Rainbow Lake Fishing near Heath, Texas

• Overview

  Rainbow Lake falls in Rockwall County, part of Texas. Land around it is dry hill. Surface area runs to about 21 acres — small enough to read in one session. Supplies mean a trip to Heath, 3 miles off. Rockwall lies 3.7 miles off, Travis Ranch another 5.2 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply. The water is easy to walk round in a long session.

• Where to Fish on Rainbow Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists striped bass, blue catfish, bluegill, walleye and yellow bass. Local agencies keep the authoritative list for each water. The shape of Rainbow Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 83°F and January at 43°F. The awkward stretch is midsummer, not midwinter. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Rainbow Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. There is a jetty half a mile off, worth knowing on a busy day. A recognised fishing place sits half a mile away. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Rockwall Lake sits 0.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Rainbow Lake before loading the car.