Montgomery Lake Fishing near Emory, Texas

• Overview

  Montgomery Lake belongs to Rains County, Texas. The surface lies 492 feet up. Surface area runs to about 6 acres — small enough to read in one session. Emory lies 5.7 miles from the water. Mesquite sits 46 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking. The near end sees the visitors; the far end rarely does.

• Where to Fish on Montgomery Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Nearby survey and observation records mention largemouth bass, flathead catfish, black crappie, channel catfish and Rio Grande longear sunfish. Records show what people reported, not what is stocked. Fish Montgomery Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 83°F, while January sits near 43°F. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Plan around that when you fish Montgomery Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Soil Conservation Service Site 15a Reservoir at 4.7 miles is the nearest alternative. For Montgomery Lake in particular, ask before you travel.