KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 4, 2021
By Natalie Cook Clark
This Saturday, June 5 is Free Fishing Day in Texas, the annual day when the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department waives their required fishing license that is strictly enforced for anyone fishing over 16 years of age. Katy offers many great spots to fish.
Joey and Kadence Glasenapp. Photo credit: Shasta Glasenapp
Fish for FREE Saturday
Katy has a lot of great fishing holes for those avid fishermen and those just wanting to have a little summer fun with the kids. This Saturday is a great opportunity to give fishing a try without the need for the required fishing license.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, a valid fishing license can be purchased online.
Freshwater - Resident/$30, Non-resident/$58, Seniors/$12
Saltwater - Residents/$35, Non-residents/$63, Seniors/$17
What could you catch?
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a variety of fish can be found in Texas waters including types of basses, catfish, crappies, carp, and minnows. Check their website for a complete list of locations and available types of fish.
Where to go in Katy?
*Click the link for details or a map.
5597 Gardenia Ln.
It's no secret that if you want bites, you should try Mary Jo Peckham Park in Old Katy. The park is part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife's "Neighborhood Fishin'" Program. TPWD regularly re-stocks the lake at Mary Jo Peckham with catfish and rainbow trout every two to four weeks during summer and winter, with a brief pause in August.
A pretty popular and well-known spot just north of Clay Road, so expect to run into a few people, but your chances of hooking a nice crappie or big bass are fairly good.
Elyson, a Katy community development has just broken ground on a 145-acre park project that those fishing here will benefit from. A dog park, playground, outdoor training area, and more are part of the plans.
Located near Katy Hockley and West Road, area fisherman have said John Paul Landing Park features great place to get bites, and great if you want to take the kids, too.
Just north of Franz Road on Porter, is a hike and bike park with a large, central lake. The real fishing though, is in a small, bottle-necked creek that runs underneath the road.
A bit of a drive but worth it for the serious fisher, this spot is quiet and promises some bites. Marshall Lake in Cypress located near 249. The 40-acre lake has three piers, a canoe launch and wooded shorelines for hours of peaceful fishing.
These popular spots listed above are all public. Visit here for a complete list for the top fishing spots in Katy, but note that they include neighborhood communities that follow HOA rules and may be accessible only to residence and their guests.
Be Safe
When fishing, remember the following to stay safe:
Always Keep Watch - Never leave a child unattended near any water. Drowning can take only 20 seconds.
Watch out for critters - Snakes and gators can be found on the shoreline and in the water.
Parking - Make sure you are parked legally and safely.