Topwater Popper Fishing on Lake Lewisville
Lake Lewisville · Texas · South Central
This large north Texas impoundment, covering approximately 29,000 acres, serves as a crucial water supply and flood control reservoir. Its character is defined by extensive standing timber, especially in the upper reaches, deep creek channels, riprap, and fluctuating hydrilla growth. The fishery is well-regarded for solid largemouth bass and prolific white bass.
A floating hard bait with a concave face that produces a spitting, popping action when twitched. Most effective in low-light conditions near cover — points, dock edges, weed lines, and grass pockets. The pause after the pop is where most strikes happen. Few experiences in fishing match watching a largemouth explode on a popper.
Topwater Popper Setup for Lake Lewisville
| Rod | 6'10"–7'3" medium casting rod, moderate action |
| Reel | 6.4:1 baitcaster or spinning |
| Line | 14–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid (braid gives better action and hooksets) |
| Weight | 1/4–1/2 oz (Rebel Pop-R, Megabass Pop-X, Strike King KVD Splash) |
Seasonal Tactics on Lake Lewisville
Lake: Largemouth move shallow to spawn, often found around emergent grass, flooded timber, and protected coves. Spinnerbaits, jigs, and Texas-rigged soft plastics are effective.
Topwater Popper: First light on spawning flats — fish hold shallow and crush surface baits. Slow cadence with long pauses.
Lake: Bass retreat to deeper creek channels, timber lines, and main lake points, often relating to the thermocline. Deep cranking, football jigs, and Carolina rigs prove productive in 15-25 feet.
Topwater Popper: 30-minute window at dawn and dusk. Fish dock shade and grass pockets. Noon topwater dies.
Lake: As water temperatures cool, bass become more active and pursue schooling baitfish in open water and along channel edges. Topwater, jerkbaits, and lipless crankbaits shine.
Topwater Popper: Extended feeding window as water cools. Fish can be caught on top all day in fall.
Lake: Bass school up on deep structure like main lake points, submerged humps, and channel bends. Jigging spoons, Alabama rigs, and slow-rolled deep crankbaits are go-to choices in 25-40 feet.
Topwater Popper: Generally ineffective in water below 55°F — bass won't chase topwater in cold conditions.
Best Conditions
Dawn and dusk year-round, overcast days, calm to light-chop surface, spring through fall near cover and grass edges
Don't set the hook on the explosion — wait until you feel the fish pull the line. Half of all missed popper strikes are from anglers jerking too early.
More Techniques for Lake Lewisville
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