KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 30, 2019
By Natalie Cook Clark
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced that Saturday, June 1 is Free Fishing Day in Texas. Residents and non-residents can fish in any public body of water without the regularly-required license. Here are some favorite places to fish in Katy.
Opening photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Fish for FREE
This Saturday, June 1 is Free Fishing Day in Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department typically requires anyone fishing in the state of Texas to carry a valid fishing license, and this is strictly enforced.
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.
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.
Katy Fishing Spots
Have fun and enjoy these popular, local fishing spots:
1. Mary Jo Peckham Park 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. Kids 16 and under don't require a license.
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.
Several Katy fishermen have reported the body of water near Peek Road and South Fry is a big spawning location for bass during the winter months.
4. Cinco Ranch - South Lake Village Three large, interconnected lakes in Cinco Ranch's South Lake Village yield sizable catches all year round. Your best bet is the southern-most lake near the playground.
Note: This fishing area is only for Cinco Ranch residents and is catch and release.
5. Bear Creek
Just north of Clay Road, you'll find well-known Bear Creek. There may be crowds, but your chances of hooking a nice crappie or big bass are fairly good.
6. John Paul Landing Park Local fishermen report that the fairly-new installment near Katy Hockley and West Road is a good place to catch a bite. Plus, it's a great spot to take the kids.
Marshall Lake in Cypress, located near 249, is worth the drive from Katy. The 40-acre lake has three piers, a canoe launch and wooded shorelines for hours of peaceful fishing.
