Lake Houston

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: West Fork of San Jacinto River, 15 miles northeast of Houston in Harris County, Texas
Surface area: 11,854 acres
Maximum depth: 45 feet
Impounded: 1954

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 44.1 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Low
Normal Clarity: Moderately turbid

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Coastal Water Authority
One Allen Center, Suite 2800
500 Dallas Street
Houston, Texas 77002-4708
(713) 658-9020
Lake Patrol (832) 394-9854

Aquatic Vegetation

Various flooded terrestrial and native emergent plants along with exotic species water hyacinth, alligatorweed, and water lettuce

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

None available

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations. A city ordinance prohibits bow fishing on Lake Houston.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are fair in areas where habitat can be found. Blue catfish are the dominant sportfish and are good in most areas of the reservoir particularly along the channels of the east and west forks of the San Jacinto River. White bass catches can be good during the spring spawning run up in the east and west forks.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Crappie
White Bass
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

Very little cover and structural habitat exists in this reservoir except in the upper areas in the west and east forks of the San Jacinto River.

Tips & Tactics

Jigs and spoons are productive for white bass in the spring up in the river channels. Stink baits and live shad work for catfish along channels with trotlines or rod and reel.