Lake Conroe & Lake Livingston Catfish Trips
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target Channel and Blue Catfish on scenic Texas lakesCaptain Jason provides expert guidance and fish cleaning servicesEarly morning departure for productive 5hour fishing adventure
Looking for some serious catfish action in East Texas? Captain Jason knows where the big cats hang out on Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston, and he's ready to put you on them. These aren't your typical pond fishing trips - we're talking about world-class catfish waters that consistently produce trophy blues and channels. When you meet us at the marina at 6 a.m., your boat's already rigged and ready to roll. We'll spend five solid hours targeting the best structure and holes where these whiskered giants like to feed. Whether you're keeping dinner or practicing catch and release, Captain Jason will make sure you get the most out of your day on the water.
Your morning starts early because that's when catfish bite best - especially during the warmer months when the water temperature drives them deeper during midday. Captain Jason meets you at the launch with everything prepped, so you're not wasting prime fishing time rigging lines or sorting tackle. These Texas lakes offer completely different fishing experiences depending on which one we hit. Lake Conroe's deeper, clearer water means we'll often fish structure like submerged trees and creek channels, while Lake Livingston's vast flats and timber provide perfect ambush spots for hungry catfish. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat that can handle up to four anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines. The scenery's pretty spectacular too - both lakes are surrounded by East Texas pine forests that create a peaceful backdrop while you're waiting for that telltale catfish run.
Captain Jason runs a tight ship when it comes to gear and methods. We're using medium-heavy rods with enough backbone to handle those 20-pound-plus blues that both lakes are known for, but sensitive enough that you'll feel every nibble from smaller channels. The reel setup includes quality baitcasters spooled with 20-30 pound test - catfish aren't line-shy, so we go heavy enough to winch them out of structure. For bait, we're talking fresh-cut shad, live perch, and sometimes prepared baits depending on what the fish are hitting that week. The bottom fishing technique varies based on depth and current - sometimes we're anchoring over specific structure, other times we're drifting flats while watching the fish finder for schools of baitfish that attract feeding catfish. Circle hooks are the standard here since they hook fish in the corner of the mouth, making catch and release much more effective for those trophy blues you might want to turn loose.
Channel catfish are the bread and butter of these East Texas waters, and they're absolutely perfect for anglers who want consistent action with great table fare. These fish typically run 2-8 pounds in Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston, though don't be surprised if you hook into a 15-pounder that's been living the good life in these fertile waters. Channels are aggressive feeders, especially during spring and fall when water temperatures are in that sweet 65-75 degree range. They'll hit cut bait, live bait, and even some prepared baits with enthusiasm. What makes channels so fun is their fighting style - they'll make strong runs and use their broad tail to put a serious bend in your rod. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in Texas lakes when prepared right.
Blue catfish are the real trophies we're after on these trips, and both Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston have populations that'll make your arms sore. Blues can live for decades and grow massive - we're talking fish that can push 40-50 pounds if you're lucky enough to find the right hole. These fish prefer deeper water and stronger current, so we'll target dam areas, creek channels, and deeper structure where they ambush schools of shad. Blues are most active during cooler months when they move shallow to feed, but they're catchable year-round if you know where to look. When you hook a big blue, you'll know it immediately - they make long, powerful runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. The fight can last 10-15 minutes with a really good fish, and Captain Jason will coach you through the whole battle to make sure you land your personal best.
Captain Jason's built his reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, whether you're a seasoned catfish angler or someone who's never held a rod. The five-hour trip gives you plenty of time to learn the techniques, try different spots, and hopefully boat some serious catfish. He'll even clean your catch at the end of the day, so you can head home with fresh fillets ready for the dinner table. Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston aren't going anywhere, but the best fishing days book up fast - especially during peak catfish season. These top-rated trips accommodate up to four anglers, making them perfect for family outings, buddy trips, or corporate groups looking for something different. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your date, because nothing's worse than watching prime catfish weather pass by from the dock instead of being out there with lines in the water.
Captain Jason's 27-foot Regency pontoon is your ticket to prime catfish waters on Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston. This spacious rig was built in 2015 and got a full makeover in 2019, powered by a reliable 250HP Mercury that'll cruise at 25 knots to get you on the fish fast. The boat handles up to 8 anglers comfortably with plenty of room to move around while working your lines. Essential gear includes a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on those channel and blue cats without spooking them, plus GPS navigation to hit the honey holes and a quality fish finder to locate where the big ones are holding. Captain Jason knows these Texas waters like the back of his hand and will have you rigged up and ready by 6 a.m. for a solid 5-hour fishing adventure. Keep your limit or practice catch and release - either way, the captain will clean whatever you decide to take home.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlues are the big boys of Texas catfish - we regularly catch 10-30 pounders with some real monsters pushing 40-50 pounds in these lakes. They cruise deeper water, usually 15-35 feet, following creek channels and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Summer and early fall produce the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What gets people hooked is the sheer power - a big blue will bend your rod and test your drag like nothing else. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. These opportunistic feeders love fresh cut bait, especially shad or herring. The key is using heavy tackle and letting your bait sink to the bottom near structure, then being patient - when a blue takes it, you'll know.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are solid fighters that'll typically run 2-10 pounds, though we see some real nice 15-20 pounders in both lakes. They hang around structure like fallen trees, creek channels, and rocky points in 10-25 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when water temps hit 70-80 degrees. What makes them fun is they fight hard and taste great - perfect for a fish fry. Their whiskers help them hunt by smell, so they'll hit stinkbait, cut shad, or chicken liver. My go-to trick is letting your bait sit still on the bottom near cover and giving them time to really grab it before setting the hook. Those slippery bodies and sharp fins keep you honest when landing them.
Galveston