Diversion Canal

About: Diversion Canal

Exploring the Fishing Opportunities at Diversion Canal

Fishing in Diversion Canal near Texarkana, Texas, offers a diverse range of angling opportunities. Known for its ample fish population and accessible fishing spots, this waterway provides anglers with a chance to catch several species, including Walleye, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Northern Pike, and Freshwater Drum. Whether you’re casting from the shore or a boat, Diversion Canal is a great location for a rewarding fishing experience.

Overview of the Water Body

Diversion Canal is an expansive waterway in Texarkana, Texas, that serves as a critical component of the local water management system. This canal features slow-moving, murky waters that are ideal for various fish species. The canal’s diverse habitats, including submerged structures and aquatic vegetation, provide ample cover for fish, making it a productive fishing location. The well-maintained access points and ample space for both shore and boat fishing make it a popular choice for local anglers.

Fish Species

• Walleye (Sander vitreus): Walleye are prized for their excellent taste and challenging fight. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, sharp teeth, and distinct white tip on their lower fins.
  • Best Natural Baits: Live minnows, nightcrawlers.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
  • Best Method to Catch: Walleye are best targeted using a jigging technique or trolling with crankbaits. Fishing during low light conditions such as dawn or dusk can yield the best results. Focus on deeper, cooler areas of the canal where Walleye may seek refuge.
• Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus): Channel Catfish are known for their whisker-like barbels and robust bodies. They are a popular target due to their size and fighting ability.
  • Best Natural Baits: Chicken liver, cut bait, and earthworms.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Catfish stink baits and soft plastic lures.
  • Best Method to Catch: Channel Catfish are effectively caught using baited fishing rods or bottom rigs. Night fishing can be particularly productive, as Channel Catfish are more active in low-light conditions. Focus on areas with good current and submerged structures.
• Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio): Common Carp are known for their large size and powerful swimming. They have a distinctive barb on each side of their upper jaw and a robust body.
  • Best Natural Baits: Corn, dough balls, and worms.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Carp-specific lures, such as boilies and pop-ups.
  • Best Method to Catch: Carp fishing often involves using baited rigs and waiting for the fish to take the bait. Effective techniques include using a hair rig with corn or dough balls. Carp are more active in warmer months and can be found near weed beds or shallow areas.
• Northern Pike (Esox lucius): Northern Pike are distinguished by their elongated bodies, sharp teeth, and aggressive feeding habits. They are known for their powerful strikes and long runs.
  • Best Natural Baits: Live baitfish, such as minnows or small perch.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Large spoons, jerkbaits, and swimbaits.
  • Best Method to Catch: Use heavy tackle with large lures or live bait to target Northern Pike. Fishing around weed beds and drop-offs can be particularly effective. Pike are ambush predators, so quick, erratic movements with lures can trigger strikes.
• Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens): Freshwater Drum, also known as sheepshead, are known for their drumming sound produced by vibrating their swim bladder. They have a stout body and large, forked tail.
  • Best Natural Baits: Shad, worms, and crayfish.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Soft plastics and jigs.
  • Best Method to Catch: Freshwater Drum can be effectively caught using a variety of baits and lures. Fishing near the bottom with cut bait or live worms can be effective. They are often found in deeper, slower-moving water where they forage for food.

Expert Techniques for Fishing in Diversion Canal

• Walleye: Utilize jigging techniques with live minnows or crankbaits, particularly during low light hours. Focus on deeper parts of the canal where Walleye are likely to be found.
• Channel Catfish: Employ baited rods or bottom rigs, and consider night fishing to increase your chances. Look for areas with good current and submerged structures to attract Channel Catfish.
• Common Carp: Use baited rigs with corn or dough balls, and target weed beds or shallow areas. Carp are more active in warmer weather, so adjust your fishing strategy accordingly.
• Northern Pike: Employ heavy tackle and large lures or live bait. Fish near weed beds or drop-offs where Northern Pike are likely to ambush prey.
• Freshwater Drum: Use bottom-fishing techniques with cut bait or soft plastics. Focus on deeper, slower-moving sections of the canal where Freshwater Drum are likely to be feeding.

Conclusion

Diversion Canal in Texarkana, Texas, provides a diverse fishing experience with opportunities to catch Walleye, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Northern Pike, and Freshwater Drum. The canal’s varied habitats and well-stocked waters make it an appealing destination for anglers of all skill levels. By employing the recommended techniques and targeting the right areas, you can enjoy a successful and fulfilling fishing trip at Diversion Canal.