Olmito Lake, Texas: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Out in Cameron County, Texas, sits Olmito Lake. Land around it is warm bottomland. It covers about 22 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It lies lower than most water we list in Texas. The closest town, Olmito, is 0.3 miles distant. The big place round here is Brownsville, 8.7 miles distant. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Olmito Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include threadfin shad, bluegill, white crappie, channel catfish and gizzard shad. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. At Olmito Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 59°F to 84°F. There is no dead season here at all. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. On Olmito Lake the same rules apply, with local timing. Sudden cold puts fish down faster than sustained cold does.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Salt Pond, 2.5 miles away. Check the position on Olmito Lake before loading the car.