Premium DFW River Fishing | Carey Thorn

Lake Lavon

What you will be catching:

Crappie
White Bass

Trip Pricing and Availabilities:

Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.

Morning Wade Fishing with Capt. Carey Thorn

If you're looking to get serious about spring fishing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Captain Carey Thorn's private morning wade trips are exactly what you need. These early-bird adventures kick off at 6 AM when the fish are most active and the crowds haven't hit the water yet. Running February through April at $200 per person, you'll have Carey's undivided attention as he puts you on productive water where white bass and crappie are staging for their annual feeding frenzies. This isn't some cattle-boat operation – it's just you, the guide, and some of the best wade fishing DFW has to offer.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Carey keeps things simple and effective. You'll meet up bright and early, then hike in along established game trails to reach prime fishing spots that most weekend warriors never see. The beauty of wade fishing is you're right there in the action – feeling the current, reading the water, and getting your lure exactly where it needs to be. Carey provides all the rods and tackle, plus bottled water to keep you hydrated during the trip. All you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license, some snacks if you get hungry, and maybe a thermos of coffee for that early start. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be fishing productive spots from your very first cast instead of wandering around hoping to stumble onto fish.

Wade Fishing Tactics & Terrain

Wade fishing in North Texas requires a completely different approach than boat angling, and that's where Carey's expertise really shines. You'll be working shallow flats, creek channels, and structure areas where crappie like to hang out during their spring movements. The captain sets you up with the right tackle for the conditions – typically lighter gear that lets you feel every bump and bite in the shallow water. Since you're on foot, you can work areas that boats simply can't reach, getting into those back pockets and tight spots where fish feel safe to feed. The terrain varies from sandy flats to rocky structure, and Carey reads it all to put you in position for steady action. Access points are reached by walking established trails, so you don't need to be an Olympic athlete, but comfortable walking shoes are definitely recommended for navigating the shoreline.

Top Catches This Season

White bass are the bread and butter of these spring trips, and for good reason. From February through May, these aggressive feeders stage in shallow creeks and tributaries for their annual spawning run. White bass are scrappy fighters that hit lures hard and put up a solid fight on light tackle. They typically run 12-15 inches in DFW waters, with some bigger females pushing closer to 18 inches during peak season. What makes them so exciting to target is their willingness to bite – when you find a school of whites, you can often catch several in quick succession. They're also excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for the dinner table.

Crappie fishing really heats up from March through May, when these slab-sided panfish move shallow to spawn. Texas crappie are some of the best fighting panfish you'll find anywhere, and DFW waters produce some quality fish in the 10-14 inch range. Crappie are structure-oriented fish, so you'll be working around fallen trees, brush piles, and creek channels where they like to stage. They're known for their light bite, which is why wade fishing gives you such an advantage – you can feel even the most subtle tap through your rod tip. Crappie are also fantastic table fare, making them a customer favorite for anglers who like to bring dinner home.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Carey's morning wade trips fill up fast during peak season, especially when the white bass run is in full swing. With only one angler per trip, you're getting personalized instruction and prime fishing time without having to share the best spots. The 7-day cancellation policy gives you flexibility if weather doesn't cooperate, but spring mornings in Texas are usually perfect for getting after it. At $200 for a private guided experience with all gear included, you're getting exceptional value from one of DFW's most knowledgeable wade fishing guides. Don't wait until everyone else figures out how good this fishing is – book your spot with Carey and experience what serious spring fishing is all about.

Learn more about the species

Crappie

Crappie are one of the most rewarding fish to target in DFW waters, especially from March through May when they move shallow for spawning. You'll find both black and white crappie here - blacks have random speckles while whites show vertical bars. These 10-12 inch panfish love hanging around structure like fallen trees, brush piles, and creek channels. They travel in schools, so once you find one, expect more. What makes crappie special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're most active at dawn and dusk, making our early morning trips perfect timing. My go-to tip: use a small jig under a slip bobber and fish it slow around cover. When they bite, you'll feel a light tap - set the hook gently since their mouths are soft. Their fight isn't the strongest, but the steady action and table fare make up for it.

White Bass

White bass are the stars of our spring trips, running up creeks from February through May in massive schools. These silver bullets average 10-12 inches and pack a serious punch for their size - they're aggressive fighters that'll bend your rod and test your drag. You'll find them in shallow water during their spawn run, often just 2-4 feet deep in creek channels and river mouths. What makes white bass so popular is the fast action - when you hit a school, you can catch dozens in an hour. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. These fish are visual feeders that love small jigs, spinners, and live minnows. Here's the key: look for birds diving on the water surface - that's where the whites are pushing baitfish up. Cast small white or chartreuse jigs into the commotion and hold on tight.

About the Sandy

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 31

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 70

Join Capt. Carey Thorn for early morning wade and bank fishing in the DFW area from February through April. These private trips start at 6 AM and focus on white bass during their annual creek run, plus crappie action from March onward. You'll walk established game trails to reach productive fishing spots that deliver action right from your first cast. All rods, tackle, and bottled water are included - just bring your Texas fishing license, snacks, and drinks. Fish shallow waters where white bass gather during their spawn, and target crappie around structure using wading techniques. At $200 per person, these morning trips offer solid fishing opportunities in a relaxed setting. The spring season provides consistent action as fish move into creeks and shallow areas. Perfect for anglers who enjoy walking to their spots and fishing from shore rather than from a boat.

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