Lake Abilene

Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics

Access is provided through Abilene State Park, which may be closed for wildlife management activities on occasion. Check the park web page for closure notices.

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: On Elm Creek 20 miles south of Abilene
Surface area: 595 acres
Maximum depth: 25 feet
Impounded: 1921

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 2,012 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate, sometimes prone to long periods of dropping water levels
Normal Clarity: Very muddy

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
(325) 572-3204

Aquatic Vegetation

None

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

A contour map is available. Download the map or pick up a copy at the Abilene fisheries office, (325) 692-0921.

Fishing Regulations

Being located within a state park, this lake is regulated as a Community Fishing Lake.

Angling Opportunities

After several years of low water levels, this lake refilled in 2016 and has been restocked with game fishes. Boat access is highly dependent on water level. High to moderate levels bring fair to good fishing for catfish, crappie and largemouth bass. At low levels, bank fishing may be the only option and fishing success usually declines.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Crappie
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

When full, Lake Abilene can offer a variety of fishing cover including black willow trees, button bush, rocky structure, and dead terrestrial vegetation. Cover is primarily limited to brush piles and rocks when the reservoir is low. Fishiding fish habitat structures have been installed in the reservoir.

Use the Habitat Structure Viewer for an interactive map of fish habitat structures and downloadable GPS coordinates.

Tips & Tactics

Historically, flipping brushy cover for largemouth bass and crappie was a good technique, especially since the water is so muddy. Look for some good catfishing from the bank in the next couple of years as these fish take advantage of all the nutrients.