Choke Canyon Reservoir for Great Bass Fishing
Located barely more than an hour’s drive from San Antonio, Choke Canyon Reservoir is among Texas’ best big bass lakes and perhaps the biggest bass fishing secret in the country. Since it is surrounded by state parkland, Choke Canyon is devoid of any shoreside development. This lack of development has certainly aided in Choke’s relative anonymity. It has also prevented the lake from hosting nationally televised bass tournaments – which are often responsible for spreading the word about hot bass lakes. So, despite producing an incredible amount of 5 to 10-pound bass in recent years, Choke Canyon sees relatively little fishing pressure.
However, don’t let the lack of “buzz” fool you. Over the years, 26,000-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir has produced plenty of notable bass catches. Numerous small circuit tournament records have been set there, with the current lake record largemouth standing at an impressive 14.66 pounds. Nevertheless, the lake has managed to stay relatively obscure on the national scene.
Additionally, much of Choke Canyon’s anonymity can be attributed to its location. Situated approximately 75 miles from San Antonio, Choke Canyon is largely ‘in the middle of nowhere.’ The tiny towns of Three Rivers and George West are the only nearby ‘population centers.’ However, for fishermen in search of a career-best bass, the drive to ‘nowhere’ is well worth it.
The other major reason for Choke’s lack of notoriety is the fact it is surrounded by public land, which is a significant advantage for anglers. Texas Parks & Wildlife maintains Choke Canyon State Park as two separate ‘units’ – the Calliham Unit lies in McMullen County, while the South Shore Unit is in Live Oak County.
At 1,100 acres, the Calliham Unit is the larger of the two, equipped with screened shelters and various campsites for those wishing to enjoy the lake. It also features 2 miles of hiking trails, a mile-long birding trail, a wildlife educational center, four boat ramps, and a man-made 75-acre lake. In short, the Calliham Unit provides everything needed for an all-around outdoor experience.
Although the South Shore Unit contains only 385 acres, it remains an excellent shoreside spot for numerous activities. This unit operates as a ‘day-use’ only facility, meaning no overnight camping allowed. However, there are plenty of areas that allow for picnicking, birding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The South Shore Unit also features a 6-lane boat ramp.
Even though Choke flourished upon its opening, fishing declined during the decade-long drought that spanned the turn of the century. However, when that drought broke in 2004, fishing rapidly rebounded, and over the past five years, Choke has produced numerous double-digit bass.
Fishermen headed to Choke Canyon can expect to find fish through one of two methods. During the mild weather months, expect fish to hit surface plugs – notably poppers, buzzbaits, and frogs – around hydrilla beds. Conversely, during extreme temperature months, look for fish around deep structures, such as the outside edges of grass beds in summer and standing timber or old tank dams in winter. When fish are deep, utilizing a Texas-rigged lizard, deep diving crankbait, or punch jig is the best approach.
Dining and Lodging Around Choke Canyon
Though the immediate area around Choke Canyon is sparsely populated, there are still various dining and lodging options available to visitors.
Among the most popular eateries are Nolan Ryan’s Waterfront Steakhouse and Grill, located near the lake, along with the Ranch House and the Staghorn Inn, both in the town of Three Rivers. The Choke Canyon Lodge is one of the newest accommodations in the area, situated near the lake, just a short drive from Nolan Ryan’s restaurant. Adjacent to Ryan’s restaurant is the Bass Inn. Back in Three Rivers, the Regency Inn is conveniently located next to the Staghorn Inn restaurant. For anglers seeking a place to stay, the Three Rivers Best Western and the EconoLodge are also excellent options.
