Timely Rain is Key to the 2026 White Bass Run

AUSTIN, TX – Angler success during the 2026 white bass run could boil down to spring rains across portions of the state, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists predict. Some areas are seeing good water levels and flows, but timely rainfall will boost chances for anglers to reel in these prized fish.

Each spring, white bass run upstream from reservoirs into rivers and creeks to spawn, creating prime fishing opportunities for new and seasoned anglers. White bass can be targeted from the bank, motorized boat or paddle craft in multiple publicly accessible locations throughout the state.

In East Texas, TPWD biologists predict that the tributaries of Lake Palestine will be the prime spots for anglers during this year’s white bass run. The Neches River and Kickapoo Creek both have plenty of water and will support a quality run at some point. Some reservoirs are currently too low to have quality white bass runs, but one good rain event could be enough to change that. Without a significant rain event, the spawning run could be prolonged over the course of one to two months.

For Central Texas anglers, the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan is one of the strongest white bass runs in the area. TPWD biologists indicate the July 2025 rain event significantly raised Lake Buchanan’s water level and reconnected the reservoir with the riverine section upstream. This connectivity should allow white bass to move up the river to Colorado Bend State Park and beyond. As a result, they expect a run on the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan this spring, something that has not happened in recent years due to prolonged low water levels and drought conditions.

Survey reports in North Central Texas suggest that the white bass populations within the reservoirs are above average this year with the potential for good sized fish to be caught if they are triggered into the creek. This area of the state has also been affected by the lack of rainfall, so a good rain event could help boost chances for anglers in the coming weeks.

Popular locations in North Central Texas include the East Fork of the Trinity River below Lake Lavon and upstream of Lake Ray Hubbard off State Highway 78.  White bass anglers can also hook into the occasional hybrid striped bass coming up from Ray Hubbard. Another hot spot is on the Stewart Creek arm of Lake Lewisville that includes some trails along the creek in Frisco that give access to that creek. The Elm Fork of the Trinity, upstream of Ray Roberts, is usually good but requires a five- or six-mile long boat trip upriver from the lake to find the fish. The conditions here favor smaller aluminum boats.

Popular runs in the Waco area include the Brazos River flowing through Granbury, the Brazos and Nolan Rivers flowing into Lake Whitney, the North, Middle and South Bosque Rivers flowing into Lake Waco, the Navasota River flowing through Mexia, Fort Parker State Park Lake and Limestone Reservoirs. Other spots that may hold promise include the Cowhouse Creek and Leon River flowing into Lake Belton, and the Lampasas River flowing into Stillhouse Hollow Lake. TPWD biologists pinpointed the Brazos River, any of the Bosque River tributaries, the Nolan River or any of Navasota River sections as potential prime locations due to good water levels.

White bass, also known as sand bass, are a popular freshwater species preferred by Texas anglers both for sport fishing and for the dinner table. While most riverside property is privately owned, public access to high-quality white bass runs can be found at many Texas State Parks, Texas Paddling Trails, leased River Access and Conservation Area (RACA) sites and highway and bridge crossings.

Below are some accessible locations for the white bass run:

Brazos River: Fuller’s Folly River Ranch and Sandy Bottoms River Company are recent site additions to the RACA program upstream of Lake Granbury. Reports indicate water flow remains below normal overall, but TPWD staff are hopeful that recent rain events, with the potential for more in early spring, will support a good run from Lake Granbury into the upstream section of the river.

Neches River: Above Lake Palestine, anglers can find public access at Chandler River Park featured in this TPWD YouTube Video. This RACA site offers nearly 6,000 feet of river frontage for bank fishing and includes a boat ramp and kayak launch.

Llano River: The Kingsland Slab RV Camp provides access to the river, with 750 feet of river frontage along the Llano River. This RACA site offers free public fishing access and is located at 7300 River Oaks Dr. in Kingsland.

Sabine River: Above Toledo Bend Reservoir in Panola County, anglers can find public access for white bass fishing at the Grand Bluff Boat Ramp, which offers 275 feet of river frontage and a single trailer boat ramp. This RACA site offers free public access to the Black Shoals fishing hole located about three miles upstream.

Colorado River: Above Lake Buchanan, bank anglers can fish for white bass at Colorado Bend State Park. The park offers a boat ramp (currently closed to motorboats) and bank access.

TPWD recommends that anglers check the water levels and river flows before heading to their favorite location.

A variety of artificial lures and flies will work for anglers targeting white bass, including small jigs, crank baits and streamers. Night fishing using lights or around lighted docks can also be effective. White bass are excellent table fare for anglers looking for a versatile and healthy source of protein. The daily bag limit for white bass is 25 with a 10-inch minimum length. More information on fishing regulations can be found in the TPWD Outdoor Annual.

As always, don’t forget to purchase your fishing license unless exempt. Funds from the sale of fishing licenses are used to make fishing better by supporting TWPD hatcheries and fish stockings, fish habitat enhancement, fisheries management, outreach activities and more. Purchase online or at a retailer near you. In addition, anglers are asked to “leave no trace” by bringing out what they brought in.

For more information about white bass identification, fishing patterns, life history, biology and access to public sites visit the White Bass Fishing in Central Texas website.