Anna has its own fishing pond at Natural Springs Park, which is a great starting point — but once the kids are hooked on fishing, a few solid spots open up within a reasonable drive south into McKinney, Prosper, and beyond. Lake Lavon, one of the best crappie fishing reservoirs in North Texas, is just under 25 miles away. Texas keeps the barrier to entry low: kids under 17 don't need a fishing license, so a spontaneous fishing trip is always doable. Here are the best fishing spots within 25 miles of Anna.
1. Natural Springs Park (Anna)
Location: 1201 W White St (FM 455), Anna, TX 75409
Anna's own catch-and-release fishing pond: Natural Springs Park is the starting point for fishing in Anna — a man-made pond with a dedicated fishing pier, catch-and-release regulations, and a genuinely pleasant layout. Walking trails, a gazebo, picnic area, and playground surround the water, and the adjacent Paw Park (off-leash dog area) makes it a natural multi-family outing spot. Catfish are the primary species, and a basic worm-and-bobber rig from the pier produces results reliably.
Good to know: catch-and-release · fishing pier · free entry · walking trails · playground · gazebo · picnic area · Paw Park (dog off-leash) · restrooms.
Parent tip: Catch-and-release means you'll want to practice releasing fish gently before the trip — it's a good teaching moment for kids. The pier fishes best early morning when the water is coolest and catfish are most active near the surface.
Park hours and details at Anna's Natural Springs Park page.
2. Towne Lake Recreation Area (McKinney)
Location: 1405 Wilson Creek Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75071
A 22-acre lake with a lighted pier, 12 miles from Anna: When Natural Springs Park feels too small, Towne Lake Recreation Area in McKinney is the logical next step. The 22-acre lake with a lighted fishing pier puts you over deeper water with catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill — a real step up in variety from a small city pond. The surrounding park is full-featured: paddle boats, disc golf, sand volleyball, and miles of lighted trails make the drive from Anna worthwhile for a longer family outing.
Good to know: 22-acre lake · lighted fishing pier · catfish, bass, bluegill · free entry · paddle boats · disc golf · lighted trails · restrooms.
Parent tip: The lighted pier makes evening fishing after 6 PM a productive option in summer when the afternoon heat makes daytime miserable. Bring your own bait — no shop on site. See what else is happening in McKinney this week if you want to make a full day of it.
3. Bonnie Wenk Park (McKinney)
Location: 2996 Virginia Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75071
One of the most beginner-friendly stocked ponds in Collin County: Bonnie Wenk Park's 5-acre pond is consistently stocked with catfish and bass, and the population stays healthy enough that beginners almost always pull something in. The pond is small and enclosed — easier for young anglers to read and choose a casting spot — and the all-abilities playground and splash pad right next door keep younger siblings occupied. A step up from Natural Springs Park in terms of fish volume without the intimidation of a big lake.
Good to know: 5-acre stocked pond · fishing pier · catfish and bass · free entry · all-abilities playground · splash pad · dog park.
Parent tip: Shore fishing is as good as the pier here — the banks are gradual and safe for small kids to stand at the water's edge. A simple worm-and-bobber rig works reliably on the catfish population all year.
4. Frontier Park (Prosper)
Location: 1551 W Frontier Pkwy, Prosper, TX 75078
Rainbow trout derby and year-round catch-and-release, 15 miles from Anna: Prosper's Frontier Park earns the drive for two reasons: the February youth Fishing Derby, where TPWD stocks the catch-and-release pond with rainbow trout for the event, and the 79-acre park complex that makes the trip worthwhile regardless of how the fishing goes. Batting cages, lighted sports fields, splash pad, and over a mile of trails round out the experience. Rainbow trout fishing in North Texas is rare — this is one of the easiest places to make that happen for a kid who's ready for something new.
Good to know: catch-and-release pond · TPWD rainbow trout (Feb derby) · catfish, bluegill · free entry · batting cages · splash pad · lighted sports fields · restrooms.
Parent tip: Fishing Derby registration fills fast — follow Prosper Parks & Recreation on social media or watch prospertx.gov for registration dates each winter. For non-derby visits, morning catfish fishing is the most reliable year-round option.
5. Katherine B. Winniford Park (McKinney)
Location: 4900 Highlands Dr, McKinney, TX 75072
The Metroplex's nearest rainbow trout pond to Anna: Katherine B. Winniford Park in McKinney is the most underrated fishing spot in Collin County — a 2.5-acre pond that gets a TPWD rainbow trout stocking every fall through early spring. If your kid has only ever caught catfish, this is the accessible way to introduce them to trout fishing without a long drive to the Hill Country. The pond also has a creek element kids enjoy exploring on the bank between casts.
Good to know: TPWD rainbow trout stocked Oct–Mar · 2.5-acre pond · creek feature · free entry · trails.
Parent tip: Visit October through March for the trout stocking window. PowerBait (salmon egg or cheese) and small spinners outperform live worms on stocked trout — pick some up before the trip. This spot is worth the drive from Anna specifically for the trout experience.
6. Lake Lavon (Lavon)
Location: East Fork Park, Lavon, TX 75166
North Texas's top crappie reservoir, within reach of Anna: Lake Lavon is the big fishing destination for Anna families — 21,400 acres of Collin County reservoir with crappie fishing that ranks among the best in the Dallas area every winter and spring. Shore fishing is free at 16 public access points, and the spring white bass run near lake inflows is one of the more exciting family fishing events in the region. Catfish are reliable year-round from shore. When the kids are ready to step off a small pond and onto a real lake, Lavon delivers the experience.
Good to know: 21,400 acres · crappie, white bass, catfish, bass · free shore fishing · 16 public access points · boat ramps · picnic areas.
Parent tip: The north and east shore access points are closest to Anna. Spring crappie fishing near submerged brush piles is what the lake is famous for. Adults need a valid Texas fishing license; kids under 17 fish free. See TPWD's Lake Lavon page for current regulations and access point details.
How we picked these
We started with Anna's own Natural Springs Park and then mapped the best free, publicly accessible fishing spots within 25 miles — a slightly wider radius than our usual 20 miles because Anna sits at the northern edge of Collin County and good options thin out quickly heading further north. We prioritized stocked city ponds for their beginner-friendliness, then included Lake Lavon for families ready for a real reservoir experience. Spots with annual fishing events (Prosper's derby, Frisco's Trick-A-Trout) got extra weight as the best first-fishing experiences available. No private or pay-to-fish venues included.
Planning your visit
Texas fishing licenses are required for anglers 17 and older — purchase at tpwd.texas.gov or any Academy or Bass Pro location. Kids under 17 fish completely free in Texas. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most productive seasons for bass and catfish in this area. Summer fishing is best before 9 AM or after 6 PM. Katherine B. Winniford Park and Prosper's Frontier Park are seasonal for trout — plan those trips October through March. A basic medium-light rod, 8 lb. line, bobber, and a container of worms covers you at all six spots. For more kids' activities around Anna, see the Anna events page.