Fishing at Government Cove, Starr County, Texas

• Overview

  Government Cove lies in Starr County, in Texas. Beyond the shoreline you have warm bottomland. Nearest place of any size is Roma, 14 miles away. It is 62 miles to McAllen, the nearest city. Nearest other option: Juan Vela Lake roughly 11 miles, Kelsey Lake (21 miles), Soil Conservation Service Site 6 Reservoir roughly 32 miles and Ramirez Lake (34 miles). A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Government Cove

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Oyster and old piling give the only hard structure in sight. The channel is where water moves, and fish follow it. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include largemouth bass, Florida largemouth bass, channel catfish and striped bass. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. Anyone new to Government Cove should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 87°F; the cold one sits at 56°F. Warmth runs the whole year, so timing is about the hour, not the month. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. At Government Cove the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The closest car park is 0.9 miles away, so pack accordingly. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. For a change of water, Juan Vela Lake is 11 miles distant. Check the current arrangement for Government Cove.