Big Creek Reservoir

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: On Big Creek, a tributary of the South Sulphur River, in Delta County 1 mile north of Cooper
Surface area: 520 acres
Maximum depth: 31 feet
Impounded: 1987

Water Conditions

Conservation Pool Elevation: 450 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate, 2-4 feet
Normal Clarity: Stained

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Delta County Clerk
200 W. Dallas Ave
Cooper, Texas 75432-1726
(903) 395-4110

Aquatic Vegetation

American lotus, Eurasian watermilfoil, cattails

Predominant Fish Species

• Largemouth bass
• White crappie
• Bluegill
• Redear sunfish

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

No free maps are available. Topographic maps may be available from online sources.

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass is a popular sportfish in Big Creek. This reservoir has produced a number of trophy bass including ShareLunker broodfish. Bluegill provide a good fishery. Crappie are also popular, but catches are often sporadic. The fishery for channel catfish is poor.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Crappie
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

American lotus, a floating leaf species, is generally the most common aquatic plant in Big Creek. Eurasian watermilfoil is present and often dense enough to hinder navigation and fishing. Flooded timber occupies a large area and provides abundant structural habitat.

Tips & Tactics

Spring is usually the most productive time to fish as largemouth bass are found in shallow water. Crank baits, spinnerbaits and soft plastics are often used. Vegetation cover in Big Creek often dictates the types of bait to use. Under conditions of dense vegetation coverage, weedless type baits and topwaters are most practical. Flipping jigs and texas-rigged worms in open pockets among thick vegetation can be productive for bass. Crappie are sought in the standing timber. Live minnows and crappie jigs are among the most popular baits used. Bank fishing from the piers is popular with sunfish anglers. Bluegill and redear sunfish can be found close to the rip-rap along the dam. Earthworms and crickets are excellent baits to use for sunfish.