Fishing
- Possession and Transport of Exotic Aquatic Species
- Licenses & Regulations
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- Fish Identification
- Fish Consumption
- Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Water Resources
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- US Army Corps of Engineers
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- Golden Alga
- Aquatic Vegetation
5325 N. 3rd
Abilene, Texas 79603
(325) 692-0921
Michael Homer, Biologist
Nearby State Parks
Hords Creek Reservoir
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.
Some parks and boat ramps are closed. Check the Army Corps of Engineers closure report for status updates.
Lake Characteristics
Location: On Hords Creek in Coleman County, 63 miles south of Abilene and
about 10 miles west of Coleman
Surface area: 510 acres
Maximum depth: 39 feet
Impounded: 1948
Water Conditions
Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,900 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate, sometimes prone to long periods with
dropping water levels
Normal Clarity: Slightly stained to clear with visibility up to 4 feet
Reservoir Controlling Authority
US Army Corps
of Engineers
HCR 75, Box 33
Coleman, Texas 76834
(325) 625-2322
Aquatic Vegetation
Floating-leaf pondweed and water willow
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Records
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
The reservoir is known for its largemouth bass fishing, but populations of flathead catfish and sunfish should not be overlooked. Florida largemouth bass were introduced in 1986.
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
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| Catfish |  |
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| Crappie |  |
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| Sunfish |  |
Fishing Cover/Structure
A variety of cover and structure is scattered throughout the reservoir including some aquatic vegetation, dead submerged brush, black willow trees, rocky ledges and points, a rip-rap dam, and several well-defined creek channels. When the reservoir is low, fishing cover is primarily restricted to rocky structure and some brush.
Man-made structures have been used to create artificial fish habitat in this reservoir. The fish habitat structures were placed by TPWD in cooperation with the Still Water Bass Club. 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
Largemouth bass fishing is often very good, especially in the spring. Jigs and crankbaits are good in the early spring and late winter. As water warms, suspending jerkbaits and floating worms, buzzbaits, and spinnerbaits become productive. Trotlines baited along creek channels and steep, rocky banks are effective for flathead catfish. For kids seeking sunfish, small pieces of night crawlers and mealworms fished with number 6 cricket hooks under a cork or on the bottom can be a lot of fun.