Private Full-Day Fishing Charter on Lavon Lake
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day private charter targets crappie, bass, catfish, and bluegillCaptain Carey Thorn provides gear, guidance, and fishing techniquesEight-hour lake trip accommodates families and all skill levels
Captain Carey Thorn knows Lavon Lake like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll make your day memorable. This isn't just another guided trip – it's eight solid hours of focused fishing with someone who's spent years figuring out where the crappie stack up, where the bass are holding, and when the catfish start biting. Whether you're bringing your kid for their first real fishing adventure or you're an experienced angler looking to dial in your technique, Carey tailors every trip to match your skill level and fishing goals.
Your day kicks off at 6 AM sharp, which puts you on prime fishing water right when the action heats up. Lavon Lake's 21,400 acres give us plenty of room to work, and Carey knows exactly which creek arms, points, and structure to hit based on the season and what the fish are doing. The $650 rate covers up to two anglers, with additional guests at $100 each – a solid value when you consider you're getting a full day with all gear, tackle, and bottled water included. You'll want to grab your Texas fishing license ahead of time, plus whatever snacks and drinks you prefer to keep your energy up through eight hours of fishing. The trip runs year-round, which means we're chasing different patterns and species depending on whether it's a hot summer morning or a crisp winter day when the fish are relating to deeper structure.
Carey comes equipped with everything you need to be successful, from light spinning gear for finicky crappie to heavier setups when we're targeting bigger catfish. Depending on what's biting, you might find yourself vertical jigging over submerged timber, casting crankbaits along rocky points, or working live bait around the dam area. Lavon's got excellent structure – old creek channels, standing timber, and plenty of brush piles that hold fish year-round. The lake's relatively clear water means we can sight-fish when conditions are right, but Carey also knows how to read his electronics to locate schools of fish when they're not visible. He'll walk you through proper bait presentation, how to feel the difference between a fish and structure, and techniques for setting the hook that'll improve your success rate long after your trip ends.
Crappie are the bread and butter of Lavon Lake, and for good reason – this lake produces some seriously chunky slabs that'll bend your rod and make you grin. Spring brings the spawn when crappie move shallow and get aggressive, but even in winter you can find them stacked up in deeper water around structure. These fish average 10-12 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish that'll make excellent table fare. What makes crappie so addictive is their light bite – you've got to stay focused and develop that feel for when they just mouth the bait.
White bass provide some of the most consistent action you'll find on Lavon, especially when they're schooling and chasing shad on the surface. These fish are scrappy fighters that'll give you a good fight on light tackle, and when you find a school, you can catch them one after another until your arm gets sore. They typically run 12-15 inches and hit everything from small spoons to live minnows. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up tight, but you can catch them throughout the year if you know where to look.
Channel catfish in Lavon grow fat and healthy, with plenty of fish in the 2-5 pound range and some real giants that'll test your drag. They bite year-round, but summer evenings and nights are when they really turn on. These fish will eat just about anything – from prepared baits to fresh-cut shad – and they provide steady action when other species get finicky. What's great about channel cats is they're perfect for beginners since they bite aggressively and fight hard enough to be exciting.
Blue catfish represent the trophy potential in Lavon Lake, with fish pushing 20-30 pounds or more for anglers who know how to target them. These bruisers prefer deeper water and bigger baits, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. They're not as common as channel cats, but the chance of connecting with a true giant keeps things interesting. Blues typically hold around the deeper creek channels and near the dam, where they ambush schools of shad.
Bluegill might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but they're perfect for kids and beginners who want steady action and easy-to-catch fish. Lavon's bluegill are healthy and aggressive, especially during their spring spawn when they're bedding in shallow water. They'll hit small jigs, live worms, and tiny spinners, and catching a mess of bluegill makes for great practice on hook-setting and fighting fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare when you want to bring home a fish dinner.
