Mackenzie Reservoir

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

This area is experiencing a drought which may affect fishing and boat ramp access. Before you go, check the current lake level or contact the controlling authority for current conditions.

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: 10 miles northwest of Silverton on Tule Creek, a tributary of the Prairie Dog Fork of the Red River
Surface area: 896 acres
Maximum depth: 150 ft., mean depth 52 ft. at conservation pool
Impounded: 1974

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 3,100 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Severe, 4-10 ft. per year
Normal Clarity: Clear with visibility 4-6 ft

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Mackenzie Municipal Water Authority
141 South Mackenzie Road
Silverton, Texas 79257
(806) 633-4326

Aquatic Vegetation

The reservoir has very little aquatic vegetation. Most of the structure is flooded timber and terrestrial vegetation.

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

A general information map is available from the Mackenzie Municipal Water Authority (information above). Sporting goods and tackle stores sell maps of lakes, especially those lakes in the local area.

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass are the most popular species in the reservoir. Most of the bass in the reservoir will be around 2-4 pounds with an occasional larger fish. Crappie are abundant in Mackenzie Reservoir.

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

Fishing Cover/Structure

The reservoir was constructed in a steep canyon off the Caprock and therefore has very steep rocky sides. Most of the cover is rock and boulder with some areas of flooded timber in the coves. The steep sides of the canyon provide lots of protection, so the lake is a great place to fish on windy days.

Tips & Tactics

This reservoir typically has very low fishing pressure, so if you like fishing without the crowds, this may be your place. Fish the open lake and around the islands for hybrid striped bass with either live bait or baits that imitate shad. Four-inch white plastic worms can also be successful baits if fished on a leader 2-4 feet past the weight. Largemouth bass can be caught on a wide variety of baits depending on season and water conditions. The best season for bass fishing is spring when water temperatures reach about 55-60 degrees. Common lures for largemouth bass are plastic worms, spinner baits and crank baits. Bass anglers can target the areas of flooded timber and shallower arms of the reservoir for good catches. The steep sides of the main reservoir can make bass fishing a challenge. Try fishing along the sides of rock faces or allow your bait to sink vertically down the rock face. Good catches of crappie are frequently found around rock structure in the main reservoir and the flooded timber in the arms during the spring and fall. Crappie are best caught with jigs or minnows vertically fished around structure.