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Caddo Lake Fishing Report & Water Level
Caddo Lake is at 167.33 ft above mean sea level and 48.7% full as of Oct 20, 2026 (TWDB daily average). That is 1.17 ft below the 168.5 ft conservation pool.
Caddo Lake water level today & trend
The lake is near its conservation pool (full) level.
| Level (daily avg.) | 167.33 ft msl (Oct 20, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Conservation pool | 168.5 ft msl |
| Percent full | 48.7% (-5.9 pts in 7 days, -51.3 pts in 1 year) |
| Conservation storage | 14,564 of 29,898 acre-feet |
| Current surface area | 23,890 acres |
Percent full from 2025-10-20 (100.0%) to 2026-10-20 (48.7%). Range shown 48.7%–100.0%.
Sources: TWDB Water Data for Texas: Caddo Lake (CSV). Provisional data, updated daily.
Caddo Lake fishing report: recent conditions & what's biting
No recent angler reports yet: submit yours. Reports are reviewed before they're published. We never make up reports.
Seasonal pattern for October (general guide)
Fall transition. Shad migrate into creeks and coves and bass follow them, so moving baits that cover water are often effective. Fall turnover can make fishing inconsistent for a short time on deeper lakes. Schooling fish appear in open water.
This describes typical October patterns on Texas reservoirs. It is not an observed report for Caddo Lake. Water temperature, lake level (currently -0.15 ft this week) and weather move fish more than the calendar does.
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Best baits & techniques for Caddo Lake bass fishing
General, proven approaches for the species TPWD lists in Caddo Lake. These are not lake-specific hot baits.
- Largemouth bass
- Texas-rigged soft plastics (worms, creature baits), jigs, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, crankbaits (squarebills shallow, deep divers on ledges), lipless crankbaits, and topwaters in low light. Florida-strain trophies are often caught on big worms, jigs and swimbaits.
- Crappie
- Live minnows and small jigs around brush piles, standing timber, docks and bridge pilings. Spider-rigging and vertical jigging are common.
- Catfish
- Cut bait and live bait for blue and flathead catfish, prepared/stink baits and worms for channel catfish. Drift-fishing and baited holes are both popular.
- Sunfish (bluegill, redear)
- Crickets, worms and small jigs or spinners near docks, shallow cover and beds in late spring and summer.
- Chain pickerel
- Spinners, spoons and small swimbaits around vegetation and cypress.
Comparing gear? See our baitcasting reel and bass rod spec comparisons.
Fish species in Caddo Lake
- Largemouth bass
- Crappie
- Catfish
- Chain pickerel
- White & yellow bass
- Sunfish
| Location | On Big Cypress Bayou on the Texas-Louisiana state line, northeast of Marshall in Harrison and Marion counties |
|---|---|
| Surface area (at full pool) | 26,800 acres |
| Maximum depth | 20 feet |
| Typical fluctuation | 4-8 feet |
| Normal water clarity | Moderately clear to stained |
| Controlling authority | US Army Corps of Engineers |
TPWD's page notes a fish consumption advisory for this lake. Check the fish consumption bans and advisories before keeping fish to eat.
Species and lake facts from TPWD: Fishing Caddo Lake (retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Bag and size limits can be lake-specific; check the TPWD Outdoor Annual.
Caddo Lake boat ramps & public access
Status: check before you go. We don't track ramp closures. Ramps can close for low or high water, construction or flood damage, and the lake is -1.2 ft vs. conservation pool today. Confirm with the operator (US Army Corps of Engineers).
