Fishing at American Legion Lake, Smith County, Texas

• Overview

  Smith County, Texas, is where American Legion Lake sits. The land about it is open plain. About 14 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Nearest town is Lindale, 2.5 miles off. Then Hideaway, 5.8 miles, and Hawkins, 11 miles. Other water nearby: Lorraine Lake about 1.6 miles, Stewart Lakes within 3 miles, Lindale Club Lake about 3 miles, Tomlin Lake within 3.4 miles and Macs Creek Lake about 4.5 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on American Legion Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Nearby survey and observation records mention black crappie, redfin pickerel and yellow bullhead. Records show what people reported, so treat the list as a guide to what lives in the area. On American Legion Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 83°F and January at 44°F. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to American Legion Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Lorraine Lake at 1.6 miles is the sensible second choice. What applies at American Legion Lake may have changed since it was mapped.