Cartwright Lake in Henderson County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  You will find Cartwright Lake in Henderson County, Texas. The land about it is oak and grass. At roughly 9 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Henderson County. Athens is the closest town at 11 miles. The nearest city of size is Tyler, 39 miles away. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Cartwright Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Documented catches and surveys in the area cover spotted bass, spotted gar, bluegill, dusky darter and largemouth bass. Take it as evidence of what swims here, not a promise for one session. On Cartwright Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 83°F and January near 46°F. Cold never closes this one. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. It sets the rhythm of the year at Cartwright Lake. A grey, mild day is often better than a bright, still one.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. For a change of water, Coon Creek Lake is 0.5 miles distant. Confirm before you fish Cartwright Lake.