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Fishing in Eastland County: Lake Leon & Leon River Hotspots (Complete Guide)

Fishing in Eastland County: Lake Leon & Leon River Hotspots (Complete Guide)

Use this insider guide from Inez Spring to plan a weekend or a whole season of fishing—with fast access to the Leon River and short hops to Lake Leon, Lake Cisco, and Possum Kingdom.

Why Eastland is a Fishing Basecamp

Why Eastland is a Fishing Basecamp

Set between Abilene and Fort Worth off I-20, Eastland County punches well above its weight for freshwater variety: bucket-list largemouth bass at Lake Leon, reliable catfish, spring white bass runs, and panfish across multiple lakes and river miles. The kicker? Inez Spring Riverfront RV Park literally sits along the Leon River, so guests can cast or launch a kayak right from the property—no road trip required. It’s the perfect home base for any angler, whether you’re in an RV site or a cozy Barndominium.

Lake Leon (about 7 miles from Eastland) is a 726-acre Leon River reservoir known for excellent bass tournament fishing and solid populations of channel catfish, white crappie, and white bass—making it a perennial favorite for anglers who want quality without the crowds, as noted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Local boosters, including the Eastland Chamber of Commerce, call Lake Leon “some of the area’s best bass fishing,” reinforcing what tournament schedules and water-body records suggest.

Quick Species Snapshot & Seasons

Quick Species Snapshot & Seasons

  • Largemouth Bass: Year-round target; strongest shallow spring bite, with dependable structure/points action much of the year at Leon. TPWD lists strong sport-fish populations.

  • White Bass: The spring run pushes up the Leon River from the reservoir; time your trip to warming trends late winter into spring. TPWD notes the statewide white bass run pattern each spring.

  • Catfish: Channel catfish bite well from spring through summer; warm nights = prime time.

  • Crappie: White crappie around brush, docks, and timber—especially good during pre-spawn and spawn.

Lake Leon: Access, Tactics, and Seasonal Playbook

Lake Leon: Access, Tactics, and Seasonal Playbook

Why Anglers Love Leon

It’s a tournament-caliber bass fishery with varied structure (grasslines, points, docks, brush) and a multi-species draw that’s fun for families and mixed-skill groups. Its manageable size of ~726 acres is big enough to explore but small enough to learn quickly.

Access & Boat Ramps

TPWD’s official Lake Leon page lists lake overview, ramps, habitat notes, and regulations. Always double-check current ramp status and lake levels before you go. Shore fishing is possible but limited in spots—boats and kayaks open up Leon’s best water.

Seasonal Playbook (Bass-Forward)

  • Late Winter → Early Spring: Staging points, secondary points; jerkbaits, lipless cranks, vibrating jigs.

  • Spawn/Post-Spawn: Shallow grasslines and protected coves; weightless plastics, wacky rigs, swim jigs.

  • Summer: Early/late topwater; mid-day shift to deeper brush piles/ledges with Texas rigs and jigs.

  • Fall: Shad chases near windblown points; spinnerbaits and cranks.

For a data-driven snapshot, see the latest TPWD Leon Reservoir Survey Report (navigate from the main lake page).

Leon River (From the Park!): Kayak-Fishing & Wading Tips

Leon River (From the Park!): Kayak-Fishing & Wading Tips

A huge advantage for Inez Spring guests is the ability to launch and fish the Leon River right from the property. Start your morning with a shoreline cast or slip a kayak in to work pools and laydowns for bass, catfish, and seasonal white bass movement.

  • Spring White Bass Run: Target current breaks and riffles with inline spinners or small jigs.

  • Warm-Season Catfish: Channel cats on cut bait or chicken livers (evenings/nights).

  • Bass: Small crankbaits and finesse worms around laydowns and deeper bends.

After a day on the water, cool off in our spring-fed pool or relax at a picnic area.

Nearby Options: Lake Cisco & Possum Kingdom

Nearby Options: Lake Cisco & Possum Kingdom

  • Lake Cisco (≈18 miles): A classic small-lake mix of largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie—a great “plan B” on a windy day. Check the TPWD Lake Cisco page for details.

  • Possum Kingdom (≈44 miles): A big-water playground known for clear water and multi-species action. Consult the weekly TPWD Possum Kingdom reports and the Possum Kingdom State Park page for your day trip planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Leon?
No, but shore access is limited; boats and kayaks unlock the best structure. Check ramps and public access on TPWD.
Largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, and white bass are the headliners per TPWD surveys.
Late winter through spring as water warms—TPWD announces the run annually.
Yes. Leon’s all-tackle book includes a 13-lb largemouth.
Yes—Leon River is your backyard at Inez Spring. Launch or cast from property access. See Kayaking & Fishing

Where to Stay, Launch & Relax at Inez Spring

After exploring the area’s local context, there’s no better place to return to than Inez Spring.