Lake Amistad
Size: 67,000 acres
Age: Impounded in 1969
Location: Lake Amistad lies on the Texas-Mexico border, 13 miles northwest of Del Rio on U.S.
Highway 90.
Description: The dam impounds the Rio Grande and the lake extends upriver more than 50 miles to
the confluence with the Pecos River. The other major tributary is the Devils River arm
extending north from the east end of the lake. Average depth is 45 feet with ta maximum depth
of 200 feet.
Controlling Authority: International Boundary and Water Commission. For information contact: Amistad
National Recreation Area, U.S. Highway 90 West, P.O. Box 420367, Del Rio, TX 78842-0367.
TPWD Fisheries Office: 134 Braniff, San Antonio, TX 78216, (512) 349-2174.
Fishing Regulations: Standard statewide bag and length limits apply. A Mexican fishing license
($12 a year) is required to fish the Mexican side of the bouys marking the international border.
Stocking History:
Largemouth bass -- 1967, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73
Florida bass -- 1975, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80
Smallmouth bass -- 1975, 76, 78, 83
Channel catfish -- 1967, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73
Hybrid striped bass -- 1975, 76, 82
Blue catfish -- 1971
Striped bass -- 1974, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 91
Walleye -- 1954, 75, 76, 77, 78
Northern pike -- 1976
Muskie -- 1976
White Crappie -- 1968
Lake Records:
| Species | Pounds | Inches |
Angler |
| Carp | 10.54 | 27.00 | Lauren Boston |
| Largemouth bass | 15.58 | 27.00 | Jay Boston |
| Smallmouth buffalo | 28.13 | 32.50 | Charles L. Boston |
| Striped bass | 45.00 | 44.00 | Tom J. Reavis |
Fishing Tips: Few Texas lakes offer such a varied challenge. Smallmouth bass bite jigs and
topwater lures in the river canyons, largemouths lurk in the medium depths and stripers bite
one-ounce jigs and spoons in water as deep as 100 feet.
Fishing Quality:
Largemouth bass -- 
Catfish -- 
White bass --
Striped bass --
Crappie --
Facilities: Good facilities are provided by the National Park Service with major boat ramps at
Pecos, Diablo East and Rough Canyon. Numerous commercial marinas also offer lodging, RV sites
and tent camping.