What Lighthouse Lakes Offers
Lighthouse Lakes is a 45-acre impoundment in Chambers County, roughly 30 miles east of Houston near the small town of Anahuac. The lake sits in the upper Texas coast region and draws anglers year-round for largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. The water is relatively shallow and weedy in places, which creates good habitat for bass but also means you need to know how to read structure and work around vegetation.
The lake is managed by the Chambers County Parks and Recreation Department and operates as a public day-use facility. There is a boat ramp, parking area, and basic amenities, but no overnight camping or lodging on the grounds. Most anglers fish from boats, though bank access exists in limited spots near the ramp and along the north shore.
Key Takeaways
- Largemouth bass fishing peaks in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), with summer and winter requiring different techniques and patience.
- A Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older; you can purchase one online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or at local retailers.
- The boat ramp is free to use, but arrive early on weekends because the parking lot fills quickly during peak season.
- Catfish bite best at dawn and dusk year-round, especially during summer months when daytime bass fishing slows.
- The lake is shallow in many areas, so a depth finder and knowledge of weed lines will improve your catch rate significantly.
Bass Fishing Seasons and Techniques
Spring (March through May) is the most productive season for largemouth bass at Lighthouse Lakes. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 70s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Focus on the weedy areas, shallow flats, and the edges where vegetation meets open water. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics like creature baits work well during this window. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes.
Summer (June through August) is slower for most anglers, but not impossible. Bass move deeper and relate to structure—look for deeper holes, channel ledges, and the thickest weed mats where they can find shade. Early morning before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. are your best windows. Topwater lures at dawn can produce explosive strikes, but midday requires patience and deeper presentations.
Fall (September through November) rivals spring for consistency. As water cools, bass become active again and move back to shallower feeding zones. The same techniques that work in spring apply here—crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics around weed edges and structure. October is often the most reliable month.
Winter (December through February) is the slowest season. Bass are lethargic and concentrated in the deepest holes. Slow presentations—Texas-rigged worms, jigs, and live shiners—work better than fast-moving lures. Fishing is possible but requires patience and precise location work.
Catfish and Other Species
Channel catfish and blue catfish inhabit Lighthouse Lakes and bite year-round. The best fishing occurs at dawn and dusk, especially from June through September. Use chicken liver, cut mullet, stink baits, or live bluegill on the bottom. Fish the deeper holes and channel areas where catfish rest during the day. A simple rod and reel with a slip sinker rig will catch fish consistently.
Sunfish (bluegill, redear sunfish, and crappie) are abundant and provide good action for children and beginners. They bite small jigs, live crickets, and tiny spinners around vegetation and structure. Spring and fall are most productive, but sunfish bite year-round in shallow water near the ramp and along the north shore.
Access, Ramp Conditions, and Parking
Lighthouse Lakes has a single public boat ramp located on the south side of the lake near the main parking area. The ramp is concrete and generally well-maintained, though it can become congested on weekends and holidays. Arrive by 7 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays if you want a may provide parking spot; the lot holds roughly 20 vehicles and fills quickly during spring and fall.
There is no launch fee, but day-use parking is free. The facility has portable restrooms and a small picnic area. No fuel, bait, or tackle shops are on-site, so bring everything you need or stop in Anahuac beforehand. The nearest full-service tackle shop is in Baytown, about 20 miles west.
Bank fishing is limited. A small area near the ramp allows foot access, and the north shore has a few spots where you can walk and cast, but most of the shoreline is private or inaccessible. A boat is strongly recommended to reach productive water.
Licensing and Regulations
Anyone 17 years old or older must have a valid Texas fishing license to fish Lighthouse Lakes. You can purchase a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website (tpwd.texas.gov), by phone, or at retailers like Academy Sports and Outdoors, Walmart, and local bait shops. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish only occasionally.
Bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. Catfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily bag limit. Sunfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily bag limit. Check the current Texas fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change. The TPWD website has a searchable guide for all species and water bodies.
No gasoline motors are allowed on Lighthouse Lakes—only electric trolling motors and paddle-powered boats. This restriction keeps the water quiet and protects the shallow habitat. Kayaks, canoes, and small jon boats with electric motors are ideal for this lake.
When to Fish and What to Bring
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable seasons for consistent action and comfortable weather. Water temperatures are moderate, and both bass and catfish bite well. If you fish in summer, plan for early morning trips to avoid heat and slow midday fishing. Winter is possible but requires more skill and patience.
Bring a depth finder or fish locator if you have one—the shallow, weedy nature of Lighthouse Lakes makes structure-finding essential. A good pair of polarized sunglasses helps you spot bass in shallow water. Pack more water and snacks than you think you need; there are no vendors on-site. Insect repellent is important, especially in summer and fall when mosquitoes are active. A net makes landing bass easier, and a stringer or cooler keeps your catch fresh if you plan to keep fish.
Sunrise to mid-morning and late afternoon to sunset are the most productive times. Midday fishing is slow, especially in summer. Plan your trip around these windows for the best results.
Getting There and Nearby Options
Lighthouse Lakes is located at 1962 FM 1985 Road, Anahuac, Texas 77514. From Houston, take I-10 East toward Beaumont, then exit onto TX-90 East toward Anahuac. Follow signs to the lake; the drive takes about 45 minutes from downtown Houston. GPS coordinates are approximately 29.7667° N, 94.2333° W if you prefer to navigate directly.
The area around Anahuac is rural and quiet. There are no hotels or restaurants within walking distance of the lake, so plan to drive back to Baytown or another nearby town for food and lodging. The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is nearby and offers additional outdoor recreation if you want to combine your fishing trip with birding or nature walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Lighthouse Lakes?
A boat is strongly recommended because bank access is very limited. Most productive water is away from the shoreline, and the shallow, weedy nature of the lake makes boat access essential for reaching structure and deeper holes. Kayaks and small jon boats with electric motors work well.
What is the best time of year to catch bass here?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most reliable. Water temperatures are moderate, bass are active, and you can catch fish throughout the day. Summer and winter are slower and require more skill and patience.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes. Bass must be at least 14 inches long, and you can keep up to five per day. Catfish and sunfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily bag limit each. Check current Texas regulations before you fish to confirm these rules have not changed.
Is there a launch fee or day-use fee?
No. The boat ramp and parking are free to use. There are no vendors or services on-site, so bring everything you need or stop in nearby Anahuac or Baytown beforehand.
What should I do if the parking lot is full?
Arrive early—before 7 a.m. on weekends—to secure a spot. If the lot is full, you may need to return later or try a different day. There is no overflow parking or alternative access point at Lighthouse Lakes.