenhower State Park, named for the 34th President of the United States who was born nearby. Located northwest of Denison Texas and approximately 100 miles north of Dallas Texas this nice size park of 423.1 acres is set on the shores of Lake Texoma, a huge reservoir on the Texas/Oklahoma border. The Tex and oma in the name of this Red River impoundment represents both states. 580 miles of shoreline sprawl across the borders of Texas and Oklahoma with 2/3 of the lake actually in Oklahoma.

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Texas Parks & Wildlife TV Program

joanie7 — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:46:49 +0000

Texas Parks & Wildlife airs a weekly program on Texas State Parks and Texas Outdoors. The week of August 3rd-10th, 2008 the program will include a segment on Lake Brownwood State Park in Central Texas. This is a fairly small park (537.5 acres) set on a large reservoir, the 7,300 surface acres of Lake Brownwood. Activities include picnicking, camping, hiking, boating and fishing. Possible catches include large mouth bass, small mouth bass, white bass, stripers, white crappie, yellow cat, flathead cat, perch and gar. Lake Brownwood State Park is located near the geographical center of Texas and is 16 miles northwest of the city of Brownwood. We plan to visit this park later this year and will post a photo gallery. The Texas Parks & Wildlife TV Program is made possible by a grant from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/tv/tvwhere.phtml for time, date and station info.

Lake Colorado City State Park, Colorado City Texas

joanie7 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:46:53 +0000

Lake Colorado City State Park has a large day use area which includes a swimming beach, covered picnic tables, a playground and a 4- lane concrete boat launch ramp. There is also a lighted fishing pier, a covered fishing barge, kayaks and pedal boats for rent seasonally and yes this park is centered around fishing! http://lonestartravelers.com/wordpress/free-fishing-in-texas-state-parks/ check this link for my blog entry on free fishing in texas state parks. The lake cools an electric power plant, the resulting warm water results in an ideal habitat for fish and waterfowl. Whether you are fishing off your boat or from the 5 miles of shoreline you should have excellent luck reeling in crappie, perch, catfish, bass and even red drum. Campsites are large and spaced well apart. The Mesquite Circle Camping Area (sites #1-34 water and electric) is closest to the fishing barge. The Rolling Hills Camping Area (sites #35-78 has some pull-through sites considered premium at a slightly higher camping fee. The Lakeview Camping Area (sites#95-128) has the best views, is closest to the lighted fishing pier, the camping sites are back in and quite long however they are water only sites. If you are not camping stay in one of 11 stone cottages overlooking the water. Part of the Texas LongHorn herd is pastured here. TIP: The entrance gate is closed from 10PM-8AM.

Lake Arrowhead State Park

joanie7 — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:23:15 +0000

Lake Arrowhead State Park in Clay County is just 18 miles south of Wichita Falls, Texas. At 524 acres this is a small park on a very large (16,200 acres) reservoir with 106 miles of shoreline. Fishermen are drawn to the large abandoned steel oil derricks that dot the lake and yield the fish. Lake Arrowhead State Park participates in “Loan A Tackle Program” where the park lends fishing tackle to the visitors. A Kids Fishing Contest and an Adult Rough Fish Contest are held in June. Check the park calendar for current schedule. When not fishing there are 5 miles of mostly flat and grassy trails shared by hikers and equestrians to enjoy. If you bring your horse there are 4 equestrian campsites. 48 campsites with water and electric as well as 19 sites with water only are spacious and partially shaded. We stopped at this park on our way home from Utah in the summer of 2008. Close to Hwy 287 it is a welcome respite from the roadside highway campgrounds. Tip: Lake Arrowhead State Park is home to an active black-tailed prairie dog “town.”

