Zapata County, TX · Reservoir
Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir)
A 83,000-acre Rio Grande reservoir on the Texas–Mexico border — a perennial top-ranked trophy largemouth bass lake, with channel and blue catfish and crappie. Falcon State Park anchors public ramps; lake levels swing with drought and demand.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish & Crappie — tied at the top (15/100)
3 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir)
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Largemouth Bass Skip the Largemouth Bass trip today. In season 15/100
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 5
14" minimum, 5/day (black bass in aggregate). Some lakes have special slot rules.
Source: Texas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Channel Catfish Skip the Channel Catfish trip today. In season 15/100
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 25
12" minimum, 25/day (channel & blue catfish in combination).
Source: Texas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Crappie Skip the Crappie trip today. In season 15/100
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Min size
- 10"
- Daily creel
- 25
10" minimum, 25/day (white & black crappie in combination).
Source: Texas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Texas
Coordinates
Notes
Texas: 5 black bass/day, 14" minimum. International reservoir — a Texas license covers the U.S. side; check border-zone advisories.
Local reports & rules for Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir): Texas Parks & Wildlife fishing report → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir)?
Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir) is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir) have?
Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Texas: 5 black bass/day, 14" minimum. International reservoir — a Texas license covers the U.S. side; check border-zone advisories.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir)?
state agency regulations apply at Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir) tidal water?
No. Falcon Lake (Falcon International Reservoir) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.