Lake Amistad on the Rio Grande is a 64,900 acre reservoir that straddles the Texas-Mexico border. It’s also home to some of the most exciting Largemouth Bass fishing that you’ll come across in Texas!
Take a look at our Lake Amistad Fishing Report before you head out for the day to try your luck on the water. We’ve collected the most up to date local fishing reports for Lake Amistad so that you can know where the fish are biting (and where they aren’t!)
I like to fish crankbaits along the steep dropoffs and spinnerbaits when I get there nice and early for the sunrise. And I know many anglers swear by their Carolina rigs one the sun gets up overhead.
Whatever you prefer to throw you’ll find a Bass or Catfish ready to latch onto the end of your line. Check out the latest fishing reports for Lake Amistad below.
Table of Contents
Today’s Lake Amistad Fishing Reports
All of our Lake Amistad Fishing Reports are written by locals who live in and love the area. If you get some usable information out of their regular reports then please support their businesses the next time you are in the area by buying a few lures or even picking up a guide to learn something new about the best places to fish on the lake.
Remember, without local fishing reports you would have to drive to the lake yourself to figure out if the fish are biting!
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Lake Amistad Fishing Report
- Amistad Bass Lake Amistad Fishing Report
- Angler Guide Amastad Reservoir Fishing Report
Lake Amistad Water Level
The Water Data for Texas organization from the Texas Water Development Board provides current and historical data of the Lake Amistad Water Level.
- Recent Lake Amistad Water Levels
- Lake Amistad Water Level Statistics
- Historical Lake Amistad Water Volumes
Lake Amistad Fishing Regulations
All fishing on the Texas side of Lake Amistad is managed according to the statewide fishing regulations for Texas.
Here are the Lake Amistad Fishing Regulations for the following species:
Bass
Bag Limit: 5x fish of any combination of Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Alabama, Guadeloupe and Spotted Bass
Minimum Length: 14 inches
Striped Bass
Bag Limit: 5x fish
Minimum Length: 18 inches
White Bass
Bag Limit: 25x fish
Minimum Length: 10 inches
Channel & Blue Catfish
Bag Limit: 25x fish in any combination of species, but only 10x can be 20 inches or longer
Minimum Length: 18 inches
Bait Fish
According to the fishing regulations, in Val Verde County the only fish that can be used for bait are:
- Common carp
- Fathead minnows
- Gizzard and threadfin shad
- Golden shiners
- Goldfish
- Mexican tetra
- Rio Grande cichlid
- Silversides (Atherinidae family)
- Sunfish (Lepomis)
Texas Fishing License
If you like the look of the fishing reports and want to head down to Lake Amistad, make sure you have a Texas Fishing License. You can buy one online from the Texas Parks & Wildlife service or you can pick up a fishing license in person at the following Del Rio stores:
| Store Name | Phone No. | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Amistad Bait & Tackle | (830) 775-0878 | 7348 WEST US 90, Del Rio, Texas, 78840 |
| Lechuguilla Liquors | (432) 208-0284 | 111 AGAVE ST, Del Rio, Texas, 78840 |
| Exxon Gas Station | (830) 775-2372 | 11705 HIGHWAY 90 WEST, Del Rio, Texas, 78840 |
| Russell Hardware | (830) 765-5659 | 506 E GIBBS ST, Del Rio, Texas, 78840 |
| Walmart | (830) 774-6034 | 2410 DODSON AVE, Del Rio, Texas, 78840 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Amistad?
Lake Amistad is located on the Rio Grande about 12 miles NW of Del Rio in Val Verde County, Texas. From San Antonio head West on US 90 or US 277 to find your way across to the lake.
The reservoir straddles the border of Texas and Mexico. If you are in the area you can pick up a free map of Lake Amistad from the Visitor Information Center who can be contacted on (830) 775-7491.
Access to the reservoir is managed by the National Park Service. You can access Lake Amistad via 11 locations:
- Diablo East
- Governors Landing
- Black Brush Point
- Spur 454
- San Pedro
- 277 South
- 277 North
- Rough Canyon
- Spur 406
- Box Canyon
- Pecos River
Anglers can collect live bait for Lake Amistad at the Diablo East, Rough Canyon and Box Canyon access points and there are fish cleaning stations at the Diablo East, Rough Canyon and the Pecos River accesses.
Fishing piers are provided at Black Brush Point, US 277 South, Box Canyon and Pecos River lake access points.
Are there Boat Ramps at Lake Amistad?
There are 12 public boat ramps available for use at Amistad Reservoir. The most commonly used ramps are located at:
- Diablo East
- Black Brush Point
- Rough Canyon
- Box Canyon
- Pecos River
You can only launch your boat at the locations designated by the National Park Service.
A lake use pass is required if you are taking a motorboat out on the lake or if you have a sailboat that is longer than 14 feet. You can pick up a lake use pass at Rough Canyon and Diablo East, or stop by the Visitor’s Center where they also issue them.
If you are taking your boat out for the day (or the weekend!) you can fill up on gas at Diablo East and Rough Canyon.
Is Lake Amistad Open or Closed?
Lake Amistad is open all year round and because of the warm Texas weather many of the access points remain open every day of the year. Lake access points open all year include:
- Diablo East
- Governors Landing
- Black Brush Point
- Spur 454
- Rough Canyon
- Spur 406
- Box Canyon
- Pecos River
US 277 North and South access points are open all year conditions permitting.
What Kind of Fish are in Lake Amistad?
At Lake Amistad you will have the best results if you are chasing Largemouth Bass. The fishing is excellent at Amistad for Largemouth Bass! Trophy sized Striped Bass have been found in these waters and many anglers come to Lake Amistad chasing a Stripey to take home for their mantle.
If catfish are your thing you will find plenty of Blue and Channel Catfish for the catching. You will also find White Bass and Smallmouth Bass in Amistad Reservoir, although in fewer numbers than the species above. If you are really after a Smallmouth Bass your best bet is close to the Devils River where they tend to accumulate.
Is Lake Amistad Good for Fishing?
Absolutely! Lake Amistad is a great place to go fishing from the banks, from one of the many fishing piers provided at the Lake Accesses, or out on the lake from the comfort of your own boat.
You will find the best seasons for catching Largemouth Bass at Lake Amistad are in the Spring, Fall and Winter. In the Summer months look elsewhere in Texas for your lunkers. Spring has the most productive fishing for White Bass as you can grab them while they are spawning. Channel Catfish can be had anytime of year, anywhere on the Lake.
How Deep is Lake Amistad?
Lake Amistad is 217 feet deep at its maximum depth.
The Last Cast
I trust you found what you were looking for in our Lake Amistad Fishing Report and area information. Remember, there is no better fishing report than the one you make yourself over a few beers after a day out on the Lake. So grab your rod and your boat (if you’ve got one) and head on down to Lake Amistad.
Report back with your best catches in the comments section – I want to see those Bass!
