TPWD District Fisheries Office

900 CR 218
Brookeland, Texas 75931
(409) 698-9114
Dan Ashe, Biologist

About the Area

Local Information

Nearby State Parks

 

Nacogdoches Lake

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


Lake Characteristics

Location: On Loco Bayou, 10 miles west of Nacogdoches off FM 225
Surface area: 2,212 acres
Maximum depth: 40 feet
Impounded: 1976

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 279 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 1-3 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

City of Nacogdoches
PO Box 630648
Nacogdoches, Texas 75963-0648
(936) 559-2960

Aquatic Vegetation

Primarily hydrilla and American lotus

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

None available

Fishing Regulations

This reservoir has special regulations on some fishes. See bag and size limits for this lake.

Angling Opportunities

The most popular game fish at Nacogdoches Lake is the largemouth bass. Numbers of bass are relatively high and an excellent fishery exists. Due to the 16-inch maximum length limit, Nacogdoches is known for producing trophy-sized bass and has produced three fish exceeding 13 pounds. Crappie and catfish are present in the reservoir, but numbers are relatively low and few anglers target these species. Bluegill and redear sunfish are present in high numbers and provide good fishing, especially for youth or inexperienced anglers.

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass       yes
Catfish yes      
Crappie   yes    
Sunfish     yes  
Fishing Cover/Structure

Habitat in Nacogdoches Lake consists of aquatic vegetation (mainly hydrilla and American lotus) and boat docks. Largemouth bass are typically found around vegetation edges, points, and creek channels.

Fish habitat structures have been used to create artificial habitat in this reservoir. They were placed by TPWD in cooperation with Nacogdoches County and the Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership.

Use the Habitat Structure Viewer for an interactive map of fish habitat structures and downloadable GPS coordinates.

Tips & Tactics

Anglers are most successful at catching largemouth bass during the fall, winter, and spring months. Due to cooler water temperatures, fish are active for longer periods of the day and are typically found in shallow water. A variety of baits and techniques will work during these times. When fish are active, crankbaits and spinnerbaits worked over the vegetation will catch bass. During the hot summer, the bite usually slows and fish activity is usually concentrated during early morning, late evening, and at night. Topwater baits are good choices during low light conditions. As the sun rises, most bass are concentrated in or around vegetation edges, or seek refuge on deep creek channel ledges. During this time, plastic worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs are the preferred baits. Sunfish, especially bluegill and redear sunfish, can be caught year-round but fishing peaks during the late spring or summer when fish are on their spawning beds. Small jigs, spinners, and crickets all catch sunfish.