Hunter Park is a small impoundment near Longview with reliable largemouth bass and catfish
Hunter Park sits about 15 miles south of Longview in Gregg County and holds a modest 45-acre lake stocked primarily with largemouth bass and channel catfish. The park itself is publicly owned and managed by the City of Longview, making it one of the more accessible fishing spots in the region for people without private land access. The lake is shallow — averaging 8 to 12 feet — which means the fish concentrate in predictable zones and the water warms quickly in spring and summer.
This is not a destination lake that draws anglers from across the state, but it is a solid option if you live in or near Longview and want a short drive to decent bass fishing. The park has a boat ramp, picnic facilities, and a small parking area, so you can be on the water within minutes of arriving. Bank fishing is also possible along the dam and near the ramp, though boat access gives you better coverage of the deeper holes where larger bass hold during midday heat.
Key Takeaways
- Hunter Park is a 45-acre public lake managed by the City of Longview with a boat ramp and bank fishing access.
- Largemouth bass and channel catfish are the primary species, with bass ranging from 1 to 4 pounds on most days.
- Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) produce the most consistent fishing; summer requires early morning or evening trips to avoid the heat.
- A Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older; check current regulations for bass and catfish limits before you fish.
- The lake is shallow and warms quickly, so focus on deeper holes, structure, and shaded areas during hot months.
Species, Seasons, and What to Bring
Largemouth bass are the main draw at Hunter Park. Most fish run 1 to 3 pounds, with occasional 4- to 5-pounders caught near the dam and along submerged timber. Spring is the strongest season — March through May — when bass move into shallower water to spawn and feed aggressively. Fall (September through November) is the second-best window, as water temperatures drop and bass become active again after the summer lull.
Channel catfish are abundant and often overlooked by bass anglers. They bite year-round, especially at night, and provide a good backup if the bass bite is slow. Chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits work well; fish the deeper holes and let your line sit. Summer catfishing after dark can be productive and less crowded than daytime bass fishing.
Bring a medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod, 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line, and a mix of topwater plugs, soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and crawdads), and crankbaits in natural colors. For catfish, bring a heavier rod, 12- to 15-pound line, and rod holders so you can fish multiple lines legally. A small cooler, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential — there is no shade on the water, and the Texas sun is relentless in summer.
Access, Parking, and Facilities
Hunter Park has a public boat ramp on the north side of the lake, accessible from FM 2011. The ramp is concrete and well-maintained, though it can get crowded on weekends during spring and fall. Parking is limited to a small gravel lot near the ramp — typically 15 to 20 spaces — so arrive early if you are going on a Saturday or Sunday. There is no launch fee.
Bank fishing is possible along the dam and near the parking area, though the best structure and deeper water require a boat. If you do not have a boat, focus on the dam face and the area immediately around the ramp. A small picnic area with tables sits near the parking lot, making it a reasonable spot for a family outing even if fishing is slow.
The park has no bait shop, fuel dock, or restaurant on-site. Stock up on supplies in Longview before you arrive. The nearest tackle shop is in town, roughly 15 minutes away, so plan accordingly if you need to replace gear or pick up live bait.
Regulations and Licensing
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulations apply at Hunter Park. Anyone 17 and older must have a valid Texas fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the TPWD website, at most sporting goods stores, or at Walmart locations in Longview. 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 minimum size but a 25-fish daily limit. These rules change periodically, so check the current TPWD regulations before you go. The lake itself has no special restrictions beyond state law, and both catch-and-release and harvest are permitted.
Best Times to Fish and What to Expect
Spring (March through May) is the most reliable season. Water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, bass move shallow to spawn, and topwater action can be excellent early in the morning. Expect crowds on weekends, especially in April and May. Weekday mornings are quieter and often more productive.
Summer (June through August) is hot and slow during the day. Bass retreat to deeper water and shade, and the shallow lake heats up quickly. If you fish in summer, plan for dawn or dusk trips. Catfish bite better at night during this season, so consider switching to night fishing if daytime bass fishing is unproductive.
Fall (September through November) is the second-best window. Water cools, bass feed actively again, and the weather is more comfortable for long days on the water. October and early November are particularly good. Winter (December through February) is slow; bass bite, but less predictably, and the water is cold. Most anglers skip this season unless they are specifically targeting catfish.
Directions and Nearby Options
Hunter Park is located about 15 miles south of Longview. From downtown Longview, take US 59 south toward Timpson, then turn east on FM 2011. Follow FM 2011 for roughly 3 miles; the park entrance is on your right. GPS coordinates are approximately 32.42°N, 94.75°W if you prefer to navigate that way. The drive from central Longview takes 20 to 25 minutes.
If Hunter Park is too crowded or you want alternatives, Caddo Lake (about 30 minutes north) offers larger bass and more diverse habitat, though it requires more skill to navigate. Lake Fork (roughly 90 minutes west) is a premier bass lake but draws serious anglers and has higher launch fees. For a quick local option, Hunter Park is hard to beat in terms of convenience and access.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is fishing the shallows during midday in summer. The water is too warm and the fish are deep. If you must fish midday, focus on the deepest holes — usually near the dam — and use darker lures that create vibration and noise. Early morning and evening are always better choices.
Another mistake is ignoring the catfish bite. Many bass anglers overlook catfish as "trash fish," but they are abundant, bite reliably, and provide action when bass are slow. Bringing a catfish rod and some cut bait costs nothing and can save a slow day.
Finally, do not assume the lake is empty because you see few other anglers. Hunter Park is small and can fish well even when it looks quiet. Spend time working structure — fallen trees, the dam, and deeper holes — rather than cruising randomly. Patience and focus produce better results than covering water quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Hunter Park?
No, but a boat gives you access to deeper water and better structure. Bank fishing works near the dam and ramp, especially for catfish. If you do not own a boat, focus on these areas or consider renting one from a shop in Longview for a day.
What is the best lure for largemouth bass at Hunter Park?
Topwater plugs and soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms) work best in spring and fall. In summer, switch to crankbaits and work deeper water near the dam. Crawdad-colored soft plastics and natural-colored crankbaits are reliable year-round.
Can I fish at night?
Yes. Night fishing is legal and often more productive for catfish during summer. Bring a headlamp, secure your boat properly, and fish the deeper holes. Bass also bite at night, especially in warm months, though most anglers target catfish after dark.
Is there a bait shop at the park?
No. Stock up on supplies in Longview before you arrive. The nearest tackle shop is in town, roughly 15 minutes away by car.
What should I do if the ramp is crowded?
Arrive early — before 7 a.m. on weekends — or fish on a weekday. Bank fishing near the dam is always an option if the ramp is backed up. If you are launching a boat, be prepared to wait 15 to 30 minutes on busy spring weekends.