Andrews Lake in Van Zandt County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Texas, Andrews Lake falls inside Van Zandt County. Beyond the shoreline you have pine and hardwood. Surface area runs to about 3 acres — small enough to read in one session. On size it sits at the modest end of our Van Zandt County list. The closest town, Mabank, is 7 miles away. Tyler sits 40 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Andrews Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists largemouth bass, channel catfish and white crappie. The list reflects reported sightings and surveys rather than what is stocked. Andrews Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 45°F and July at about 83°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Cooler months are the productive ones on most of this water. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Andrews Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. For a change of water, Lake Phalba is 1.2 miles distant. Treat Andrews Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.