Thompson Lake, Texas: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Thompson Lake lies in Bandera County, in Texas. It sits at 1,775 feet above sea level. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Texas listings. Start from Medina, 8 miles down the road. Beyond it, Ingram at 18 miles and Kerrville at 20 miles. Within a short run: Brewington Creek Ranch Lake roughly 3.2 miles, Tatum Lake at about 5.2 miles, Ed Werner 71 Ranch Lake roughly 6.5 miles, Hadfield Lake at about 8.8 miles and Pelaez Lake roughly 11 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Thompson Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists orangethroat darter, plains darter, green sunfish, yellow bullhead and greenthroat darter. Take it as evidence of what swims here, not a promise for one session. The near bank of Thompson Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 80°F on average, January about 47°F. No part of the year shuts this water. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Thompson Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out. The first frost of the year slows things for a few days.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Brewington Creek Ranch Lake, 3.2 miles out. Where Thompson Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.