Fishing Hamrick Lake in Smith County, Texas

• Overview

  In Texas, Hamrick Lake belongs to Smith County. The bank gives way to oak and grass. Roughly 45 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. Nearest town is Liberty City, 6.7 miles off. Beyond it, Gladewater at 10 miles and Kilgore at 11 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Hamrick Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Nearby survey and observation records mention black bullhead, dollar sunfish, yellow bullhead and golden shiner. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. Hamrick Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 82°F and January at 45°F. The hard part of the year is the heat, not the cold. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Time your trip to Hamrick Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Howell Club Lake, 0.8 miles out. Check the position at Hamrick Lake before loading the car.