McCloud Lake near Graham: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Texas holds McCloud Lake, in Jack County. Oak and grass runs right down to the water. It runs to roughly 31 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Nearest town is Graham, 12 miles off. The big place round here is Wichita Falls, 50 miles distant. The nearest boundary is a fair way off. The character changes with the season more than with the year.

• Where to Fish on McCloud Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Public wildlife records from this area list largemouth bass, bluegill, Florida largemouth bass and Mississippi silvery minnow. Reported species tell you what lives around here, nothing more. On McCloud Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 83°F, the coldest about 42°F. It fishes twelve months of the year. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. At McCloud Lake the season follows that pattern closely. The hour either side of first light is rarely wasted.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Soil Conservation Service Site 24 Reservoir at 4.2 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at McCloud Lake before loading the car.