Fishing
- Possession and Transport of Exotic Aquatic Species
- Licenses & Regulations
- ShareLunkers
- Fish Identification
- Fish Consumption
- Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Water Resources
- Texas Reservoir Levels
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Texas Water Issues
- Golden Alga
- Aquatic Vegetation
5325 N. 3rd
Abilene, Texas 79603
(325) 692-0921
Michael Homer, Biologist
Local Information
- Brownwood Chamber
of Commerce
(325) 646-9535
Nearby State Parks
- Lake Brownwood
200 State Highway Park Road 15
Brownwood Texas 76801
(325) 784-5223
Lake Brownwood
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
BOATER ADVISORY: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir! CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. Draining water is required by law and possession and transport of zebra mussels is illegal.
Lake Characteristics
Location: On Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek,
70 miles southeast of Abilene and about 10 miles north of Brownwood
Surface area: 6,490 acres
Maximum depth: 95 feet
Impounded: 1933
Water Conditions
Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,425 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate, sometimes
prone to long periods with dropping water levels
Normal Clarity: Clear to stained
Reservoir Controlling Authority
Brown County Water Control and Irrigation District No. 1
PO Box 118
Brownwood, Texas 76804
(325) 643-2609
Aquatic Vegetation
Water willow when lake is full
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Records
Current
Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
A contour map is available at local sporting good stores.
Fishing Regulations
All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.
Angling Opportunities
Largemouth bass and white bass fishing are rated good to excellent. Summer and early fall are particularly good for white bass. Florida largemouth bass were introduced in 1975. Catfish, crappie, and freshwater drum can also be found in this lake.
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
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| Catfish |  |
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| Crappie |  |
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| White Bass |  |
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| Sunfish |  |
Fishing Cover/Structure
Lake Brownwood has many small coves, bays, and creeks with a variety of habitat. The lake is primarily lined by rocky structure and boat docks. The upper end of the Jim Ned and Pecan Bayou arms have standing timber, black willow trees and buttonbush. Water willow and bulrush are scattered throughout the lake, but water willow is most abundant in Sowell Creek. TPWD has placed fish habitat structures in the lake, with funding from the Largemouth Bass Conservation License Plate and support from local governments and fishing clubs. 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
White bass are most easily caught from early May through October when they school in the main lake area. During this time, they can be caught on the surface. "Slabbing" ½-1oz. slab spoons along creek and river channels in 12-25 feet of water in late summer for whites can produce some fantastic fishing. "Jumpfishing" is a popular technique for schools of surface-feeding fish. Night fishing for white bass under lighted boat docks is also very effective. Largemouth bass fishing is best from September through May. Fishing rocks and points with crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, and topwater will produce.