Lake Amistad, TX

Amistad Reservoir is a reservoir on the Rio Grande at its confluence with the Devils River 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Del Rio, Texas, USA. The lake is bounded by Val Verde County on the Texas side of the international border, and the state of Coahuila on the Mexican side of the border. The reservoir was formed in November, 1969 by the construction of Amistad Dam to provide flood control, water conservation, irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation to the area. The dam and lake are managed jointly by the governments of the United States and Mexico through the International Boundary and Water Commission. The name of the dam and lake is the Spanish word for "friendship". The lake is also referred to as Lake Amistad.

Fish and plant life

Amistad Reservoir is stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in Amistad Reservoir include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Guadalupe bass, and catfish. Amistad Gambusia was eliminated in the wild when construction of the Amistad Reservoir in 1968 submerged its habitat under approximately 70 feet (21 m) of water from the Rio Grande.

Recreational uses

Fishing Regulations

On the Texas side of the lake, all species are managed under current statewide regulations. For recreational anglers fishing Mexican waters, a Mexico fishing license is required for everyone in the boat. Mexico boat permits are no longer required. For information on Mexico's fishing regulations, visit the National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission (CONAPESCA) website.

Mexico licenses can be purchased in Del Rio at Amistad Marine (Highway 90 West, 830/775-0878) or Fisherman's Headquarters (Chevron at the intersection of of 90 & 277 N, 830/774-5670.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass are the most popular and most abundant sportfish in the reservoir. Channel and blue catfish are present in good numbers with an occasional flathead showing up. Striped bass are popular and sought by anglers due to their strong fighting characteristics and their potential for trophy sizes. Frequent stockings by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department maintain the striper population because they have not successfully reproduced in this reservoir. White bass provide popular seasonal fishing during spring spawning runs. Smallmouth bass are present; anglers report better success with this species in the Devils River arm of the lake.

Fishing Cover/Structure

Amistad Reservoir is dominanted by rocky structure. The lake abounds in rock ledges, steep rocky drop offs and rocky points and shorelines. Additional structure is provided by isolated flooded timber. Periodically, flooded terrestrial vegetation (brush) provides important fish habitat following water level increases.

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass anglers are most successful during the fall, winter, and spring months. Topwater baits, buzzbaits and spinner baits work well in the early morning and late evening. Crankbaits can be effective along rocky shorelines, points and dropoffs. At midday many anglers turn to plastics such as Texas and Carolina rigged worms or grubs to effectively fish the deeper waters near vegetation or rocky structure.Catfish anglers can find channel and blue catfish throughout the lake. Stinkbait and cutbait work well for both species. Many anglers try to improve catch rates by "baiting" catfish holes with sour grain to attract the catfish. The best action for white bass is during the spring spawning runs. These occur from late January through March as whites migrate up rivers to spawn. Effective baits include rattle traps, jigging spoons and live bait such as minnows.