TPWD District Fisheries Office

PO Box 835
Canyon, Texas 79015
(806) 655-4341
Caleb Huber, Biologist

About the Area

Local Information

  • White River Lake Marina
    HCR 2, Box 127
    Spur, Texas 79370
    (806) 263-4244
 

White River 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, check the current lake level or contact the controlling authority for current conditions.

Lake Characteristics

Location: 25 miles south of Crosbyton on the White River, a tributary of the Salt Fork of the Brazos River
Surface area: 1,418 acres
Maximum depth: 65 ft., mean depth 11 ft.
Impounded: 1963

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 2,373 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Severe, 4-10 feet annually
Normal Clarity: Turbid, visibility 1-2 feet

Reservoir Controlling Authority

White River Municipal Water District
HCR 2, Box 141
Spur, TX 79370
(806) 263-4240

Aquatic Vegetation

Primarily cattails and pondweed, with some areas of milfoil and coontail

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

A general information map is available from the White River Municipal Water District (806) 263-4240 or the Marina (806) 263-4244.

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Fishing for largemouth bass is excellent at White River Reservoir. The lake consistently produces fish over 8 pounds and has produced a fish for the ShareLunker program. Walleye are regularly stocked, with the peak fishing period from April through June.

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass       yes
Channel Catfish       yes
Flathead Catfish   yes    
Crappie     yes  
White Bass     yes  
Sunfish   yes    
Walleye     yes  
Fishing Cover/Structure

Structure is primarily rock with some areas of flooded brush and vegetation. Changes in water level drastically effect the amount of cover

Tips & Tactics

Spring is best time of year for largemouth bass. Water levels can fluctuate dramatically. Spinnerbaits and suspending baits work well in spring. Diving baits that have a lot of action and bump the bottom will attract strikes when visibility is poor. Carolina-rigged worms and crawdad imitations are good year-round baits. Over 90% of the walleye harvested from this lake are caught during the peak period of April through June. The key to successful walleye fishing 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.