Fishing Amistad Reservoir

AKA: Lake Amistad

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Amistad Reservoir, TX

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Amistad Reservoir is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. A history of careful fisheries management by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, as well as support for in the Toyota ShareLunker program, has helped to maintain a very good bass fishery.

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Blue Catfish Fishing

This year blue catfish are running in the big to monster size in Amistad Reservoir. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 120 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. Blue catfish are primarily found in large rivers, along the main channels, in and around tributaries flowing into impoundments of major river systems. They tend to move upstream in the summer in search of cooler temperatures, and downstream in the winter in order to find warmer water.The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Channel and flathead catfish are also available here for anglers to pursue.

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Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Amistad Reservoir. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, redbreast sunfish, tilapia, white bass, striped bass, alligator gar, longnose gar and spotted gar at Amistad Reservoir in West Texas.

Amistad Reservoir Fishing Video

With a history of dramatic water-level fluctuations, fishing success at Amistad Reservoir can vary as well. But when it's good, it can be very good - especially for bass. This 64,900-acre reservoir on the southwest border of the state, at Del Rio, TX can be one of the top bass lakes in the country when conditions permit.

Amistad Reservoir, located on the Texas-Mexico border, is a renowned fishing destination that offers a wealth of opportunities for anglers. This vast reservoir, known for its clear waters and diverse fish populations, attracts fishing enthusiasts from near and far. Anglers can target a variety of species in Amistad, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, white bass, and crappie. The lake's healthy fish populations and favorable habitat conditions make it a prime location for both recreational anglers and tournament fishermen.

It can be a good idea to check lake levels and fishing reports before planning a trip here. The lake hosts a wide variety of fish species, many of which reside here in both quantity and quality. In addition to bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and striped bass can provide excellent outings for anglers. If you are active duty, retired military, civilians that work or live on Laughlin AFB, or a 100% disabled veteran, Southwinds Marina has boat rentals and marina services for your convenience. There is a boat ramp at Rough Canyon Recreational Area, as well as other spots around the lake for launching a boat (note that water levels may affect launch options). Canoes and kayaks give access to close-by areas of the lake for fishing. There is over 500 miles of shoreline on the US side of the lake, some of which is accessible via car, walking or hiking.

Primary fish species residing in Amistad Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Amistad Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES (Open To Military Personnel)
Boat Rental: YES (At Marina)
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Beyond its exceptional fishing prospects, Amistad Reservoir is a paradise for boating enthusiasts. With its expansive surface area and numerous coves, the lake provides ample space for boaters to explore and enjoy the water. Whether it's cruising, water skiing, or indulging in other water sports, boaters can take full advantage of the recreational opportunities offered by Amistad Reservoir. The lake features several boat ramps and marinas, making it easily accessible for boating enthusiasts.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Southwinds Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoons
830 775-7800

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

277 North Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Highway 377, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

277 South Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Highway 377, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Black Brush Point Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Black Brush Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Box Canyon Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, in Lake Amistad National Recreation Area, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Diablo East Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Diablo East Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Rough Canyon Recreational Area Boat Launch
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, up the Devils River Arm, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Southwinds Marina Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off South Winds Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Southwinds Marina
1522 Marina Access Road
Del Rio, TX 78840
830 775-7800

Fishing Guides On Amistad Reservoir

Lake Amistad Fishing Guide - bass, stripers

Ray Hanselman's Outdoors - bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Texas Fishing License.

Camping is a popular activity at Amistad Reservoir, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The lake offers various campgrounds that provide opportunities for both tent and RV camping. Campers can enjoy the scenic views, tranquility, and the chance to unwind amidst the serene ambiance of the reservoir. From stargazing to lakeside campfires, camping at Amistad Reservoir offers a chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Holiday Trav-L-Park Campground - 830 775-7275

American Campground - 830 775-6484

Sleeping Lady RV Park - 830 488-6257

Broke Mill RV Park - 830 422-2961

Lonesome Dove RV Ranch - 830 774-1823

Governor's Landing National Reserve - 830 775-7491

Amistad Reservoir TX Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Amistad Reservoir
Amistad National Recreation Area
4121 Veterans Blvd
Del Rio, TX 78840
830 775-7491

Fishing lakes in each state.

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