Lake Meredith

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: 45 miles northeast of Amarillo on the Canadian River
Surface area: 16,411 acres
Maximum depth: 127 ft., mean depth 30 ft.
Impounded: 1965

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 2,941 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate to severe, 4-10 ft. per year
Normal Clarity: Upper reservoir turbid red water (3-6 inch visibility), lower reservoir clear (4-8 ft. visibility)

Consumption Advisory in effect

Reservoir Controlling Authority

National Park Service
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
PO Box 1460
Fritch, Texas 79036
(806) 857-3151

Aquatic Vegetation

Limited; primarily milfoil and cattails in arms off the main lake

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

A general information map is available from the National Park Service. Sporting goods and tackle stores sell maps of lakes especially those lakes in the local area.

Fishing Regulations

All fishes are managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Meredith Reservoir has a very diverse fish community and provides opportunities for every type of angler. Walleye are the primary sport fish in the reservoir. The walleye population in the reservoir is maintained through natural reproduction and stocking with high quality fishing available in the spring. Meredith Reservoir also has an emerging smallmouth bass population. Most of the reservoir is rocky habitat, which is preferred by smallmouth bass. White bass populations have increased following drought and golden algae kills that ended in 2015 as water levels imroved. Largemouth bass are limited by habitat, but crappie fishing is generally good with occasional years of excellent fishing. Channel catfish are present in good number.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Channel & Flathead Catfish
Smallmouth bass
Crappie
White bass
Sunfish
Walleye

Fishing Cover/Structure

Meredith Reservoir is dominated by steep rocky banks with limited areas of isolated flooded timber and vegetation. The upper reservoir is very turbid with suspended red clay while the lower reservoir is clear. In most of the reservoir rock ledges, rock piles, and steep drop-offs provide cover for game fish.

Tips & Tactics

Meredith Reservoir has the best walleye fishing in the state of Texas and is comparable to many lakes in the native range of walleye. The peak period for walleye fishing is from April through June. Over 90% of the walleye harvested are caught during this period. The key to successful walleye fishing on Meredith is to use small tackle and fish slowly. You will be most successful with 6-pound test line or smaller. Walleye can be caught on crankbaits and spinners, but the most successful method is drift fishing minnows or nightcrawlers on a small jig head. Drift-fish your jig in about 15 feet of water along the shoreline focusing mainly on rock outcrops and drop-offs. Smallmouth bass are typically caught along rocky shorelines near large structure or drop-offs. They can be caught on a variety of baits including crank baits, spinners, minnows, crayfish, and worms. The best season for smallmouth bass is spring when waters reach 60 degrees.