Leon River Fishing | Best Spots in Eastland, TX
In the peaceful countryside of Central Texas, approximately 100 miles west of Fort Worth, you’ll find Eastland County with its wealth of fishing opportunities. The Leon River and several lakes in the area offer anglers diverse experiences throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just looking to cast a line for the first time, this region provides abundant waters teeming with various fish species and the tranquility that makes fishing such a beloved pastime.
Leon River Fishing in Eastland, TX—access points, seasonal tips for bass, catfish & crappie, nearby Lake Leon, and regulations & water data. Plan your perfect fishing trip from your stay at Inez Spring.
Fishing Access on the Leon River
Finding good access to the Leon River is key to a successful fishing expedition. While some portions of the river run through private property, there are several public access points available to anglers:
Inez Spring Riverfront RV Park offers some of the best access to the Leon River. A day pass rate applies for access to this pristine stretch of riverfront access. The river bank is perfect for anglers who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground.
Highway Crossings provide another option for accessing the Leon River. Notable locations include the crossings at FM 2461, CR 495, and US 183, where anglers can often find paths leading down to the water.
Public Parks in the region, such as the areas near Gorman and De Leon, provide some access points to the river with basic facilities like parking and occasionally picnic tables.
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Planning Leon River fishing for your next trip? This comprehensive guide helps you find easy access near Inez Spring, nearby Lake Leon boat ramps, seasonal patterns, and official regulations.
- Spring (March-May) Spring is prime time on the Leon River as water temperatures rise and fish become more active. This is the spawning season for many species, making it ideal for catching:
Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Crappie, Catfish - Summer (June-August) Summer brings warmer water temperatures, shifting fish to deeper holes and shaded areas:
Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish
- Fall (September-November) Fall creates excellent fishing conditions as water temperatures cool:
Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish - Winter (December-February) While fishing slows during winter, dedicated anglers can still find success:
Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass
Where to Fish: Leon River & Lake Leon Access
From Inez Spring’s riverfront access, anglers enjoy calm seams and shaded banks ideal for morning or evening Leon River Texas fishing sessions. Combine this with a quick drive to Lake Leon fishing for wind-friendly options. Get complete details on the official TPWD Lake Leon fishing page for species information and tactics, and check public access & ramp details before you tow your boat.
Best Baits for Leon River
Bass:
Plastic worms (watermelon and junebug colors work well)
Crankbaits that mimic local baitfish
Topwater lures during early morning and evening
Spinnerbaits around structure and vegetation
Catfish:
Fresh cut bait (sunfish or shad)
Chicken liver
Prepared stink baits
Live worms or night crawlers
Crappie:
Small jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink
Minnows under a bobber
Small spinners
Tube jigs around the structure
Sunfish:
Crickets or grasshoppers
Small worms
Tiny jigs or spinners
Small pieces of hot dog or bread
Lake Leon - Eastland's Premier Fishing Destination
Just a short drive southwest of Eastland, Lake Leon covers approximately 640 acres and offers excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. Built in 1954, this reservoir on the Leon River has developed into a mature fishery with diverse habitat.
What You'll Catch at Lake Leon
Lake Leon supports largemouth bass, channel catfish, white bass, crappie, and sunfish—making it excellent for Eastland bass fishing. Recent TPWD surveys note ongoing bass stockings and low hydrilla coverage. The best approach includes working grasslines at first/last light, hitting secondary points as the sun climbs, and moving to deeper brush or docks by mid-day. Check the TPWD 2022 survey and stocking history for current conditions.
Fishing Access at Lake Leon
Lake Leon offers multiple access points for anglers:
- Lake Leon Marina provides boat ramps, bait, and supplies
- Public fishing piers ideal for those without boats
- Shoreline access around much of the lake
- A fishing license and Lake Leon permit (available at the lake office) are required
Best Techniques for Lake Leon
- Bass fishing – Texas-rigged plastic worms, crankbaits along points, and topwater action early and late in the day
- Crappie fishing – Vertical jigging around brush piles and bridge pilings
- Catfish – Bottom fishing with cut bait or prepared baits in deeper channels
- Sunfish – Small hooks with live bait near shoreline structure
Ramps, Water Levels & Flow Conditions
Trailering in? The dam ramp off FM 2461 is a straightforward, one-lane concrete launch operated by Eastland County Water Supply District—typically open year-round. For current lake levels, check the real-time Water Data for Texas reservoir page. If you’re wading or floating on the river, confirm current conditions using the USGS Leon River gauge for upstream/downstream flow information.
