McClellan Reservoir

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

This area is experiencing a drought which may affect fishing and boat ramp access. Before you go, contact the controlling authority for current conditions.

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: 50 miles east of Amarillo on McClellan Creek, a tributary of the North Fork of the Red River
Surface area: 339.2 acres
Maximum depth: 21 ft., mean depth 4 ft.
Impounded: 1938; renovated and dredged 1995

Water Conditions

Spillway Elevation: 2921 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate to severe, 4-10 feet annually
Normal Clarity: Turbid, 1-2 ft visibility

Reservoir Controlling Authority

US Forest Service
Black Kettle Ranger District
RT 1, Box 55-B
Cheyenne, OK 73628-9725
(580) 497-2143

Aquatic Vegetation

Large areas of pondweed in the upper reservoir, scattered stands of cattail and bulrush

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed with statewide regulations, which include an 18-inch minimum length limit and 3-fish daily bag limit for saugeye

Angling Opportunities

McClellan Reservoir has been severely affected by drought and has gone dry three times since 2000. The reservoir has refilled to approximately 1/2 capacity and has been restocked to begin rebuilding the population.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
Crappie
Sunfish
Saugeye

Fishing Cover/Structure

This reservoir has limited cover and structure. The bottom is primarily sandy clay with some areas of gravel. The upper reservoir has some larger areas of aquatic vegetation.

Tips & Tactics

Saugeye are the only species in the lake that resembles walleye. These hybrid fish can be identified by the brown mottled coloration on their sides and large teeth. Fish the bottom of the reservoir with cut bait or live minnows much like you would fish for catfish.