Purtis Creek State Park Lake
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
Lake Characteristics
Location: On Purtis Creek off FM 316 at
Eustace, 12 miles north of Athens
Surface area: 349 acres
Maximum depth: 30 feet
Impounded: 1985
Water Conditions
Conservation Pool Elevation: 315 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 2 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately clear
Reservoir Controlling Authority
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
(903) 425-2332
Aquatic Vegetation
Sparse along shore and in coves; primarily emergent species
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
No detailed lake maps are available.
Fishing Regulations
Fishing in this state park lake is by pole and line only. Largemouth bass are catch-and-release only, except that any bass 24 inches or longer may be retained in a livewell or other aerated holding device, weighed with personal scales, and then immediately released or donated to the ShareLunker program. For channel and blue catfish, the daily bag is 5 fish in any combination, with no minimum length limit.
A Triploid Grass Carp Permit is in effect on this lake. If a grass carp is caught, it must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. Visit our statewide regulations and exceptions pages for more information on Texas fishing rules.
Angling Opportunities
Purtis Creek State Park is best known for its largemouth bass fishery. This species has been subject to a special catch-and-release-only rule since the lake opened to the public in 1988. Channel catfish are stocked annually and grow rapidly, providing an excellent fishery from both fishing piers. Crappie anglers frequently catch daily limits of these popular fish..
| 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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| White bass |  |
Fishing Cover/Structure
This state park lake was designed specifically for fishing. Much of the inundated timber is still standing in the upper half of the lake and in the back of most coves. Hydrilla was a problem in the past, but the park staff currently has this invasive plant under control.
Tips & Tactics
Unlike most Texas reservoirs, Purtis Creek shows its highest catch rates for really big largemouth bass in late summer. Bass anglers have very good success using live goldfish from the west fishing pier.