Inks Lake State Park, Burnet Texas

joanie7 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:53:24 +0000

Visit our Inks Lake State Park Photo Gallery

Inks Lake State Park is a pleasant family oriented park in Burnet County just 60 miles north of Austin, Texas. This scenic 1201 acre park in Texas Hill Country is part of the Highland Lakes Chain (consisting of 7 lakes) on the Colorado River. Located on pink granite outcroppings of the Llano uplift, geology hikes are offered through the billions of years old granite hills. Hiking is also popular to the Devils Waterhole where swimmers jump off the cliffs into the cool clear water. Alternately you may join a canoe tour out to Devil’s Waterhole or rent a canoe or kayak at the Texas State Park Store and head out on to the 803 acre lake yourself. If you rent for 24 hours you may keep the canoe or kayak overnite at your campsite. Other activities include boating, water skiing and sailing on the lake, fishing from one of two lighted piers or ‘Fishing with a Ranger’ (2-3 times a week) also golfing on the 9 hole course operated by Highland Lakes Golf Club. Tee times are 1st come 1st serve. The golf course is located on park property with 6 of the holes lakeside, the entrance is outside the park. 7 1/2 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels include lakeside cliffs and hilltop trails. You will see many white-tail deer, wild turkeys and possibly armadillos and foxes. In Spring the area is blanketed with wildflowers including the Texas State Flower the Bluebonnet. In winter bird watchers keep a sharp eye out for bald eagles. Campsites at Inks Lake State Park consist of 9 primitive back-pack in 1.5 miles sites (no water, pit toilet on trail), 10 walk-in sites with water and electricity, 50 water only sites and 137 water and electric sites. Like Tyler State Park in East Texas, Inks Lake State Park In Hill Country is a wonderful park for families. Kids have a great time here with all the other kids and all of the activities. Also like Tyler State Park, Inks Lake State Park is popular and can be crowded. Be sure to make reservations. We loved the natural setting and scenic beauty of this park however please note the camp sites are set close together and will afford little privacy. There is very little shade so if you are camping in the hot Texas summer be sure to bring your own in the form of golf or beach umbrellas or a screen shelter.

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Choke Canyon State Park, Calliham Texas

joanie7 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:38:14 +0000

Visit our Choke Canyon Photo Gallery

We loved Choke Canyon State Park in the South Texas Plains. The Calliham Unit in McMullen County offers overnight facilities while the South Shore Unit in Live Oak County is for day use only. Some of the best fishing in Texas for large mouth bass draws tournament anglers as well as the casual fisherman to the huge Choke Canyon Lake Reservoir (26,000 acres), a water source for Corpus Christi. Trophy fish over 10 lbs are common. When you arrive at the park ask for a lake map (very basic) with tips of where to find the largemouth bass and crappie and how and when to catch them. There is also a 90 acre stocked pond for fishing. (catch and release only) Choke Canyon State Park is a major destination for “birders.” When we visited in February there were many people walking the nature trails, binoculars to their eyes hoping to catch a glimpse of the Crested Caracara (Mexican Eagle) thoroughly enjoying the birdwatching. Many of the birds are Mexican species drawn to their Northern range limit here. The American Birding Association jointly with the Bureau of Reclamation has declared this area a special place for birds and bird watching. Guided bird walks are conducted seasonally. Wildlife commonly seen in Choke Canyon State Park include white tail deer, wild turkey, javelina, coyote and even the American Alligator commonly venturing this far west. Facilities for families at this park are outstanding including a gymnasium, recreation hall, dining hall, group picnic pavilions, basketball court, tennis court, shuffleboard courts, even a baseball diamond. There are walk-in (50 yards) primitive campsites and 57 trailer or Rv campsites, back in or pull thru with water and electricity. Many of these are lakeside. We stayed in site #15 with direct lake access. Picnic tables are covered and have windbreak on three sides. Note: The park gate is closed at 10 PM and opened at 6AM. If you will be arriving after hours call the park (361-786-3868) before 5PM for the gate combination number.

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Huntsville State Park, Huntsville Texas