A full day with Captain Carey Thorn puts you in the hands of someone who's dedicated his time to understanding Lavon Lake's fish patterns and seasonal movements. You're not just paying for a boat ride – you're getting eight hours of personalized instruction, proven techniques, and access to productive water that most weekend anglers never find. The family-friendly approach means everyone from first-time anglers to seasoned veterans will learn something new and catch fish they'll remember. Just remember that 7-day cancellation policy and book early, especially during peak seasons when the fishing heats up and spots fill fast.
Meet "Sandy," your fishing platform for exploring Lavon Lake's productive waters. This 19-foot G3 center console runs on a dependable 70HP Yamaha engine and comfortably handles up to 4 anglers. Built in 2018, she's rigged with everything serious fishermen need: wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to structure, fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation, and a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh. The flybridge gives you elevated visibility to spot working fish, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Texas afternoons. Whether you're working crappie brush piles, casting for bass along the shoreline, or bottom fishing for catfish, Sandy's setup puts you in prime position to connect with Lavon's diverse fish population under Captain Carey's guidance.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the giants of Lavon Lake, often running 10-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 40-50 pounds. They patrol deep channel bends, river mouths, and muddy flats in 20-40 feet of water, following baitfish schools. Best fishing happens late spring through early fall when they're most active, but big blues bite year-round. What draws anglers is the chance at a true trophy and their bulldogging fight - they use their size and weight to wear you down. The meat is excellent, firm and mild-flavored. These fish are opportunistic predators that will eat almost anything. Local secret: use fresh-cut shad or skipjack on heavy tackle near deep structure during low-light periods. Blues often follow the thermocline, so watch your electronics for suspended fish and get your bait to their level.
Lepomis MacrochirusBluegill are perfect panfish running 6-10 inches, with the occasional dinner plate-sized fish pushing 12 inches. They stick to shallow cover like fallen trees, docks, and weed lines in 3-8 feet of water where they can dart in and out quickly. Spring bedding season is hot, but they bite reliably year-round and are great for families and kids learning to fish. These scrappy little fighters punch above their weight and provide steady action when other fish won't cooperate. The sweet, flaky meat makes them worth keeping for a fish fry. They school up and aren't picky eaters, so once you find them, you can catch several. Best local tip: use a small hook with a piece of worm under a bobber near any shallow cover. Keep your bait small since their mouths are tiny, and be patient - let them take it fully before setting the hook.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats in Lavon typically run 2-8 pounds, though we see some pushing 15-20 pounds in the deeper holes. They hang around creek channels, drop-offs, and muddy bottoms in 12-25 feet of water, using their whiskers to hunt by smell and taste. Summer nights are prime time, but they bite year-round - just slower in winter. What makes channel cats special is their hard fight and excellent eating quality. They'll bend your rod and make long runs before coming to the boat. The meat is firm, mild, and perfect for frying or grilling. These fish are tough and scrappy, making them great for kids and beginners. My best tip: use fresh cut bait like shad or chicken liver on the bottom near structure. Let it sit still and wait for that classic catfish thump - they'll usually hook themselves when they commit to the bait.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie run 7-12 inches and about a pound on average, making them perfect panfish for families. Here on Lavon, you'll find both white and black crappie hanging around submerged brush piles, downed trees, and deeper structure in 8-15 feet of water. Spring spawning season through early summer gives you the best action when they move shallow, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What makes crappie special is their sweet, flaky white meat - some of the best eating fish in the lake. They're not huge fighters, but they're sneaky and fun to catch. My go-to tip: use a small jig under a slip bobber and let it sit still near cover. Crappie are ambush feeders, so patience pays off. When you find one, work the area thoroughly since they school up tight.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass average 10-12 inches but can push 18 inches and several pounds in Lavon's deep water. These silvery fighters with dark horizontal stripes love open water and drop-offs, usually roaming in schools between 15-25 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime time when they chase shad near the surface, but they stay active year-round. What gets people hooked is their aggressive strike and strong fight - they pull harder than their size suggests. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. You'll often see them schooling and feeding aggressively, creating surface action that's hard to miss. Here's a local trick: when you spot birds diving or surface activity, get there fast with small white jigs or spoons. Work them quick through the school and you can load the boat in minutes.
Lake Lavon