Plano parents are often surprised to find that good fishing is genuinely close to home. Three stocked city ponds sit within 5 miles of most of the city, and a pair of major DFW reservoirs are reachable in under 20 minutes when the family is ready for a bigger water experience. Texas makes it easy: kids under 17 don't need a fishing license, so a spontaneous fishing outing is always on the table. Here are the best fishing spots within 20 miles of Plano.
1. Shawnee Park (Plano)
Location: 3380 Sherwood Dr, Plano, TX 75023
Plano's most versatile fishing park: Shawnee Park combines a stocked fishing lake and pier with an 18-hole disc golf course, sand volleyball, and a big playground — so every member of the family has something to do whether the fish are biting or not. Channel catfish, bluegill, and bass are all present, and the lake is stocked regularly through the city's fishing program. Park hours run from 5 AM to 11 PM, making early morning or post-dinner fishing both genuinely viable options.
Good to know: fishing pier · stocked catfish, bluegill, bass · free entry · 18-hole disc golf · playground · restrooms · 5 AM–11 PM hours.
Parent tip: Early morning on a weekday is the quietest time — the disc golfers haven't arrived yet and the fish are active near the surface. A worm-and-bobber rig covers all the species in this lake.
Check current park conditions at the Shawnee Park page before heading out.
2. Bob Woodruff Park (Plano)
Location: 2601 San Gabriel Dr, Plano, TX 75023
The biggest fishing pond inside Plano city limits: Bob Woodruff Park's 11-acre pond is one of the largest fishable urban lakes in Plano, and the prominent wooden pier extends well into the water for access to deeper zones where catfish hold during warm months. Sunfish are especially abundant here — they hit aggressively on tiny hooks with small worm pieces, which makes this a great confidence-builder for kids who need to feel a bite quickly. The trail system wraps the pond so non-fishing family members can walk without losing sight of the group.
Good to know: wooden fishing pier · 11-acre pond · sunfish, catfish, bass · free entry · trails · volleyball courts · picnic areas.
Parent tip: The north end of the pond near the volleyball courts tends to hold more largemouth bass. Try casting parallel to the bank in early morning before the water warms up — bass are most active then.
3. Jack Carter Park (Plano)
Location: 2800 Maumelle Dr, Plano, TX 75023
Plano's most family-accessible fishing pond: Jack Carter Park pairs a catch-and-release pond stocked with largemouth bass and catfish with one of Plano's best all-abilities inclusive playgrounds. The catch-and-release rules mean the pond stays consistently well-stocked — fish have nowhere to go, so populations stay strong year-round. If you have kids of different ages or abilities, this is the most thoughtfully designed park in Plano for a combined fishing-and-playground outing.
Good to know: catch-and-release pond · largemouth bass, catfish · all-abilities inclusive playground · free entry · splash pad · sand volleyball · trails · restrooms.
Parent tip: Use barbless hooks or crimp your barb for catch-and-release fishing — it's faster and less stressful for both the kids and the fish. The pond is popular on weekends; arrive by 8 AM for the best bank spots.
4. Katherine B. Winniford Park (McKinney)
Location: 4900 Highlands Dr, McKinney, TX 75072
Rainbow trout fishing 10 miles from Plano: If you're after something different from catfish-and-bass ponds, Katherine B. Winniford Park in McKinney is worth the 10-mile drive — it's one of the few spots in the Metroplex that gets a TPWD rainbow trout stocking every fall through early spring. Trout fishing requires more finesse than catfish, which makes it a fun challenge for older kids who are ready to level up. The 2.5-acre pond also has a creek element that younger kids enjoy exploring on the bank.
Good to know: TPWD rainbow trout stocked Oct–Mar · creek feature · 2.5-acre pond · free entry · trails.
Parent tip: Visit between October and March for trout season. Small spinners and PowerBait (salmon egg or cheese flavor) outperform live worms on stocked trout. Worth stocking your tackle box before this trip.
5. Lake Ray Hubbard (Garland)
Location: Lake Ray Hubbard, Garland, TX 75040
The closest big-lake experience to Plano: Lake Ray Hubbard is 21,671 acres of DFW's most accessible reservoir, just 13 miles southeast of Plano. Hybrid striped bass and blue catfish are now the dominant species, with trophy-size fish reported regularly from shore access points near the Garland and Rowlett shorelines. No boat required — the rock riprap and standing timber near shore hold fish year-round, and the heated discharge area near the power plant keeps fish active even in winter.
Good to know: 21,671 acres · shore fishing access · hybrid striped bass, blue catfish, largemouth bass · free shore access · multiple public access points.
Parent tip: Chicken liver or stink bait rigs work well for blue catfish from the bank. For hybrid stripers in spring and fall, try casting chrome spoons toward open water during bait fish migrations. Adults need a valid Texas fishing license; see TPWD's Lake Ray Hubbard page for current regulations.
6. Lake Lavon (Lavon)
Location: East Fork Park, Lavon, TX 75166
World-class crappie fishing 15 miles from Plano: Lake Lavon is Collin County's flagship fishing reservoir — 21,400 acres with crappie fishing that draws serious anglers from across DFW every winter and spring. Shore fishing is free at 16 public access points around the lake, and the spring white bass run near lake inflows is one of the most exciting family fishing events in North Texas. Solid catfish and largemouth bass round out the options year-round.
Good to know: 21,400 acres · crappie, white bass, catfish, largemouth bass · free shore fishing · 16 public access points · boat ramps available · picnic areas.
Parent tip: Spring crappie fishing near submerged timber and brush piles is what Lavon is famous for — small jigs tipped with a live minnow or soft plastic work well. The north shore access points are closest to Plano. Adults need a Texas fishing license; kids under 17 fish free.
How we picked these
We prioritized spots that are free and publicly accessible within 20 miles of Plano, with confirmed stocking programs or TPWD-managed fisheries. Family amenities mattered — a good fishing spot with a restroom and playground nearby is worth more than a remote bank with no facilities when you're bringing small kids. We included two reservoir picks (Ray Hubbard and Lavon) because city ponds are great starters but bigger water gives families a genuinely different experience when they're ready for it. No private pay lakes or membership venues were considered.
Planning your visit
Texas fishing licenses are required for anglers 17 and older — pick one up at Academy, Bass Pro, or online at tpwd.texas.gov. Kids under 17 fish completely free. The best Plano-area fishing seasons are spring (March–May) for bass and white bass, and fall (September–November) for active catfish. Summer fishing in city ponds is most productive before 9 AM and after 6 PM when the water is cooler. Katherine B. Winniford Park is the one seasonal exception — plan that trip between October and March for the trout stocking. For more things to do with kids around Plano, check the Plano events page.