Guide To The Secrets Of Walleye & Sauger Fishing In Texas

Walleye & Saugeye

While walleye fishing in Texas may not be as prevalent as in some northern states, the Lone Star State still offers opportunities to target this prized species. Lakes such as Lake Meredith, Lake Stamford, and Lake Texoma are known for their walleye populations. Walleye are sought after for their tasty meat and the challenge they provide to anglers with their elusive nature and feeding habits.

Saugeye, a hybrid cross between walleye and sauger, can also be found in Texas waters. Lakes like Lake Meredith and Lake Arrowhead are renowned for their saugeye fisheries. Saugeye possess a combination of the characteristics of both parent species, making them a popular target for anglers seeking a unique angling experience.

Texas rivers, particularly those in the Panhandle and the northern part of the state, also offer opportunities for walleye and saugeye fishing. The Canadian River, the Red River, and the Brazos River are among the waterways where these species can be targeted. River fishing for walleye and saugeye often involves understanding their preferred habitat, such as deeper pools or eddies, and employing techniques like jigging or trolling to entice strikes.

While walleye and saugeye fishing may not be as widespread in Texas as in other regions, anglers can still find opportunities to pursue these species. State records for walleye in Texas are relatively modest, with the current record standing at over 11 pounds, caught in Lake Meredith. For saugeye, the state record exceeds 12 pounds, caught in Lake Pat Cleburne. Although not as abundant or heavily targeted as other fish species in Texas, the pursuit of walleye and saugeye offers a rewarding challenge and a chance to explore unique fishing opportunities within the state.

Lake Meredith and White River Reservoir are the two major lakes in Texas with decent populations of walleye. New Ballinger Lake also has walleye.

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.

Texas walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top lures for walleye in Texas

Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes improves your odds of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

Lake Meredith produced the Texas state record walleye.

The state record sauger came from Kirby Lake.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Saugeye

This hybrid is created by mating sauger with walleye. The walleye influence allows the hybrids to grow larger than sauger, often to sizes equaling walleye. Saugeye tend to survive best in turbid/silty water and are caught in the same general areas and habitat populated by walleye and sauger.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.