Channel cat, blue cat, largemouth bass, and crappie. The upper Trinity near Midway is one of East Texas's most productive and underrated fisheries. Here's everything you need to know.
The bread-and-butter fish of the Trinity and the reason most people come here. Channel cats are aggressive feeders and the river holds plenty of them. Night fishing is particularly productive, especially in summer when water temps peak.
Trophy blue cats patrol the main channel and the deep holes just downstream of the ramp. The Trinity river record blue cat tops 50 lbs, and fish in the 20–30 lb class are caught here regularly by guests who know what they're doing. These fish are serious — use heavy tackle.
The Trinity isn't a classic bass lake, but it grows good largemouth in the backwater sloughs and timber edges. Early morning from a boat is the move — work the edges of fallen timber, grass lines, and creek mouths feeding into the main channel. Keeper-sized fish are common in spring.
Crappie fishing on the Trinity peaks in late February through April when fish move shallow to spawn. The brushy flats just north of the ramp are a prime staging area. Bring a slab jig and a bucket — when they're on, they're on.
Prime time all around. Crappie spawn, bass on beds, catfish feeding heavily. Best fishing of the year for variety. Book early — this is our busiest season.
Hot days but outstanding night catfishing. Fish the last two hours before dark and all through the night. Blue cats and channel cats hammer cut shad. Bass tough — fish deep timber at dawn only.
Second-best season. Blue cats go on a feeding binge before winter. Bass chase shad on main-channel flats. Crappie move back into the brush. Cooler temps make all-day fishing comfortable again.
Slower but never dead. Catfish school up in the deepest holes — find one school and you'll stay busy. Fewer crowds, excellent rates, and mild East Texas winters mean it's still worth the trip.
A valid Texas fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older. The Trinity River falls under standard TPWD inland freshwater regulations for Madison County.
Size and bag limits apply to bass, crappie, and other sport fish. Catfish regulations are minimal but check for any local amendments before you fish.
View TPWD Fishing RegulationsBook a cabin or RV site and hit the river first thing in the morning. Boat ramp included with every overnight stay.