Excellent
Largemouth bass
An abundant, trophy-capable fishery built around brush, vegetation, rock and deeper structure.
Live lake level: 23.0% full · 191.69 ft · measured Sep 8, 2026
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Texas Defined Fishing · South Texas
Choke Canyon Reservoir Fishing Guide
A 25,670-acre South Texas Frio River reservoir with excellent largemouth bass, blue/flathead catfish, channel catfish and alligator gar, plus varied brush, timber, vegetation, humps and roadbeds.
25,670 acres95.5 ft max depthVerified August 15, 2026
At a glance
What makes Choke Canyon Reservoir different.
Choke Canyon is a South Texas cover-and-water-level lake. TPWD rates largemouth bass, blue/flathead catfish, channel catfish and alligator gar excellent, while major fluctuations repeatedly change the amount of flooded brush, terrestrial vegetation and shallow habitat available to anglers.
- Surface area
- 25,670 acres
- Maximum depth
- 95.5 ft
- Impounded
- 1982
- Counties
- Live Oak, McMullen
- Waterway
- Frio River
- Conservation pool
- 220.5 ft msl
- Normal fluctuation
- High and frequent, 10–20 feet
- Water clarity
- Clear to slightly stained
- Controlling authority
- City of Corpus Christi
Cover & structure
What the water looks like to a fish.
Steep rocky banks, flooded timber, shallow brushy flats and creek channels create multiple fishable zones.
Hydrilla and native aquatic vegetation add cover alongside flooded mesquite and huisache when water is high.
Lower-lake islands, submerged humps, roadbeds and long points connect shallow cover to deeper water.
Large water-level swings can materially change shoreline habitat and ramp usability, so live level belongs in trip planning.
Fish this lake
The targets that define Choke Canyon Reservoir.
Excellent
Catfish
Blue, flathead and channel catfish all support excellent fisheries.
Excellent
Alligator gar
TPWD identifies substantial alligator-gar opportunity, including trophy-class fish.
Good
White bass
A good fishery with distinct cool-season river and warm-season main-lake patterns.
Good
Crappie
TPWD currently rates the fishery good while noting catches can vary.
Quick answers
Plan the trip faster.
What is Choke Canyon Reservoir best known for?
Choke Canyon is a South Texas cover-and-water-level lake. TPWD rates largemouth bass, blue/flathead catfish, channel catfish and alligator gar excellent, while major fluctuations repeatedly change the amount of flooded brush, terrestrial vegetation and shallow habitat available to anglers.
How large is Choke Canyon Reservoir?
Choke Canyon Reservoir covers 25,670 acres and reaches a published maximum depth of 95.5 feet.
Where should I check Choke Canyon Reservoir fishing rules?
Use the current Texas Parks & Wildlife Department rules before harvesting fish; this guide avoids freezing changeable bag limits into evergreen copy.
Local fishing services
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Fishing guidesMarinas & fuelBait & tackleBoat rentals & repairCampgrounds & lodgingRestaurants
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Source transparency
Core facts and durable fishing patterns were checked against official sources on August 15, 2026. Water levels, closures, access, regulations and current fishing activity can change.