Lake Meredith
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, check the current lake level or contact the controlling authority for current conditions.
Lake Characteristics
Location: 45 miles northeast of Amarillo
on the Canadian River
Surface area: 16,411 acres
Maximum depth: 127 ft., mean depth
30 ft.
Impounded: 1965
Water Conditions
Current
Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 2,941 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate to severe,
4-10 ft. per year
Normal Clarity: Upper reservoir
turbid red water (3-6 inch visibility), lower reservoir clear
(4-8 ft. visibility)
Reservoir Controlling Authority
National Park Service
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
PO Box 1460
Fritch, Texas 79036
(806) 857-3151
Aquatic Vegetation
Limited; primarily milfoil and cattails in arms off the main lake
Predominant Fish Species
Consumption Advisory in effect
Lake Records
Current
Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
A general information map is available from the National Park Service. Sporting goods and tackle stores sell maps of lakes especially those lakes in the local area.
Fishing Regulations
This reservoir has special regulations on some fishes. See bag and size limits for this lake.
Angling Opportunities
Meredith Reservoir has a very diverse fish community and provides opportunities for every type of angler. Walleye are the primary sport fish in the reservoir. The walleye population in the reservoir is maintained through natural reproduction with high quality fishing available in the spring. Meredith Reservoir also has an excellent smallmouth bass population. Most of the reservoir is rocky habitat, which is preferred by smallmouth bass. A number of 4-pound and larger fish are caught from Meredith each year. White bass provide an excellent fishery, especially during summer and fall. Largemouth bass are limited by habitat, but crappie fishing is generally good with occasional years of excellent fishing. Yellow perch are caught on rare occasions; the Texas record of 1.04 pounds came from Lake Meredith in 1996. Channel and flathead catfish are present in good numbers
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
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| Channel & Flathead Catfish |  |
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| Smallmouth bass |
 |
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| Crappie |  |
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| White bass |  |
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| Sunfish |  |
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| Walleye |  |
Fishing Cover/Structure
Meredith Reservoir is dominated by steep rocky banks with limited areas of isolated flooded timber and vegetation. The upper reservoir is very turbid with suspended red clay while the lower reservoir is clear. In most of the reservoir rock ledges, rock piles, and steep drop-offs provide cover for game fish.
Tips & Tactics
Meredith Reservoir has the best walleye fishing in the state of Texas and is comparable to many lakes in the native range of walleye. The peak period for walleye fishing is from April through June. Over 90% of the walleye harvested are caught during this period. The key to successful walleye fishing on Meredith is to use small tackle and fish slowly. You will be most successful with 6-pound test line or smaller. Walleye can be caught on crankbaits and spinners, but the most successful method is drift fishing minnows or nightcrawlers on a small jig head. Drift-fish your jig in about 15 feet of water along the shoreline focusing mainly on rock outcrops and drop-offs. Smallmouth bass are typically caught along rocky shorelines near large structure or drop-offs. They can be caught on a variety of baits including crank baits, spinners, minnows, crayfish, and worms. The best season for smallmouth bass is spring when waters reach 60 degrees.