Aquilla Lake

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

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Lake Characteristics

Location: 35 miles north of Waco off Highway 310, just west of I-35 near Hillsboro
Surface area: 3,020 acres
Maximum depth: 59.5 feet
Impounded: 1982

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 537.5 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 3-4 feet
Normal Clarity: Stained

Reservoir Controlling Authority

US Army Corps of Engineers
285 CR 3602
Clifton, Texas 76634
(254) 694-3189

Aquatic Vegetation

Limited amounts of pondweed and water willow

Predominant Fish Species

• Largemouth bass
• Crappie
• Blue & channel catfish
• White bass

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

Contact local tackle shops

Fishing Regulations

All fishes are managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Crappie
White Bass
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

Both the Hackberry and Aquilla Creek arms are loaded with standing timber and brush, but they are shallow in most areas and provide little fish habitat. TPWD has installed fish habitat at strategic points around Aquilla Lake. Anglers may use GPS in conjunction with a fish finder to locate these structures.

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

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass fishing can be good on Aquilla. The combination of stained water, localized cover, and light fishing pressure means there are some big bass to catch but you have to work for them. Fish spinner baits, jig and pork combos, and plastic worms in and around cover. Tree lines, fencerows, and creek channels are good places to start. Crappie are usually found on submerged brush piles and large isolated trees. Live minnows seem to be the preferred bait. Channel and blue catfish are caught drift fishing flats or on trotlines set around shallow, brushy areas. Shad, cutbait, or bloodbait will all work. White bass are caught trolling small tailspinners, jigs, and spoons across windy flats.