What You'll Find at Indian Point Pier

Indian Point Pier is a public fishing pier on Lake Texoma, the massive reservoir straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border north of Dallas. The pier extends into relatively shallow water and holds catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie year-round, with seasonal runs of white bass in spring and fall. The pier itself is concrete, well-maintained, and open to foot traffic during daylight hours — you do not need a boat to fish here, and parking is free.

The pier sits in Grayson County, about 15 miles north of Denison. It is one of the few spots on Lake Texoma where you can walk out over the water without a boat, making it popular with families, older anglers, and anyone without access to a private dock or launch. The setting is quiet and shaded in places, with a small picnic area nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • Indian Point Pier requires a valid Texas fishing license, and anyone 17 or older must have one before casting a line.
  • Catfish bite best at dawn and dusk, especially in summer; bring chicken liver, stink bait, or live shad and fish the bottom.
  • The pier is open during daylight hours year-round, but spring and fall bring the most consistent action for white bass and crappie.
  • Lake Texoma has specific size and bag limits that vary by species; check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations before you go.
  • Parking is free, but the pier can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during the white bass runs.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (March through May) is prime time for white bass. These fish move shallow to spawn, and the pier sits in a zone where they pass through. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes. Crappie also bite well in spring, especially around structure — the pier pilings hold fish, so drop your jig close to them.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to catfish. The heat pushes most other species deeper, but catfish feed aggressively in warm water, especially at night and at first light. Largemouth bass remain active early and late in the day; midday fishing is slow. Fall (September through November) brings another white bass run and cooler water that wakes up the crappie bite again. Winter (December through February) is slowest overall, but catfish still bite, and a few dedicated anglers catch them on the pier through the cold months.

Tackle and Bait That Works

For catfish, use a simple bottom rig: a three-way swivel, a short leader to a sinker heavy enough to hold bottom, and another leader to a circle hook (size 2/0 to 5/0). Chicken liver, cut shad, and commercial stink bait all work. Cast out, set the rod in a holder, and wait for the rod tip to bend. Catfish often hook themselves on circle hooks, so you do not need a violent set.

White bass and crappie respond to small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with minnows or soft plastics. Cast near the pier pilings and work the jig with short, steady twitches. Live shad under a bobber also catches both species. For largemouth bass, throw small crankbaits, soft plastics, or topwater lures early and late; the pier is not ideal for bass, but they do hunt the shallows at dawn.

Bring a net if you plan to keep fish — the pier is high enough that landing a large catfish by hand is difficult. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful for night fishing and for tying knots in low light.

Regulations and Licensing

Texas requires a fishing license for anyone 17 or older. You can purchase a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, at most sporting goods stores, or at the Denison city office. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you plan only one trip.

Lake Texoma has specific size and bag limits. Largemouth bass must be at least 14 inches, with a daily limit of five. Catfish have no size limit but a 25-fish daily limit. White bass are 10 inches minimum with a 25-fish limit. Crappie (both black and white) are 10 inches minimum with a 25-fish limit. These rules can change, so check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations before you fish.

Getting There and What to Bring

From Denison, take US 75 north toward the Oklahoma border. Turn east on FM 1085 and follow signs to Indian Point Park. Parking is free and ample. The pier is accessible year-round during daylight hours — there is no gate or fee to walk out onto it. Restrooms are available at the park, though they are basic.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The pier offers little shade in the middle, and the Texas sun reflects hard off the water. A cooler with ice keeps bait fresh and gives you a place to store fish. If you plan to fish into the evening, bring a headlamp and insect repellent — mosquitoes can be heavy near the water in summer and fall.

Crowds and Best Times to Go

Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekends and holidays draw families and tournament anglers, especially during the spring and fall white bass runs. If you prefer solitude, fish Tuesday through Thursday. Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is best for both action and fewer people.

The pier can get slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip. In summer, the concrete heats up, so bring sandals or water shoes to walk on it comfortably. The pier is open year-round, but winter weather can make it uncomfortable — wind and cold are common, and the water level can fluctuate, affecting access.

Nearby Options if Indian Point Doesn't Work

If the pier is too crowded or the bite is slow, Lake Texoma has other public access points. Eisenhower State Park, about 10 miles south, has boat ramps and shoreline fishing. Denison Dam has a spillway area where catfish and white bass congregate, though access is more limited. Both require a Texas license and follow the same bag and size limits as Indian Point.

If you have a boat, the main lake body holds striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish in deeper water. Guides and tackle shops in Denison can point you toward current hot spots and help you plan a trip if you want to expand beyond pier fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish Indian Point Pier?

Yes. Anyone 17 or older must have a valid Texas fishing license. You can buy a one-day license online or at sporting goods stores in Denison. Children under 17 do not need a license but must follow the same size and bag limits as adults.

What time of day is best for catfish?

Catfish bite best at dawn and dusk, and throughout the night. Summer is peak season because they feed aggressively in warm water. Early morning (one hour before sunrise to two hours after) is the most reliable window if you want to fish during daylight.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, as long as they meet the size and bag limits. Catfish have no size minimum but a 25-fish daily limit. Largemouth bass must be 14 inches or longer, with a five-fish limit. White bass and crappie are 10 inches minimum with 25-fish limits. Check current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rules before you go.

Is there parking and restroom access?

Yes. Parking is free and located near the pier entrance. Basic restrooms are available at Indian Point Park. There is no fee to fish the pier itself, and it is open during daylight hours year-round.

What should I do if the pier is crowded?

Fish on a weekday morning instead of a weekend. Weekdays are much quieter, and the bite is often better early in the day anyway. If you want to avoid crowds entirely, visit in winter or mid-summer when fewer people fish the pier.