Joe Pool Lake, located just south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is a popular destination for anglers seeking a variety of fish species. With its 7,400 acres of water, Joe Pool Lake offers excellent opportunities for catching largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Whether you prefer fishing from the bank, marinas, fishing jetties, or by boat, there are numerous ways to enjoy the lake’s abundant fish population.
Fishing Spots and Techniques
One of the most popular fishing spots at Joe Pool Lake is the discharge channel of the Outlet Works, located off Camp Wisdom Road below the dam. This area is known for producing crappie and catfish, especially when water is being released after heavy rainfall. Anglers can fish from the bank or use the fishing platforms along the discharge tube, but caution must be exercised due to turbulent water conditions.
The upper third of both arms of Joe Pool Lake is covered with timber left over from when the lake was filled, providing excellent cover for fish. The lower end of the lake was cleared, but several large brush piles were constructed prior to filling and are marked with buoys. These brush piles are well-known for attracting crappie.
Largemouth bass are often found associated with hydrilla, pondweed, and underwater structural features throughout the lake. The grassy and hydrilla-filled coves are popular spots for bass fishing, with plastic frogs, worms, or topwater lures being effective lures. Main lake points with underwater ledges also hold bass.
Crappie fishing is particularly good under the bridges that cross the two arms of the lake, while white bass school in the lower portion of the lake. Channel catfish can be found near the creek channels.
Fishing Regulations and Limits
Joe Pool Lake has special fishing regulations in place to manage the fish populations effectively. For largemouth bass, there is a 14-21 inch slot limit, meaning bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches and greater may be retained. Only one bass 21 inches or greater may be kept per day. The daily bag limit for all black bass species is 5 in any combination.
Channel and blue catfish have a 25 fish daily bag limit (only 10 can be 20 inches or greater in length), while flathead catfish have an 18-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of 5. White and black crappie have a 10-inch minimum length limit and a 25 fish daily bag limit.
Anglers should familiarize themselves with the current regulations and limits before fishing at Joe Pool Lake to ensure compliance with Texas Parks and Wildlife rules.
Amenities and Nearby Attractions
Joe Pool Lake offers a variety of amenities for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake has seven boat ramps distributed around its shoreline, providing easy access for boaters. Two marinas offer supplies, rentals, and services such as paddle boats, dock storage, and powerboat rentals.
Cedar Hill State Park, located on the shores of Joe Pool Lake, offers 350 modern campsites and 30 primitive sites for those wishing to stay overnight. The park features multi-use trail systems for hiking, bicycling, and mountain biking, as well as an equestrian trail for horseback riders.
Other attractions near Joe Pool Lake include the Penn Farm Agricultural History Center, which offers ranger-led and self-guided tours, and the Perch Fishing Pond, which is great for kids to fish.
Joe Pool Lake is easily accessible via Highways 67 and 360, as well as Interstate 20 and several other major and minor roads. RV rentals are available at Cedar Hill State Park for those wishing to camp in comfort.
With its diverse fish species, abundant fishing spots, and convenient amenities, Joe Pool Lake is an excellent destination for anglers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at this picturesque lake.