West Texas Lakes

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is a rich source of information from fishing to boating and water sports. Under the management of TPWD Texas waters are healthy habitats for a variety of fish and wildlife. Due to drought conditions during the late 1990s and early 2000s golden alga blooms caused the death of massive species of fish, clams and mussels. This golden alga outbreak caused widespread economic hardship in the tourist and fishing industry. However, under TWPD management most lakes have tested with minimum levels of golden alga and small patches of toxicity since early 2009. Today most Texas lakes are completely healthy and safe for recreational and fishing activities. 

Lake Balmorhea is located 2 miles southeast of Balmorhea in Reeves County. The lake has a surface area of 556 acres with a maximum depth of 25 feet. Lake Balmorhea is usually stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and channel catfish. Lake Balmorhea has been severely impacted by toxic golden alga blooms. Fishing is recommended until conditions improve and the lake has been restocked. Anglers follow state regulations for fishing licenses. The the Inland Fisheries office in San Angelo will have the latest information.

Lake Amistad is located on the Rio Grande, 12 miles northwest of Del Rio in Val Verde County. The lake has a surface area of 64,900 acres with a maximum depth of 217 feet. Recreational fishermen will find the lake stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, white and striped bass. Because the lake borders Texas and Mexico fishing licenses must be held by everyone on the boat while fishing in Mexican waters. Texas waters are governed by Texas state laws. Mexico fishing licenses may be obtained in Del Rio at Amistad Marine (Highway 90 West, 830/775-0878) or Fisherman's Headquarters (Chevron at the intersection of of 90 & 277 N, 830/774-5670).

Red Bluff Reservoir is located on the Pecos river, 40 miles north of Pecos, Texas in Loving and Reeves Counties. Turn east at the Historical Marker on US 285. The lake has a surface area of 11, 193 acres and a maximum depth of 77 feet. Fishing is managed by Texas state regulations and fishing licensing is required. Fishing is not recommended at this lake due to Golden alga fish kills which have eliminated most fish populations in Red Bluff Reservoir. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will rebuild the fisheries when the problem subsides. The lake is usually populated by white and striped bass. The Inland Fisheries office in San Angelo will have the latest information.

Twin Buttes Reservoir is located west of San Angelo in Tom Green County on the Middle and South Concho Rivers. The lake surface area is 9,080 acres with a maximum depth of 46 feet. The lake is fairly clear and populated with largemouth bass, white bass, white crappie, channel, flathead and blue catfish. Twin Buttes has made a significant recovery from the prolonged drought during the late 1990s. Water levels have increased and fishing is good. Anglers looking for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish will find fishing is good. White bass fishing is excellent according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Texas fishing license is required. The Inland Fisheries office in San Angelo will have the latest information.

Lake Nasworthy is located on the southwest side of San Angelo in Tom Green County. The lake has a surface area of 1,380 acres with a maximum depth of 29 feet. The lake water is slightly stained and populated with largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and white crappie. Catfish and white bass fishing is good while crappie and largemouth bass fishing is good most of the time. Hybrid striped bass must be restocked periodically and fishing is fair. Red drum are not stocked in this lake. Lake Nasworthy is a shallow old reservoir. Texas fishing license is required to fish this lake.