Purtis Creek State Park Lake

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: On Purtis Creek off FM 316 at Eustace, 12 miles north of Athens
Surface area: 349 acres
Maximum depth: 30 feet
Impounded: 1985

Water Conditions

Conservation Pool Elevation: 315 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 2 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
(903) 425-2332

Aquatic Vegetation

Sparse along shore and in coves; primarily emergent species

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

A contour map is available. Download the map.

Fishing Regulations

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

Angling Opportunities

Purtis Creek State Park is best known for its largemouth bass fishery. This species has been subject to a special catch-and-release-only rule since the lake opened to the public in 1988. Channel catfish are stocked annually and grow rapidly, providing an excellent fishery from both fishing piers. Crappie anglers frequently catch daily limits of these popular fish..

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

Fishing Cover/Structure

This state park lake was designed specifically for fishing. Much of the inundated timber is still standing in the upper half of the lake and in the back of most coves. Hydrilla was a problem in the past, but the park staff currently has this invasive plant under control.

Tips & Tactics

Unlike most Texas reservoirs, Purtis Creek shows its highest catch rates for really big largemouth bass in late summer. Bass anglers have very good success using live goldfish from the west fishing pier.