Lake Athens

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: Approximately 5 miles east of Athens, south of FM 317 in Henderson County
Surface area: 1,799 acres
Maximum depth: 50 feet
Impounded: 1962

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 440 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 2 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Athens Municipal Water Authority
P. O. Box 229
Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 804-8501

Aquatic Vegetation

Shoreline beds of coontail, pondweed, lilies, and alligator weed, primarily above the 2495 bridge

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

None available

Fishing Regulations

This reservoir has special regulations on largemouth bass. See bag and size limits for this lake.

Angling Opportunities

This lake is known for largemouth bass in the 3- to 8-pound range but has produced a lake record of 14.19 pounds. Sunfishes provide excellent opportunities for fly fishing anglers and catches up to 10 inches in length are not unusual. Crappie are few in number but are usually of good size. White bass commonly reach 16-18 inches.

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

Fishing Cover/Structure

Emergent vegetation is abundant in the upper end of the reservoir above the 2495 bridge. Some inundated timber is still standing at mid-lake. The dam offers riprap along the face and submerged structure is available surrounding Goat Island.

Tips & Tactics

Spring is the best time of year for largemouth bass. Fish follow typical east Texas patterns. Sunfish become more active as the water warms and can be found around stands of native vegetation. Fly fishing is particularly good from a float tube or floating platform. Crappie and white bass are most active from February through May.