Boat access is available at Caddo Lake State Park, two public ramps, and several private marinas. The state park provides an improved boat ramp, picnic tables, nature trails, and a fishing pier. For overnight guests, there are screen shelters, cabins, and campsites with and without hookups. Additional lodging is available at some of the marinas.
| Map | Boat ramp / access point & location | Amenities (TPWD) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Highway 43 Ramp Located on the south river bank upstream of the lake. From Marshall, take Texas 43 east to Cypress Bayou. Two-lane concrete ramp; No fee required; Maintained by Harrison County (903) 935-4808 | parking | Check before you go |
| B | State Park Located on the south river bank upstream of the main lake. From US 59 north of Marshall, take Texas 43 east to FM Road 2198 and go east approximately 1 mile to park entrance. Two-lane boat ramp; Day use fee required; Caddo Lake State Park | restrooms, ADA accessible, parking, courtesy docks, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| C | Shady Glade Marina Located on the west bank at mid-lake. Take Texas 43 east from Marshall to FM 2198 and go east to Uncertain. Single lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 20; Fee required; Privately operated (903) 789-3295 | restrooms, cleaning stations, parking, courtesy docks, camping | Check before you go |
| D | Johnson's Ranch Located on the west bank at mid-lake. Take Texas 43 east from Marshall to FM 2198 and go east to Uncertain. Single-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 15; Fee required; Privately operated (903) 789-3213 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, courtesy docks, boat gas | Check before you go |
| E | Cripp's Camp Located on the west bank at mid-lake. Take Texas 43 east from Marshall to FM 2198 and go east to Uncertain. Single lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 30; Fee required; Privately operated (903) 789-3233 | parking | Check before you go |
| F | Tucker's Hunting and Fishing Camp Located on the south shore of the lake at 121 Private Road 2622, Karnack, TX 75661. From Interstate 20 at Waskom, take FM 9 north and turn right onto Tucker Road. Two single-lane boat ramps; Fee required; Privately operated. Primary phone: (318) 422-6057, Office: 903-601-4320, website: tuckerscamp.com | restrooms, cleaning stations, parking, courtesy docks, camping | Check before you go |
| G | Buzzard Bay Landing Located on the south shore near the Louisiana state line at7415 N. State Line Road, Karnack, TX 75661. From Interstate 20 at Waskom take FM 9 north and turn right at Swanson's Road (CR 2613). Follow signs to boat ramp. Single-lane boat ramp; Fee required; Contact: (903) 720-7629 or (903) 918-3407. | restrooms, live bait, parking, courtesy docks, camping | Check before you go |
| H | Potter's Point Located on the north shore. Take Texas 43 east from Marshall to Smithland, turn east on Texas 49, then go south on FM 727 at Gray and take Marion County Private Road 3644 to the right. Single-lane boat ramp; $3.00 fee; Privately operated (903) 930-1940 | restrooms, live bait, parking, courtesy docks, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
Access list from TPWD: Caddo Lake public access facilities (map and locations on TPWD; retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Includes some privately owned facilities that may charge fees.
Texas law requires draining all water from your boat and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh water (zebra mussel prevention). Clean, drain and dry.
Local guides & marinas at Caddo Lake
Run a guide service, marina or bait shop on Caddo Lake? Get listed free.
Caddo Lake weather forecast
- Today
79°F, Sunny
Wind NE 0 to 5 mph - Tonight
48°F, Mostly Clear
Wind 0 mph - Wednesday
81°F, Sunny
Wind 0 mph - Wednesday Night
48°F, Clear
Wind 0 mph - Thursday
84°F, Sunny
Wind 0 mph - Thursday Night
51°F, Clear
Wind 0 mph
National Weather Service point forecast for 32.710, -93.915 (NWS SHV), issued Oct 20, 6:30 AM CDT. Full forecast at weather.gov.
Caddo Lake FAQ
What is the water level at Caddo Lake today?
On Oct 20, 2026, Caddo Lake was at 167.33 ft above mean sea level and 48.7% full, according to the Texas Water Development Board. That is 1.17 ft below the 168.5 ft conservation pool.
What fish are in Caddo Lake?
TPWD lists these predominant species for Caddo Lake: Largemouth bass, Crappie, Catfish, Chain pickerel, White & yellow bass, Sunfish.
Who manages Caddo Lake?
US Army Corps of Engineers is the controlling authority, according to TPWD.
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