Regulations & Fishing Etiquette
Most local waters follow statewide freshwater bag and length limits. Always verify exceptions before you fish, especially during spawning seasons. Practice conservation by pinching barbs when wading shallow areas, landing fish quickly, and releasing carefully during warm-water months. Start with the TPWD freshwater regulations and bag & length limits for complete information.
Sample Half-Day Fishing Plans
River-to-Lake Combo: Start with dawn Leon River fishing at Inez Spring’s shaded bends, then move to midday docks and brush on Lake Leon. Wrap up with dinner in Eastland and a riverside sunset stroll.
Windy-Day Alternative: Launch at the dam ramp when the river’s pushing; target leeward points and coves, then switch to evening topwater on calm stretches. Check current ramp conditions on TPWD’s access page before heading out.
Seasonal Gear & Bait Guide
Spring: Squarebills, chatterbaits, wacky worms around emergent grass and creek mouths
Summer: Early topwater, then Carolina rigs/CR jigs on points; slip-floats for channel cats on ledges
Fall: Shad-pattern crankbaits for schooling white bass; minnows/jigs for crappie on timber/bridges
Winter: Slow-roll underspins; suspend crappie jigs over deep brush piles
Proctor Lake - Worth the Drive
About 40 minutes south of Eastland, Proctor Lake offers 4,600 acres of fishing opportunity. While technically in Comanche County, its proximity makes it a worthwhile destination for Eastland anglers.
Proctor is known for outstanding white bass runs in the spring, along with healthy populations of largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The lake features numerous stump fields, standing timber, and creek channels that hold fish throughout the year.
During spring, the white bass run up the Sabana and Leon Rivers provides fast-paced action. Summer brings excellent night fishing for catfish, while fall and winter are prime for crappie fishing in deeper structures.
Staff Creek Reservoir - Hidden Gem
This smaller 126-acre lake northwest of Eastland offers less fishing pressure than larger bodies of water. Staff Creek is particularly good for:
- Quality largemouth bass (with a slot limit protecting mid-sized fish)
- Excellent catfish populations
- Bank fishing opportunities
- Peaceful atmosphere away from crowds
The Growth of Fishing Tourism in Eastland County
Fishing tourism has become increasingly important to Eastland County’s economy. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has invested in habitat improvement projects on several area lakes, and local businesses have responded by providing improved services for anglers.
Each year, fishing tournaments at Lake Leon and nearby waters bring competitors from across the state, contributing to the local economy through lodging, dining, and retail purchases. The Eastland Chamber of Commerce estimates that fishing and outdoor recreation contribute significantly to the area’s tourism revenue.
Plan Your Fishing Trip
If you’re planning a fishing trip to Eastland County, consider making it a weekend adventure to fully explore the diverse fishing opportunities.
The best way to experience fishing in Eastland County is to take your time, explore different waters, and perhaps chat with local anglers who are often willing to share advice (if not their exact fishing spots). Many bait shops and convenience stores in the area can provide current fishing information and tips.
Whether you’re targeting trophy bass, aiming to fill a stringer with catfish, or simply enjoying a peaceful day on the water with family, the waters around Eastland offer fishing experiences that capture the authentic spirit of rural Texas.
Your Perfect Fishing Base at Inez Spring
Skip highway motels and enjoy direct river access at Inez Spring. Book our shaded RV sites or spacious 4BR barndominium with full kitchen, laundry, and strong Wi-Fi. Between fishing sessions, stretch your legs on our walking trails or enjoy kayaking access. Ready to experience the best Leon River fishing?
Book your stay online today!