Kirby Lake
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
Lake Characteristics
Location: On the south side of Abilene,
just east of US 83
Surface area: 740 acres
Maximum depth: 16 feet
Impounded: 1928
Water Conditions
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,786 ft. msl
Call (915) 692-0921 for current water level
Fluctuation: Variable
Normal Clarity: Red colored with
visibility less than 12 inches
Reservoir Controlling Authority
City of Abilene
PO Box 60
Abilene, Texas 79604
(325) 676-6038
Aquatic Vegetation
Bulrushes
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Maps
A contour map is available. Download the map or pick up a copy at the Abilene fisheries office, (325) 692-0921.
Fishing Regulations
All fish are managed under statewide regulations. This includes an 18 inch minimum length and 3 fish daily bag limit for saugeye.
Angling Opportunities
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
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| Catfish |  |
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| Crappie |  |
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| Sunfish |  |
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| Saugeye |  |
Fishing Cover/Structure
Willow trees and dead, flooded brush dominate. Ample rocky structure exists on the east bank and the dam. Some bulrushes provide cover on west side.
Tips & Tactics
Blue catfish appear to be concentrated off shore, while channel catfish fishing has been very good close to shore near flooded vegetation. Saugeye grow extremely fast. Anglers should have success using 4- to 5-inch cut shad fished on the bottom, along the rocky shore on the east side or on the flats at the southwest area of the lake. For crappie, there are plenty of willow trees where anglers can dabble minnows, crappie jigs, or plastic worms.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744