Painted Tree Lake is as close to Zen as you’ll find in North Texas. Not just because of its shimmering silvery surface but because of what’s happening just below. It’s a place to both watch the sunset and watch the fish rise. So bring a picnic and your fishing rod for catch-and-release fun, because this lake is stirring with a variety of aquatic life.
![illustrated largemouth bass](https://paintedtreetx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Bass-e1631569437599-300x145-1.png)
Cast for Largemouth Bass, which will feed both on the surface or down deep, depending on the time of day.
![illustration of blue gill](https://paintedtreetx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Bluegill-e1631580989426-300x174-1.png)
Blue Gill, are fun to catch and can be found around sunken tree limbs, reeds, or other shallow bottom structures.
![illustration of crappie](https://paintedtreetx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Crappie-e1631580234785-300x154-1.png)
Crappie (or Calico Bass) can be caught with a minnow dropped about two feet below a bobber. They’ll also take small artificial lures like spinners and streamers.
![illustration of channel catfish](https://paintedtreetx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Catfish-e1631580387811-300x154-1.png)
In Texas, Channel Catfish will go for live bait like shad, worms, crickets and crayfish and they put up a good fight as you reel them in. But watch out for the four sets of barbells around their faces.
Happy fishing and remember to take pictures.