Fishing at McKinney Lake, Nacogdoches County, Texas

• Overview

  Look for McKinney Lake in the Nacogdoches County part of Texas. It stands 384 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 17 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Nearest town is Timpson, 12 miles off. For a city, Tyler is 58 miles off. In the same area: Telesco Creek 2.1 miles away, Soil Conservation Service Site 20 Reservoir 2.1 miles off, Ford Lake 2.4 miles away, Lake Tinkle 4.4 miles off and Tucker Lake 5.2 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on McKinney Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include Florida largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, redspotted sunfish and spotted bass. Treat it as evidence of what swims in the area. At McKinney Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 82°F and January near 46°F. Winter here means light layers, not lost months. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Plan around that when you fish McKinney Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, Telesco Creek is 2.1 miles distant. Check the position on McKinney Lake before loading the car.