9-16-2025 4:33pm

🎣 The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Lamar County, Texas 🌅🐟

Dustin Terry Editor

If there’s one thing that captures the spirit of Lamar County, it’s a day spent out on the water with a fishing pole in hand, the sun warming your back, and the hope of reeling in a big one. Fishing in Lamar County is more than a pastime — it’s a way of life, passed down through generations. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer with a simple rod and reel, the lakes, rivers, and ponds around Paris, Texas, offer unforgettable experiences.

This guide will take you on a deep dive into the best fishing spots 🗺️, local species 🐠, tips & tricks 🪝, and family-friendly outings 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 that make Lamar County one of the most peaceful (and exciting) places to cast a line.

🌊 The Waters of Lamar County

Lamar County might not be coastal, but it’s blessed with an abundance of lakes, creeks, and rivers that make fishing accessible to everyone.

Lake Crook 🌅
Just north of Paris, Lake Crook is a local favorite. With 1,400 acres of water surrounded by scenic pine forests, it’s stocked with largemouth bass 🎣, crappie, and catfish. The shoreline offers both boat launches and bank fishing, making it easy for families to set up for the day.
Pat Mayse Lake 🌲🐟
Located in the northern part of Lamar County, Pat Mayse Lake covers over 6,000 acres and is a fisherman’s paradise. Known for its healthy population of largemouth bass, white bass, and crappie, it’s also a top spot for catfishing at night 🌙. With campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails nearby, it’s a weekend destination for outdoorsy families.
Sulphur River 🏞️
Flowing along the southern edge of the county, the Sulphur River offers a more rugged fishing experience. Anglers often come here for catfish and gar, but the quiet setting and winding waters are just as rewarding as the catch.
Small Ponds and Creeks 🐸🪱
Scattered throughout the county are dozens of smaller ponds, farm tanks, and creeks where locals spend their afternoons. Sometimes these hidden gems produce the best surprises.

🐟 What You’ll Catch in Lamar County

Fishing in Lamar County is exciting because of the variety of fish you can reel in. Here’s what you can expect:

Largemouth Bass 🎣 – The crown jewel of local fishing. Known for their fight, bass attract anglers from across Texas.
Catfish 🐱🐟 – Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are abundant. Night fishing with stink bait or live bait is a tradition.
Crappie 🐟 – Both black and white crappie are plentiful in lakes like Pat Mayse and Lake Crook. Perfect for fish fries! 🍽️
White Bass ⚪ – Known for their schooling action in spring, they make for exciting catches.
Sunfish/Perch ☀️🐠 – Perfect for kids, these smaller fish are easy to catch and fun for beginners.
Gar 🐊 – A challenging catch for experienced anglers in rivers and creeks.

🧺 Family-Friendly Fishing

Fishing in Lamar County isn’t just for the pros. It’s a family tradition, and downtown Paris locals love to pack up the cooler, bring some folding chairs, and head to the lake together.

Pat Mayse Lake Family Outings 🌭🔥
Families often combine fishing with camping. Imagine grilling hot dogs over a campfire, the kids chasing fireflies, and everyone taking turns reeling in fish.
Bank Fishing at Lake Crook 🎒🐟
With picnic tables and easy access, Lake Crook is ideal for parents with younger kids. You can fish from the bank while the kids play nearby.
Teaching Kids the Basics 🪱
Many grandparents in Lamar County tell stories of teaching their grandkids how to bait a hook, cast a line, and celebrate their very first catch. It’s a rite of passage that strengthens family bonds.

🌞 Seasonal Fishing in Lamar County

Fishing changes with the seasons here, so planning your trip accordingly will make all the difference.

Spring 🌸 – The prime time for bass and crappie. Fish move into shallow waters, making them easier to catch.
Summer ☀️ – Early morning and late evening are best, as fish seek cooler water during the day. Catfish thrive in the heat.
Fall 🍂 – Bass feed heavily before winter, offering some of the best action of the year.
Winter ❄️ – Crappie and catfish are the stars of cold-weather fishing, especially in deeper waters.

🎣 Tips for a Successful Fishing Trip

Want to fish like a local? Here are some tried-and-true tips:

Bring live bait 🪱 for catfish — worms, minnows, or chicken liver are staples.
For bass 🎣, try plastic worms or crankbaits near submerged trees and brush.
Crappie anglers swear by jigs and minnows around docks and submerged brush piles.
Always carry a cooler with cold drinks 🥤 and snacks — Texas heat can sneak up on you!
Don’t forget your Texas fishing license 🎟️, which can be purchased online or at local stores.

🏕️ Camping + Fishing = The Perfect Weekend

One of the joys of fishing in Lamar County is combining it with camping adventures.

At Pat Mayse Lake, you can set up camp right near the water. Imagine waking up at sunrise, walking a few feet to your boat, and hitting the lake before breakfast. 🌅
Campgrounds often have fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, making it easy to cook up your catch. Nothing beats fried catfish or grilled bass fresh from the water! 🍴🐟🔥

🎡 Festivals, Tournaments, and Community Events

Fishing in Lamar County isn’t just a pastime — it’s celebrated in the community.

Local Fishing Tournaments 🏆🎣
Pat Mayse Lake regularly hosts bass fishing tournaments that draw competitors from across the region. These events are a mix of friendly competition and serious bragging rights.
Paris Balloon & Music Festival 🎈🎶
While not specifically about fishing, many families pair festival weekends with a fishing trip. It’s all part of the outdoor culture.
Community Fish Fries 🍽️
In small towns across Lamar County, it’s common to see church groups, nonprofits, or neighborhoods host fish fries. These events bring people together and often feature crappie or catfish caught locally.

📸 Fishing Memories and Local Stories

Part of the magic of fishing in Lamar County lies in the stories and memories passed down.

Tales of the “big one that got away” 😅.
Kids catching their very first perch and running back to show it off with wide eyes 👀.
Families who’ve been fishing at Pat Mayse Lake for three generations.
Retired veterans who find peace and reflection sitting by the water.

Fishing here isn’t just about what you catch — it’s about the moments that stay with you forever.

🚤 Gear and Local Shops

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the gear. Local bait shops and sporting goods stores around Paris make it easy to pick up what you need.

Bait Shops 🪱 – Stock up on live bait, tackle, and even snacks for the day.
Outdoor Stores 🏹 – Larger stores offer rods, reels, and supplies for beginners and experts alike.
Local Wisdom 🧢 – Shop owners often share the latest fishing reports and tips, giving you the inside scoop.

💡 Why Fishing in Lamar County is Special

Fishing in Lamar County is about more than casting lines and catching fish. It’s about:

Community ❤️ – Families, neighbors, and friends gathering by the water.
Tradition 🪝 – Skills and stories passed down through generations.
Peace 🕊️ – A quiet escape from the rush of everyday life.
Adventure 🚤 – The thrill of reeling in a trophy bass or landing a catfish at midnight.

It’s an experience that’s uniquely Texan — grounded in nature, friendship, and a deep respect for the outdoors.

🌟 Final Cast

From sunrise on Lake Crook 🌅 to night fishing at Pat Mayse 🌙, the waters of Lamar County invite everyone to slow down, cast a line, and savor the moment. Whether you’re chasing trophy bass 🎣, frying up crappie for dinner 🍴, or teaching a child to fish for the first time 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, Lamar County’s fishing culture will leave you hooked.

So grab your rod, pack the cooler, and head out to the lakes, rivers, and creeks of Lamar County. The fish are waiting — and so are the memories. ❤️🐟🎣