What Water Tower Park Offers
Water Tower Park is a modest public park in Texarkana, Texas, built around a small impoundment on the Sulphur River. The park sits in a residential area and draws local anglers looking for catfish, bass, and panfish in a low-key setting without the crowds of larger reservoirs. Access is free, parking is available, and the water is shallow enough that you can fish from the bank or wade in most spots.
The park is not a destination for trophy hunting or long road trips. It works best if you live in or near Texarkana and want to spend an afternoon or evening fishing without driving an hour to reach the water. The setting is quiet and tree-lined, which appeals to anglers who prefer calm conditions and don't mind smaller fish.
Key Takeaways
- Water Tower Park is a free, bank-accessible impoundment on the Sulphur River in Texarkana with parking and basic facilities.
- Catfish are the most reliable catch, especially in evening and night hours; bass and bluegill are also present but less consistent.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations apply, including a valid fishing license and species-specific bag limits.
- The park has no boat launch, so fishing is limited to bank access and wading in shallow areas.
- Summer heat and mosquitoes are significant; spring and fall offer more comfortable conditions.
Species and Seasonal Patterns
Channel catfish are the primary draw at Water Tower Park. They feed year-round but are most active in warmer months, especially from May through September. Evening and night fishing—using chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial catfish bait—produces the most consistent results. Fish the deeper holes along the dam and the channel edges where the current slows.
Largemouth bass are present but not abundant. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the better windows. Shallow-running crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures work in early morning and late evening. Summer fishing for bass is slow because the water warms and fish move to deeper, cooler zones that are harder to reach from shore.
Bluegill, crappie, and other panfish inhabit the shallower areas near the banks and around any submerged structure. They bite year-round on small jigs, live crickets, and worms. These fish are easiest to catch in spring and are a good option if you're fishing with children or want a relaxed outing.
Access, Parking, and Facilities
Water Tower Park is located in a residential neighborhood in Texarkana and is open to the public during daylight hours. Parking is available in a small lot near the water. There is no boat launch, so all fishing is done from the bank or by wading. The park has basic amenities—picnic tables and restrooms—but no concessions or bait shops on-site.
Bank access is good around most of the perimeter, though some sections are overgrown or privately bordered. The water is shallow in most areas, making wading feasible during low-water periods. Bring your own gear, bait, and supplies; the nearest tackle shops are in downtown Texarkana, a short drive away.
Regulations and Licensing
All anglers must carry a valid Texas fishing license, available through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or at most sporting goods stores. A license costs around $30 for a one-year resident option and $55 for non-residents; shorter-term licenses are also available. Children under 17 do not need a license if they fish under direct supervision of a licensed adult.
Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species. Channel catfish have no minimum size and a daily bag limit of 25 fish. Largemouth bass must be at least 14 inches long, with a daily limit of five fish. Bluegill and other sunfish have no minimum size and a combined daily limit of 25 fish. Check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations before you fish, as rules can change.
When to Fish and What to Expect
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the most comfortable fishing conditions. Temperatures are mild, mosquitoes are fewer, and both catfish and bass are more active. Summer is productive for catfish but brings intense heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and heavy mosquito pressure. Winter is quiet; catfish still bite but require patience and night fishing.
Water levels fluctuate depending on rainfall and dam management. High water in spring can push fish into flooded vegetation and make bank access difficult. Low water in late summer concentrates fish in deeper holes but also limits where you can wade. Call the Texarkana Parks and Recreation Department before a trip if you want to know current conditions.
The park is busiest on weekends and during summer evenings. Weekday mornings and weeknights are quieter. If you prefer solitude, fish early or late in the day, or visit on a weekday.
Gear and Bait Recommendations
For catfish, bring a medium-action rod with 15- to 20-pound line and a simple slip-sinker rig. Use chicken liver, cut shad, stink bait, or commercial catfish dip. Fish the bottom in deeper areas and be patient; catfish often take 30 minutes or more to find and bite your bait.
For bass, a 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 12-pound line works well. Carry a small selection of soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and crawfish), shallow-running crankbaits, and a topwater plug. Fish early morning and late evening along the banks and any visible structure.
For panfish, a light spinning rod and small jigs or live bait are all you need. Bring a net if you plan to keep fish; the shallow water makes landing them by hand difficult. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a headlamp for evening fishing are essential year-round.
Nearby Alternatives and Resources
If Water Tower Park does not meet your needs, the Texarkana area has other options. Lake Texarkana, about 15 miles north, is a larger reservoir with better facilities, a boat launch, and more consistent bass and catfish populations. Caddo Lake, near the Louisiana border, is a scenic cypress-lined lake known for trophy bass and crappie, though it requires a longer drive.
For tackle, bait, and local fishing reports, visit shops in downtown Texarkana or check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for current conditions and regulations. The Texarkana Parks and Recreation Department can answer questions about park hours and facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish at Water Tower Park?
No. There is no boat launch, and all fishing is done from the bank or by wading in shallow areas. This makes it a good spot for anglers without a boat or those who prefer bank fishing.
What is the best time of day to catch catfish here?
Evening and night are most productive. Catfish feed actively after sunset, especially in warm months. Fish from dusk until midnight or later for the best results. Bring a headlamp and be prepared to stay late.
Can I fish here in winter?
Yes, but activity is slower. Catfish still bite in winter, particularly at night, but you will need patience and warm clothing. Bass and panfish are less active. Spring and fall are better choices if you want consistent action.
Is there a bait shop at the park?
No. Bring your own bait and gear or stop at a tackle shop in Texarkana before you arrive. The nearest shops are a short drive away in the downtown area.
What should I do about mosquitoes?
Bring strong insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk. Summer evenings are the worst. Spring and fall fishing avoids the heaviest mosquito season.