Swan Lake Fishing in Smith County, Texas

• Overview

  The Smith County end of Texas holds Swan Lake. The surface lies 522 feet up. Surface area runs to about 22 acres — small enough to read in one session. For supplies, Hideaway is 6 miles out. It is 7.5 miles to Tyler, the nearest city. Other water nearby: Tyler Pipe Industries Lake Number 2 out at 1.6 miles, Jones Lake 2.1 miles, House Lake out at 2.9 miles, Holder Lake 3.9 miles and Lake Park out at 4.4 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Swan Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Documented catches and surveys in the area cover bluegill, green sunfish and redspotted sunfish. Local agencies keep the authoritative list for each water. Fish Swan Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 83°F; by January the average is down near 45°F. The season runs year-round, with the peak either side of summer. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Swan Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Pike mean a wire trace, no exceptions; big spoons and jerkbaits do the searching. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Tyler Pipe Industries Lake Number 2 at 1.6 miles is the nearest alternative. None of that is settled for Swan Lake in what we hold.