TPWD District Fisheries Office

3407-A S. Chadbourne
San Angelo, Texas 76903
(325) 651-5556
Lynn Wright, Biologist

About the Area

Local Information

 

Brady Creek Reservoir

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


Lake Characteristics

Location: Outside the city of Brady in McCulloch County
Surface area: 2,020 acres
Maximum depth: 48 feet
Impounded: 1963

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,743 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 3 to 5 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately stained

Reservoir Controlling Authority

City of Brady
101 E Main
Brady, Texas 76825-4523
(325) 597-2152

Aquatic Vegetation

Very limited

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

None available

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

This fishery is rebuilding slowly after a golden alga bloom in 2012 and several years of low water levels.

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass   yes    
Catfish   yes    
Crappie   yes    
White Bass   yes    
Fishing Cover/Structure

Structure in Brady Creek Reservoir consists of rock/gravel shorelines, a rocky bluff along the creek, boulders and dead trees. Added to this is an old railroad bed that can be productive. As with typical West Texas reservoirs, the amount of good structure available is determined by water level. Aquatic vegetation is normally on the light side even at high water levels.

Tips & Tactics

Spring is a great time to look for largemouth bass in shallower waters closer to the bank and up in the creek, since this is their spawning season. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits have proven very productive. Another technique would be flipping jigs or plastic worms around dead trees. During summer, use topwater baits early in the morning or late in the evening and plastic worms during the hotter part of the day. In winter, just remember to slow down your retrieve to be successful.

Channel catfish can be caught year round at Brady Creek. Excellent fishing may be found up in Brady Creek when it is on a rise. Another good time is in the spring during the spawning season. Popular baits include liver, shrimp, minnows and stink bait. Blue catfish tend to be a more open-water fish, so fishing a trotline 4-6 feet deep in open water can be the way to go. Flathead cats can be found around dead trees, boulders and cuts in the bluff. September-November seems to be a period of peak activity for this species. The best bait to use is live fish, be it goldfish, shad or sunfish. Crappie fishing is the best in the spring when they can be found in shallower water and up in the creek during their spawning season. At other times crappie may be found in deeper water around the trees or in holes along the bluff. During summer, look for crappie around shaded areas such as boat docks or piers. The best baits include small jigs or live minnows.

The absolute best fishing for white bass would be in the early spring up Brady Creek, provided there is flowing water. At other times whites may be found off points and in deeper waters. Favorite baits include small jigs, spoons or minnow/shad imitating baits. Since this fish does school, look for surface activity in open water when bass are driving the bait fish to the surface.