joanie7 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 02:05:52 +0000

Visit our Huntsville State Park Photo Gallery

Huntsville State Park located in Walker County is in the piney woods of Sam Houston National Forest. A large park (2,083 acres) it offers many activities. Boating in the small (210 acre) Lake Raven is limited to idle speed although motor size is not restricted. Canoes, kayaks and row boats are rented seasonally. Fishing for largemouth bass is catch and release only, however you may keep any catfish or crappie you catch. You may not bring your own horse but there are guided horseback rides available at Lake Raven Stables. (call them at 936-295-1985) An extensive trail system includes 18 miles of beginner to intermediate biking trails mostly under the canopy of the tall pine trees, there are also nature trails and many hiking only trails. Park Headquarters has a good map of the trails to hand out. You may swim in an unsupervised swimming area but be aware that occasionally alligators are spotted. The Texas State Park Store is named “Gator Junction!” There are large camping areas. 125 tent sites, each two sharing a water spigot, another 58 sites have water and electricity, 25 of these are pull-thru in the Raven Hill Trailer Area with another 36 back-in at the Prairie Branch Camping Area. We camped at the Raven Hill Area and enjoyed views of the lake. Several sites in the three loops that comprise Raven Hill Camping Area are lakeside. The historic town of Huntsville, one of Texas’ oldest towns, founded in 1836 as a trading post is 6 miles from the park. The 66 feet high Sam Houston Statue dominating the view of motorists on I-45 and the Huntsville Visitor Center are also nearby. The statue has been described as possibly the world’s largest statue of an American hero. Sam Houston was the President of the Republic of Texas, a statesman and a General who led the Texas Army in the battle of San Jacinto the decisive victory in the Texas Revolution. Huntsville Texas is approximately 70 miles North of Houston, Texas and 170 miles South of Dallas, Texas.

Visit our Huntsville State Park Photo Gallery

Atlanta State Park, Atlanta Texas

joanie7 — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:52:26 +0000

Visit our Atlanta State Park Photo Gallery

Located in Cass County in the far North East corner of Texas, Atlanta State Park is a large park (1475 acres) located on the large (20,300 acre) Lake Wright Patman. The nearby town of Jefferson caters to tourists showing off it’s Antebellum homes.Just to the northeast is the city of Texarkana with the interesting geography of two unique parts separated by State Line Ave, one half located in Texas and the other half in Arkansas. The land for this park was acquired in 1954. Facilities are older but clean and maintained. 5 miles of hiking and nature trails are a pleasant break from the lake which stays busy with fishermen all year round. In season swimming from the sandy beach or watersking are popular activities. Campsites set in the piney woods are pleasant and spacious. The Knights Bluff area offers 15 pull-thru full hook-ups. We didn’t care for the fact that day users, mostly anglers must drive the park road through this camping area on their way to the boat ramp. Two other camping loops with 44 electric and water sites and 8 primitive sites offer more seclusion. Nearby is the geographical point where Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas meet. It is marked by a stone marker. Stand with one foot in Texas, the other in Arkansas and touch Louisiana for a fun photo op. Nearest WallMart is in Atlanta 13 miles away.

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Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Pittsburg Texas

joanie7 — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:04:05 +0000

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park located in Titus County is near the small East Texas towns of Pittsburg and Mount Pleasant. With close proximity to both I-20 and I-30 this is a popular park with folks from the Dallas/Ft Worth metroplex approximately 140 miles distant. Reservations are recommended and should be made well in advance for weekends and school breaks. Although small (639.8 acres) the park feels spacious with 4 distinct camping loops. Located on the North side of the large (9,400 acre) Lake Bob Sandlin, a popular bass fisherie, you may cast your line from a lighted fishing pier, the shoreline or take advantage of the boat ramp to get right out on the water and snag one of those rainbow trout the lake is stocked with. There is also fishing in the trout pond located at one of two remote hike-in primitive camping areas. 66 back in campsites, nestled in the pineywoods offer electric and water. 9 of these are premium lakeside sites. We noticed that most of these sites were not very long so call ahead if you have a trailer or RV to make sure you can be acomodated. When not fishing there are almost 5 miles of nature trails that you may hike or mountain bike on beginner to intermediate trails 5 miles through the forest passing two ponds with crossings on 8 footbridges. You may spot bald eagles in winter as well as white tailed deer at any time of the year. Bobcats, although rarely seen live here and share their territory with at least one black panther who roams this part of Texas. A small cemetery in the day use area dates back to the days of Fort Sherman, a wooden stockade fort that would have been located in or near the park, built in the 1840′s to protect settlers from Indian attacks. The facilities here are older, the park was opened in 1987, but very clean. If you visit this park in the fall you will be rewarded with the spectacular red and gold colors of oak, hickory, redbud and maple trees. The staff at this park is outstanding. We were picnicking in the day use area when our puppy was startled and bolted off into the woods. When we reported this the rangers immediately went into action hiking the trails and helping us search. By the following morning this dog of ours was still on the loose. He was spotted by the ranger on duty who called us on our cell phone to advise where he had seen him. Happy ending we reunited shortly thereafter.