Catch Some Fish in Mesquite Today

Bring your poles and bait box to Mesquite. Pack up the car for a fun day of fishing and escape the bustling city. Save the date on your calendar for the next catfish stocking of City Lake Park on Friday, April 23rd. As a part of the Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Neighborhood Fishin’ Program, the lake is routinely stocked with catfish and rainbow trout depending on the season. We suggest using the fishing pier as a perfect location for a big catch. We want you to have a great time fishing, but please be safe, use social distance guidelines and follow Dallas County health orders.

A bench overlooking Mesquite lake at sunset

The Best Mesquite Fishing Spots

While City Lake Park is the most popular urban fishing spot, there are several parks that are popular for fishing, Bruton Park, Valley Creek Park, Rorie Galloway Day Camp, Samuell Farm Park, and Westlake Park are all filled with trout and catfish. Rainbow trout are usually stocked from November to the beginning of March, while catfish are stocked from April to October. Palos Verdes Lake Park has a wide variety of fish including bluegill and redear sunfish, and bass. Of course, every avid fisher will have their personal favorites, and below we've expanded upon four of ours!

1. City Lake Park

There are five lakes and ponds in Mesquite, TX that the Parks and Recreation Department tends to during the year. City Lake Park is one of them!

City Lake Park is great for fishing for Trouts and Catfish

The Rockwall County Herald-Banner explained that the Mesquite City Lake located in the park is regularly stocked with thousands of trout that grow to be big enough to eat. A bonus that the lake is part of the Texas Park & Wildlife’s Neighborhood Fishin’ Program so it’s also routinely stocked with catfish that you can catch off a dedicated fishing pier. The only time there are not fish big enough to catch and keep is August.

Remember, kids 16 and under fish for free, but adults much purchase a license!

2. Catfish Corner

True to its name, Catfish Corner offers the best fishing in Mesquite, TX if you want to catch catfish. Located near the Devil’s Bowl Speedway, this serene and picturesque park is the perfect way to relax after a long day at the races and catch your own dinner.

Enjoy beautiful views as you fish for Catfish at Catfish Corner!

The lake is always stocked with fresh-water catfish, making it the perfect place for a sure catch or for a beginner to feel the thrill of reeling in their first fish. The area is usually open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., though they may change depending on the weather and other circumstances.

Make sure to bring sunscreen and something for shade since this spot is known for being exceptionally sunny.

3. Palos Verdes Lake Park

Palos Verdes Lake Park recently underwent a major restoration project that makes it an ideal place for fishing in Mesquite, TX. The new and improved dam ensures better flood control for the lake that is home to hundreds of fish, turtles, mussels, and mollusks.

The surrounding park is just as scenic as the lake. The trees provide plenty of shade along the walkway and you have a few fishing piers to choose from. Enjoy a tranquil day of fishing and get lost in your thoughts in this relaxing park or bring your friends for some conversation.

4. Valley Creek Park

For the best of lush greenery, play spaces, and fishing in Mesquite, TX, you should visit Valley Creek Park. Not only are there a few lakes stocked with fish that you can choose from, but there is also a beautiful green space, football fields, a software complex, and a playground.

Enjoy a full day of activities at the Valley Creek Park fishing spots

You can fish all day long because when the kids lose focus, they can go play in the surrounding area! You’re likely to catch a catfish or bass while you’re there.

Where to get Your Fishing License

When fishing in one of our beautiful lakes there are a few things to keep in mind. Kids can always fish for free, but anyone over the age of 17 years old will need a fishing license with a freshwater fishing endorsement. Don’t let this stop you from getting out there and catching the big one. Signing up for a fishing license is simple and only takes a few minutes!

Our Annual Fishing Competition for Kids

For the younger anglers, every year Mesquite hosts their annual Kidfish event. So how does Kidfish work? Well, participants ages 3 to 16 years old can submit photos of their catch on the Facebook event page or by emailing them to funmakers@cityofmesquite.com. The photos must be submitted between April 24th and May 2nd to be eligible. The winners this year will be given trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! There are 3 categories: Biggest Caught (ages 3-9), Biggest Caught (ages 10-16), and Most Caught Overall. Trophy winners will be announced Wednesday, May 5th. If the participant doesn't place in the top 3, no need to worry. All participants will receive a medal!

Where to Grab Grub and Gear

Need to grab some extra bait, poles, or other fishing gear? Head to Dick's Sporting Goods at Town East Mall or Academy Sports and Outdoors. To complete your outdoor adventure, be sure to bring your bikes or walking shoes to tackle the trails found in various parks. If you work up an appetite during the day, a few blocks from the lake you can visit Downtown Mesquite for lunch at Dos Panchas or head over to Martinez Restaurant for a sizzling fajita skillet. You can also explore the other restaurants found throughout the city.