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Home Fishing & Boating Fishing Recreational Lakes Brownwood
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TPWD District Fisheries Office

5325 N. 3rd
Abilene, Texas 79603
(325) 692-0921
Spencer Dumont, Biologist

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Lake Brownwood

Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics

Small outline of lake
Public Boater Access
Lake Characteristics

Location: On Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek, 70 miles southeast of Abilene and about 10 miles north of Brownwood
Surface area: 6,490 acres
Maximum depth: 95 feet
Impounded: 1933

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,425 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate, sometimes prone to long periods with dropping water levels
Normal Clarity: Clear to stained

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Brown County Water Control and Irrigation District No. 1
PO Box 118
Brownwood, Texas 76804
(325) 643-2609

Aquatic Vegetation

Water willow when lake is full

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History

Lake Maps

A contour map is available at local sporting good stores.

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed with statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and white bass fishing are rated good to excellent. Summer and early fall are particularly good for white bass and hybrid striped bass. Florida largemouth were introduced in 1975. Catfish, crappie, and freshwater drum can also be found in this lake.

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass     yes  
Catfish     yes  
Crappie   yes    
White & Hybrid Striped Bass       yes
Freshwater Drum   yes    
Sunfish   yes    
Fishing Cover/Structure

Lake Brownwood has many small coves, bays, and creeks with a variety of habitat. The lake is primarily lined by rocky structure and boat docks. The upper end of the Jim Ned and Pecan Bayou arms have standing timber, black willow trees and buttonbush. Water willow and bulrush are scattered throughout the lake, but water willow is most abundant in Sowell Creek. Anglers with depth finders should be able to locate numerous humps, ledges, and creek channels.

Tips & Tactics

White bass are most easily caught from early May through October when they school in the main lake area. During this time, both white and hybrid striped bass can be caught on the surface. "Slabbing" �-1oz. slab spoons along creek and river channels in 12-25 feet of water in late summer for white and hybrid striped bass can produce some fantastic fishing. "Jumpfishing" is a popular technique for schools of surface-feeding fish. Night fishing for white bass under lighted boat docks is also very effective. Largemouth bass fishing is best from September through May. Fishing rocks and points with crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, and topwater will produce.