Lake Coleman

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: On Jim Ned Creek in Coleman County, 45 miles southeast of Abilene and about 13 miles north of Coleman
Surface area: 2,000 acres
Maximum depth: 48 feet
Impounded: 1966

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1717.5 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Average 3 feet annually, but may have prolonged periods with dropping water levels
Normal Clarity: Clear to stained, with visibility up to 4 feet

Reservoir Controlling Authority

City of Coleman
PO Box 592
Coleman, Texas
(325) 625-4116

Aquatic Vegetation

Water willow and star grass when the lake is full

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

A contour map is available. Download the map or pick up a copy at the Abilene fisheries office, (325) 692-0921.

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and flathead catfish fishing are rated good to excellent on this lake. Florida bass were introduced in 1985.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Crappie
Hybrid Striped Bass
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

Lake Coleman has a rocky shoreline with numerous points and ledges. Standing timber is abundant in the upper half of the reservoir. Black willow trees, brush, and boat docks round out the primary cover and structure.

Tips & Tactics

Lake Coleman is well known for hybrid striped bass fishing, especially during the summer and early fall when hybrids roam in large schools and feed on the surface. Fast moving lures and topwater baits work well. Downrigging and drift fishing with live shad or sunfish are also very effective for hybrids in this reservoir. Largemouth bass fishing is best from September through May. Lake Coleman is an excellent topwater lake for these bass. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, plastic worm, jigs, and jerkbaits are also effective. Jerkbaits and floating worms are hard to beat from March through May, with a general shift from jerkbaits to floating worms as the water warms. Buzzbaits are most productive in the fall. Trotline anglers do very well for flathead catfish, especially in the upper end.