How many natural lakes in texas

Some of them are famous among the small cadre of anglers and waterfowlers who know their value. Others are known to fewer folks but treasured just as dearly, and for many of the same reasons.

These natural lakes can be magnificent places, still wild pieces of Texas' natural world, their banks lined with cypress and tupelo or buttonbush, willow and green ash. They are gems that resonate with life above and below the surface. Wood ducks and wood storks, prothonotary warblers and pileated woodpeckers, anhingas and swallow-tailed kites light up the sky over them. Below the surface, in water a deep green or sometimes the tannin-stained color of strong tea, live a stunning diversity of fish, natives whose ancestors have lived in these waters for eons.

Some of the most incredible crappie fishing I have enjoyed has occurred when fishing natural lakes. Same with bass fishing; the fish may not be as large as those found in reservoirs, but they are honest, strong fish whose ancestors never saw a hatchery. Goggle-eye perch with their fiery red eyes, and bluegill and redears bigger than your hand. Bowfins - "grinnel" to East Texans or "choupique" if you're close to the Louisiana border - hit and fight like aquatic berserkers and will take a chunk out of an unwary finger with their needle-sharp teeth.

It is not that surprising that more Texans don't know about the state's natural lakes, so they have had no opportunity to appreciate them. Aside from Caddo Lake, which is not really a natural lake but might as well be, there is little easy, direct public access to the state's natural lakes. Most are on private property and access is, rightfully, jealously guarded. Some of the natural lakes accessible via their connections to rivers are public waters, although they are usually far from any public boat ramp and getting to them is more work than most people are willing to do.

Texas' public lands do offer opportunities to access some isolated natural lakes. Brazos Bend State Park holds a half-dozen natural lakes. Natural lakes can be found on some state wildlife management areas and federally controlled national forests, national wildlife refuges and preserves. These places often are not easy to find and can be a challenge to access for fishing or paddling. But it can be well worth the effort. You'll bust the myth that Texas has only one natural lake, maybe have some memorable fishing and come to appreciate just how special these places are.

Most Popular. The truth about Caddo. For example, you can't swim in Austin's Lady Bird Lake, but you can enjoy boating in any craft that's not gas powered. You will need a state fishing license if you intend to wet your hook. Register your boat and take the state's boating education course online if you plan to operate a boat with greater than 15 horsepower or a sailboat over 14 feet. All rights reserved. All the help you need to discover the lakes of Texas Whether you want to bait a hook, take a relaxing canoe ride or just dangle your feet in the water, you'll find plenty of places to do so within Texas' , square miles.

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Though it would take a three-hour drive from Dallas to reach the swamps of Caddo Lake, there are several much closer alternatives that are soaked in fun. From kayaking on White Rock Lake, paddleboarding on Lewisville Lake or splashing around Grapevine Lake, there is relief from the heat aplenty. And while not every lake is open to every recreational activity, our colleagues at GuideLive will happily wave you in toward the right shore line. What do you wonder about the culture, people and institutions of North Texas — and the rest of our great state?

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