Lake Texoma news

TPWD changes fishing regulations for Lake Texoma

BJ Kirkpatrick Lake Texoma news, News
Texas Parks and Wildlife

TPWD changes to fishing regulations for Lake Texoma sets standardized harvest regulation for bule, channel, and flathead catfish. These regulations inclde the Texas and Oklahoma waters of Lake Texoma and on the Red River below Lake Texoma.  

In Lake Texoma, the regulations remove the 12-inch minimum length limit for blue and channel catfish, and for flathead catfish and removes the 18-inch minimum length limit. In the Texas waters of the Red River below Lake Texoma (from Denison Dam downstream to Shawnee Creek), in addition to the removal of the minimum length limits for catfish, reduces the daily bag limit for blue and channel catfish from 25 to 15 fish

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted multiple changes to the freshwater fishing regulations for the upcoming 2020-2021 season at the meeting held virtually May 21. Modifications include length limits and harvest regulations at some waterbodies for largemouth bass; blue, channel, and flathead catfish; and black and white crappie. The expiration date of August 31, 2020 was removed for the five-fish daily bag limit for alligator gar at Falcon International Reservoir.

The changes that were implemented for the 2020-21 license year are listed below. In addition, the details of these new regulations will be incorporated into the 2020-21 edition of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Outdoor Annual:

  • Moss Lake (Cooke County) – Modify the 14-inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass to a 16-inch maximum length limit.
  • Brushy Creek Lake and Brushy Creek (Williamson County) – Modify harvest regulations for Brushy Creek Lake by changing from an 18-inch minimum length to the statewide 14-inch limit for largemouth bass. On the section of Brushy Creek downstream from the lake to the Williamson/Milam County line, reduce blue and channel catfish daily bag limit from 25 to 5 fish and remove the 12-inch minimum length limit. Gear restrictions also adopted limit anglers to pole-and-line angling only and two poles.
  • Lake Nasworthy (Tom Green County) – Modify harvest regulations for black and white crappie by removing the current 10-inch minimum length limit. The daily bag limit for crappie will remain at 25 fish.
  • Falcon International Reservoir (Starr and Zapata Counties) — The five-fish daily bag limit for alligator gar will remain in effect.

The changes to the 2020-21 Statewide Recreational and Commercial Fishing regulations take effect on Sept. 1, 2020. All fishing regulations can be found in the Outdoor Annual on the TPWD website.

The online version of the TPWD Outdoor Annual will not reflect any new changes until mid-August. More information regarding these amendments for the 2020-21 season can be viewed on the TPWD website.

Eisenhower State Park to Allow Overnight Camping

BJ Kirkpatrick Lake Texoma news
Eisenhower State Park Lake Texoma

Eisenhower State Park on Lake Texoma to allow overnight camping starting May 18 as part of a broader effort to reopen Texas State Parks. This gradual reopening of overnight reservations will be limited at all Texas State Parks to varying degrees depending on individual park occupancy in order to align with safe business practices currently followed in Texas. Some existing reservations will be honored, but to prevent overcrowding, manage continued social distancing and safeguard public health, no new reservations can be made for now. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will notify the public once new reservations can be booked.

 “After careful consideration, we are taking this additional step towards returning to normal operations in our parks by resuming some overnight camping at Texas State Parks,” said Carter Smith, Executive Director of TPWD. “As overnight campers are welcomed back to their favorite natural spaces, our team will continue maintaining the cleanliness of frequently used facilities such as campsites, cabins and restrooms to ensure that visitors, volunteers and staff can continue to enjoy Texas State Parks safely.”

Eisenhower State Park Lake Texoma Campgrounds

TPWD recommends visitors continue to adhere to local, state and federal travel restrictions and other guidance for safety and social distancing before traveling. Additionally, all visitors are required to pre-purchase and print day-use and overnight camping permits through the Texas State Parks Reservation System before traveling to a park. All reservations can be made online at www.texasstateparks.org or by calling 512-389-8900.

Existing social distancing standards and public health recommendations remain in effect including the recommendation to wear face coverings and bring one’s own supply of hand sanitizer. Eisenhower State Park will also continue the requirement of a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party, including the prohibition of the gathering of groups larger than five that are not part of the same family or household.

Visitors planning on coming to Eisenhower State Park are encouraged to bring all necessary provisions, such as hand sanitizer and face masks, with them in order to help local businesses have enough goods to properly serve their communities during this time. This will also help park staff have necessary supplies available for all guests during their stay.

Texas State Parks will continue to operate at a limited capacity. Operational changes still in effect at parks include the suspension of all transactions at parks, equipment rentals and in-person interpretive programs. All group-use facilities, visitor and nature centers, headquarters and other enclosed spaces where people congregate will also remain closed.

The continuation of overnight reservations and other facets of park operations will be subject to change and is dependent on current data, staffing levels and public health recommendations. Park visitors should check the TPWD website and Texas State Parks Alert Map regularly for the latest information.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department | May 6, 2020

Lake Texoma Campground and Recreation Areas to Reopen

BJ Kirkpatrick Lake Texoma news, News
Lake Texoma Campground

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District announces phased reopening of Lake Texoma campground and recreation areas along with other lakes in the Tulsa District.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District will begin a phased reopening of USACE recreation areas that were closed due to COVID-19 across Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

The decision to reopen is specific to each recreation area and will be based largely on the safety of the staff and visitors. A complete list of closures can be found at www.swt.usace.army.mil. Lake Texoma recreation areas and campgrounds will open May 20, 2020. The Texas Damsite will remain closed until further notice.

All visitors should call the lake office for information on specific recreation openings (https://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Contact/Contact-a-Lake/).

District lakes in Oklahoma and Texas will begin opening recreation areas and facilities on May 20. For more information on Lake Texoma facilities, call 903-465-4990

Campers who have campground reservations beginning May 15-20 at our facilities that are opening will be contacted by the local lake office for a partial or full refund.

Lake Texoma campground day use areas, group shelters, swim beaches and all common use area openings will be based on local health conditions.

“Our goal is to have all facilities open across the Tulsa District prior to June 1 and some parks open for the Memorial Day Weekend,” stated Tulsa District Commander, Col Scott Preston. “Our primary concern in conducting our operations is for the health and safety of the public, our employees and contractors.”

Social distancing and other restrictions required by local, state and federal authorities to include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will be in place. If these restrictions cannot be followed recreation areas could be forced to close again.

Campers will be able to make reservations immediately for new reservations that begin May 20, 2020 or after. At this time, first come first serve campsites are not available and all Campground reservations and fees must be made in advance at www.recreation.gov

Visitors should also note:
• Many USACE sponsored events, tournaments, volunteer activities and public meetings remain cancelled until further notice.
• Lake offices remain closed to the public until further notice.
• Day use facilities, such as group shelters and beaches, are subject to evolving conditions and may not be available. Please call the local project for the latest information.
• Shoreline management activities including one-on-one contacts that requires USACE personnel to make a site visit or inspection may proceed consistent with force protection guidelines established by CDC, DOD, state and local direction.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the Tulsa District webpage for the latest information, or call the local lake office for current conditions before traveling to the lake. A complete list of USACE recreation areas with contact information is available at www.swt.usace.army.mil.

You may also visit www.recreation.gov to determine the status of campgrounds that are on the reservation system.