Smith Lake Number 2 Fishing near Cypress, Texas

• Overview

  Set in Harris County, Texas, this is Smith Lake Number 2. The surface lies 167 feet up. At roughly 11 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Start from Cypress, 4 miles down the road. For a city, Cypress is 3.7 miles off. Alternatives close at hand: Mallard Lake after 1.1 miles, Warren Estate Reservoir sits 4.7 miles out, Southard Lake after 5.5 miles, Hegar Brothers Lake sits 6.9 miles out and Dennison Lake after 7.1 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Smith Lake Number 2

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Documented catches and surveys in the area cover warmouth, bantam sunfish and bowfin. The list reflects reported sightings and surveys rather than what is stocked. The shape of this water rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 50°F in January to roughly 83°F in July. Heat, not cold, decides when to be on the water. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to this water. Settled weather over several days beats a single fine one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Mallard Lake is 1.1 miles off. Where this water is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.