TPWD District Fisheries Office

11810 FM 848
Tyler, Texas 75707
(903) 566-2161
Jake Norman, Biologist

About the Area

Local Information

Nearby State Parks

 

Lake Tyler

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


Lake Characteristics

Location: On Mud and Prairie creeks, southeast of Tyler off Texas 64
Surface area: 2,224 acres (Tyler West)
2,276 acres (Tyler East)
Maximum depth: 40 feet
Impounded: 1949 (west) and 1966 (east)

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 375 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 2 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

City of Tyler Water Utility
PO Box 2039
Tyler, Texas 75710
(903) 939-2724

Aquatic Vegetation

Moderate native vegetation, floating, submergent and emergent; some hydrilla in east lake

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History: Tyler West | Tyler East
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

Available from the City of Tyler (903) 531-1238

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations. A City of Tyler ordinance prohibits bow fishing on these lakes.

Angling Opportunities

A canal connects Lake Tyler East with Lake Tyler West. Both lakes have a great reputation as consistent largemouth bass fisheries. They are popular with tournament anglers and host frequent night tournaments during the summer. Most fish are in the 2- to 8-lb class with a few over 10 lbs. Crappie are not as abundant as at some other lakes, but size distribution us usually good and few need to be released due to small size. Sunfishes (bluegill, redear, and redbreast) provide excellent opportunity for bait or fly fishing anglers. More recent additions to the fishery are chain pickerel and white bass. Chain pickerel, a smaller cousin of the northern pike, is frequently sought by anglers because of its sporting qualities. White bass were introduced from Lake Tawakoni in 90’s but did not become abundant until heavy rains in 2007 provided the flow needed for successful spawning. 

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass       yes
Spotted bass     yes  
Catfish   yes    
Crappie     yes  
Sunfish       yes
White bass   yes    
Chain Pickerel   yes    
Fishing Cover/Structure

Aquatic vegetation is abundant in the upper end of both lakes. Tyler East has good stands of native vegetation and abundant hydrilla. Tyler West has less hydrilla than native plants; the species has not become problematic, perhaps due to water level fluctuation and seasonal consumption by waterfowl.

Tips & Tactics

Although fishing in both lakes can be good all year, boating and personal watercraft activity can become very intense during summer months. Many anglers find that early morning and late evening are more peaceful times to fish