The Habitat and Angler Access Program restores and enhances freshwater fish habitats and improves and expands bank and shoreline-based angler access on public creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes throughout the state. The Program enables cooperation between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries Division biologists and local partners to make fishing better for all Texans.
2026–2027 Projects
The following projects are being implemented through the Habitat and Angler Access Program.
2022-2023 Past Projects
2024-2025 Past Projects
See solicitation of project ideas for 2026-2027.
Lake Brownwood Habitat Enhancement Project
Lake Brownwood is a popular largemouth bass and catfish fishery located in Brownwood, TX. The reservoir is subject to extreme water level fluctuations, and fish habitat availability is substantially reduced during these periods. The intent of this project is to partner with Brown County Water Improvement District, Black Bass Stewardship Group, Texas B.A.S.S. Nation, the Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership, and other local organizations to construct and install structural habitat in areas of the reservoir that will provide refugia for sport fish and prey and help improve angler catch rates during these low-water periods.
Kirby and Ft. Phantom Hill Multipurpose Fishing Piers
Kirby and Ft. Phantom reservoirs are in Abilene, TX. The reservoirs’ shorelines have ample public access, though access amenities are lacking. The intent of this project is to partner with City of Abilene to install a multi-use fishing pier at both Kirby and Ft. Phantom Hill reservoirs that will include two boat-loading areas and an offset fishing pier.
City of Coleman Memory Lake Habitat and Access Project
Memory Lake is a community fishing lake within the City of Coleman, TX. The reservoir is in a community park that offers a variety of activities including fishing. The intent of this project is to partner with City of Coleman to add aquatic vegetation and structural habitat to the habitat-deficient reservoir and to improve shoreline-based angler access by constructing a fishing pier, parking area, and ADA-accessible walkway to the pier.
Lake Stamford Anchor Marina Crappie House Project
Lake Stamford is a large reservoir in Haskell County, Texas that provides popular fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, catfishes, and crappie. Public shoreline access is limited to two marinas. The only infrastructure for shoreline-based angler access is limited to a crappie house at Anchor Marina. The crappie house has become unsafe and is sinking. The intent of this project is to reconstruct the crappie house to provide improved and safe fishing access to anglers.
San Antonio Cassin Lake Fish Habitat Improvement Project
Project details to come.
City of Big Spring Comanche Trails Pier Project
Project details to come.
Garner State Park Habitat Improvement Project
Project details to come.
City of Grapevine Settler’s Park Angler Access Project
Project details to come.
Lady Bird Lake Habitat and Access Project
Project details to come.
City of Muenster Paddling Access Project
Project details to come.
To learn more about the Habitat and Angler Access Program or any of the projects described above, please contact Michael Homer, Jr. by phone at (325) 692-0921 or by email at FishGrants@tpwd.texas.gov.