For the past 50 years, residents and visitors alike have enjoyed the calm, blue-green waters of 22,000-acre Lake Conroe. Located on the west fork of the San Jacinto River, Lake Conroe was created in 1973 as an alternative water source for the nearby City of Houston and has since become renowned as a premiere fishing destination in the great state of Texas – having even served as previous host to the acclaimed Major League Fishing Toyota Texas Bass Classic. The fishing is undeniably amazing on Lake Conroe but that’s not all. Here are 5 Great Ways to Experience Lake Conroe:
Dining on Lake Conroe
Whether dining al fresco on one of the many dockside restaurant patios or booking passage on a Southern Empress Dinner Cruise, there is nothing quite like enjoying a good meal under the vast Texas night sky while being soothed by the lapping waters of the lake. Traveling with the family? Enjoy a lake beach picnic lunch for guaranteed memories to last a lifetime.
Beach and Swimming
Scott’s Ridge Swim Area is a public access point for swimming which is located on the northwest side of Lake Conroe. The drive to Scott’s Ridge Swim Area will bring you across the well-known FM 1097 bridge. This mile-long bridge will allow you to see a panoramic view of Lake Conroe, maybe even the iconic Lake Conroe lighthouse if you’re in luck and the skies are clear. This unique park happens to be in the Sam Houston National Forest and is run by the USDA Forest Service. The amenities at the park include 3 pavilions, picnic tables, fishing areas, parking and restrooms. The swimming area is seasonal, and it is open from April through September.
Fishing
Fish from the banks or from a boat. No boat? No worries. Not only can you rent a boat, you can hire a dedicated fishing guide to show you where the fish are biting. Predominant fish species in Lake Conroe include largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and white and hybrid striped bass. Largemouth bass are the most sought-after species by anglers on Lake Conroe, and catch rates are very good with the opportunity to catch a trophy bass being very high, according to the experts at Texas Parks and Wildlife. The standing lake record for largemouth bass is 15.93 lbs!
Canoeing and Kayaking
Expert paddlers and novices alike will love kayaking the still waters of Lake Conroe on the north side as it eases its way around the prolific Sam Houston National Forest. This northern tier of the lake offers kayakers countless paddling adventures. Load in your own gear or acquaint yourself with the fine folks at North Lake Conroe Paddling Company. Larry and his crew offer year-round paddling with top-of-the-line, sit-on-top kayaks with truly upgraded accessories and no need to shuttle or transport rented kayaks. Float your cares away for the day on Lake Conroe and keep an eye out for resident American Bald Eagles, blue heron and egrets.
Party Boats and Watercraft
From pontoons to pirate ships with cruising Tiki bars to boot, Lake Conroe offers just the right rentals for all levels of adventure. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the high-octane energy jet skis offer, while those looking for a more leisurely lake day can take out a pontoon or speed boat. Canoes and kayaks are readily available too for those looking for an unplugged water adventure. Have a group of friends looking to live their best lake life? Book a party boat for an hour, an afternoon or a whole day. Leave the driving to someone else while you make memories with your friends and guests and float away the stresses of everyday living.
Hope this list gives you a head-start on ways to enjoy Lake Conroe.