Herrington Lake info

[SAUGERDADDY]

Anyone knows if there is any good bank/ shore access on Herrington lake. Looks like lots of high cliffs surrounding the lake. Also, is there a decent crappie population in the lake? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[MSD]

There are very few opportunities to bank fish at Herrington mainly because of the reasons that you stated. But also because all the land surrounding the lake is private owned. Towards the river end, the is public access at Rankin's Bottom which provides great white bass fishing when they are running. I'm sure if you check on the KDFW website it'll provide you with directions to Rankins Bottom. That's the only real bank fishing that I know of. At Bryant's Camp, there are a few places to fish off the bank. They used to charge a small fee, but not sure if they do know or if they even allow it. Some docks used to let you fish from them in certain places. I used to do that at a few of them. I always bought a few snacks or some bait from them when I did. That was years ago though.
As for the crappie, there is a decent population of them. They are very hard to find though. When you do find them, you will usually catch quality fish. I have caught many 12"-15" fish that are thick and healthy. Like all places, spring time is the best. But, they can be found around the stick ups in the fall and winter months. The stick ups are easy to find because of the winter drawdown. I have found most of my best crappie fishing in the Bryant's Camp area heading up the river. And the Dunn Island area offers good crappie fishing. With that being said, you may try to call Coffey's Cove and see if they allow bank or dock fishing. The Mocks Creek and Spears Creek in the Gwinn Island area are good producing spots. As are places in the Cane Run area. Crappie can really be found all over the lake, but it is a tough place to fish and takes patience. When you finally locate some honey holes, the fish willl usually be there year after year. Like always, people are pretty tight lipped about specific locations. But those are some good general locations and with some work, some nice crappie can be had. Years ago, I would rent Jon boats with 9.9 hp motors from various docks and then use a sculling paddle to work the stick ups. It was nothing fancy, but I had many great trips and caught many messes of good crappie that way. That may be an option for you to get on the water at Herrington. Lots of people call it the "Dead Sea" because it can be tough. I like to fish it though. Sounds like you enjoy panfish, so don't forget about the bluegill. Herrington has tons of bluegill, many quality ones. I hope you find a place to fish it and have a great time.

[SAUGERDADDY]

There are very few opportunities to bank fish at Herrington mainly because of the reasons that you stated. But also because all the land surrounding the lake is private owned. Towards the river end, the is public access at Rankin's Bottom which provides great white bass fishing when they are running. I'm sure if you check on the KDFW website it'll provide you with directions to Rankins Bottom. That's the only real bank fishing that I know of. At Bryant's Camp, there are a few places to fish off the bank. They used to charge a small fee, but not sure if they do know or if they even allow it. Some docks used to let you fish from them in certain places. I used to do that at a few of them. I always bought a few snacks or some bait from them when I did. That was years ago though.
As for the crappie, there is a decent population of them. They are very hard to find though. When you do find them, you will usually catch quality fish. I have caught many 12"-15" fish that are thick and healthy. Like all places, spring time is the best. But, they can be found around the stick ups in the fall and winter months. The stick ups are easy to find because of the winter drawdown. I have found most of my best crappie fishing in the Bryant's Camp area heading up the river. And the Dunn Island area offers good crappie fishing. With that being said, you may try to call Coffey's Cove and see if they allow bank or dock fishing. The Mocks Creek and Spears Creek in the Gwinn Island area are good producing spots. As are places in the Cane Run area. Crappie can really be found all over the lake, but it is a tough place to fish and takes patience. When you finally locate some honey holes, the fish willl usually be there year after year. Like always, people are pretty tight lipped about specific locations. But those are some good general locations and with some work, some nice crappie can be had. Years ago, I would rent Jon boats with 9.9 hp motors from various docks and then use a sculling paddle to work the stick ups. It was nothing fancy, but I had many great trips and caught many messes of good crappie that way. That may be an option for you to get on the water at Herrington. Lots of people call it the "Dead Sea" because it can be tough. I like to fish it though. Sounds like you enjoy panfish, so don't forget about the bluegill. Herrington has tons of bluegill, many quality ones. I hope you find a place to fish it and have a great time.

That was great info and I really appreciate it. I like fishing for crappie, catfish, and walleye. I mostly fish rivers, but Herrington is pretty close so I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to fish it, if I could get on the water without a boat. Looks like a good boat will be in my near future. Thanks again.