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Caddo Lake

Caddo Lake is located on the Texas-Louisiana state line, northeast of Marshall in Harrison and Marion counties. The lake sprawls across 26, 800 acres and averages a maximum depth of 20 feet. Approximately 60 percent of the lake is dominated by native submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation.

Game fish on the Texas side of the lake are managed under statewide regulations with the exception of largemouth bass, which is subject to a 14 to 18 inch slot length limit, five fish daily bag limit. Louisiana harvest regulations differ for many species and apply when fishing the Louisiana side of Caddo Lake. For more information, log on to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website or call (318) 676-7594.

Largemouth bass is the most popular sportfish in Caddo Lake, with good numbers of trophy-size bass (over 8lbs) available. The lake also supports quality crappie, white bass, and sunfish fisheries. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are present and provide good seasonal fishing opportunities. Chain pickerel, a smaller cousin of the northern pike, is also present and frequently sought by anglers because of its sporting qualities.

Although largemouth bass fishing is good throughout the year, the time to fish for trophy fish is spring, with March being the most productive month. Crappie fishing is most productive in winter and early spring with good numbers of legal-size fish available for harvest. Peak fishing time for white bass occurs during winter and early spring in areas where water current is present. Chain pickerel are also good at this time of the year; the best habitat to fish is around submerged aquatic vegetation. Late spring and early summer is a most productive time to fish for sunfishes and catfishes at Caddo Lake.

Caddo began as a natural lake, but was dammed for flood control in the early 1900s. Native and non-native aquatic vegetation covers approximately 95 percent of the lake’s surface area in Texas. Inundated baldcypress trees are scattered throughout this comparatively shallow water body and provide excellent fish habitat. Man-made structures such as fishing piers and duck blinds also provide habitat for cover-seeking species.

Public Ramps & Marinas

Highway 43 Ramp

  • Located on the south river bank upstream of the lake. From Marshall, take Texas 43 east to Cypress Bayou.
  • Two-lane concrete ramp
  • No fee required
  • Open all year
  • Maintained by Harrison County (903) 935-4808

Caddo Lake State Park

  • Located on the south river bank upstream of the main lake. From US 59 north of Marshall, take Texas 43 east to FM Road 2198 and go east approximately 1 mile to park entrance.
  • Two-lane boat ramp
  • Day use fee required
  • Open all year
  • Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (903) 679-3351

Pine Needle Lodge

  • Located on the west end of the lake. From Marshall take Texas Highway 43 east to FM 805.
  • Two-lane unimproved boat ramp
  • Fee required
  • Open all year
  • Privately operated (903) 665-2911

Shady Glade Marina

  • Located on the west bank at mid-lake. Take Texas 43 east from Marshall to FM 2198 and go east to Uncertain.
  • Single lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 20
  • Fee required
  • Open all year
  • Privately operated (903) 789-3295

Johnson’s Ranch

  • Located on the west bank at mid-lake. Take Texas 43 east from Marshall to FM 2198 and go east to Uncertain.
  • Single-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 15
  • Fee required
  • Open all year
  • Privately operated (903) 789-3213

Cripp’s Camp

  • Located on the west bank at mid-lake. Take Texas 43 east from Marshall to FM 2198 and go east to Uncertain.
  • Single lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 30
  • Fee required
  • Open all year
  • Privately operated (903) 789-3233

Tucker’s Camp

  • Located on the south shore of the lake. From Interstate 20 at Waskom, take FM 9 north and turn right onto Tucker Road.
  • Two single-lane boat ramps
  • Fee required
  • Open all year
  • Privately operated (903) 679-3137

Collier’s Launch

  • Located on the south shore near the Louisiana state line. From Interstate 20 at Waskom take FM 9 north and turn right at Swanson’s Road (CR 2613). Follow signs to boat ramp.
  • Single-lane boat ramp
  • Fee required
  • Open all year

Potter’s Point

  • Located on the north shore. Take Texas 43 east from Marshall to Smithland, turn east on Texas 49, then go south on FM 727 at Gray and take Marion County Private Road 3644 to the right.
  • Single-lane boat ramp
  • $3.00 fee
  • Open all year
  • Privately operated (903) 930-1940