Crains Lake, Texas: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Texas, Crains Lake belongs to Denton County. Height above sea level is 597 feet. At 6 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Our Denton County list holds plenty of bigger water. Krugerville lies 1.9 miles from the water. Further out sit Aubrey (2.7 miles) and Providence Village (4.8 miles). The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Crains Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists longnose gar, spotted gar, Rio Grande longear sunfish and gizzard shad. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. Read Crains Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 84°F on average, January about 43°F. Cold never closes this one. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. It holds true on Crains Lake more years than not. Fish feed harder before a change in weather than after it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the carp, bait a margin spot and sit on it; corn and bread still work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Evans Lake sits 3.9 miles off and takes the overflow. Signs at Crains Lake carry more weight than any list.