Granger Lake is a shallow lake that is home to a large population of legal-size crappie, as well as flathead, blue, and channel catfish. Largemouth and white bass are also present, but in much smaller numbers. The best areas to target for crappie are willow areas, stumps, and letdowns, as well as creek channels. The central part of the lake also has a fair number of fishable humps and ridges.

driving directions

Crappie fishing is best in spring and fall. In February, crappie move to shallow water, sometimes only a foot deep, to prepare for spawning. Once spawning begins, anglers should focus their efforts near flooded trees and laydowns in the creeks and at the upper end of the reservoir. In summer, you’ll find crappie concentrating in brushy areas on the main lake’s ridges, humps and dropoffs. Recommended gear for crappies is a 1/16-1/8 ounce tube jig, or minnows.

The blue and channel catfish in the reservoir respond to stinkbait and cutbait. Flatheads prefer live bait. Trotline or jugline fishing catches large fish. Or, use hook and line fishing snaps and laydowns in the river portion.

During spring, white bass can be caught up the San Gabriel River and Willis Creek. In summer and early fall, the white bass feed on shad in the main reservoir.

Granger Lake boat ramps:

The following boat ramps provide access to Granger Lake.