Flood Impact Alert
As floodwaters recede across the state, conditions remain dynamic. Learn about the impact of flooding on state parks, wildlife and lost vessels.
WHITNEY — Spring brought a new activity to Lake Whitney State Park’s popular mix of fishing, boating and wildlife watching: facility upgrading. Workmen are already busy on a host of improvements slated for this water-focused central Texas park.
ATHENS — Lake Amistad moved into sole possession of second place in the number of Toyota ShareLunkers produced this season on April 21 when Marion Merritt from Florida caught ShareLunker No. 502.
WESLACO — Explore the amazing world of dragonflies and damselflies at the annual Dragonfly Days, being held May 14-16 at the Valley Nature Center and Estero Llano Grande State Park. Attendees can look forward to live music, arts and crafts and learning more about these fascinating winged creatures.
AUSTIN — To celebrate the 40th Earth Day, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith will be planting a 15-gallon Cedar Elm at the agency’s Austin headquarters at 10 a.m. on April 22. The event will mark the donation of 65,000 trees made by the Apache Foundation Tree Grant Program to the agency.
CADDO — One of Texas’ most scenic and popular water-sport parks will soon boast two new rustic-style cabins to meet the eager demand of year-round visitors. Thanks to bond funding authorized by the Texas Legislature and approved by statewide voters, Texas Parks and Wildlife is currently replacing two dilapidated Possum Kingdom cabins built shortly after World War II. The new cabins, to be completed this fall, will have increased space and amenities, be more fire resistant and meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
ATHENS, Texas — Athens will celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) May 8 with food, music and dancing in addition to the normal TFFC activities such as fishing, tram rides and dive show presentations.
ATHENS — So far this season O.H. Ivie Reservoir has produced nine largemouth bass weighing 13 pounds or more that have been entered into the Toyota ShareLunker program. All were special fish to the anglers who caught them, but the ninth was a little more special than the others: Sam Callaway of Corpus Christi will collect $500 a pound for his catch, a total of $6,670.
ATHENS — Lake Austin continues to be the sleeper among public water bodies pumping out largemouth bass weighing 13 pounds or more.
ATHENS — Bill Hunter III of Sweetwater caught Toyota ShareLunker 499 from O.H. Ivie Reservoir April 6. The fish weighed 13.04 pounds.
ATHENS — Raymond Ivy of Brownwood caught Toyota ShareLunker 498 from O.H. Ivie April 5. It weighed 13.06 pounds and was caught in seven feet of water on a Strike King swim bait.