General Information

As you visit the lake to take advantage of the abundant recreational opportunities, take time out to appreciate the numerous natural resources that the lake and its surrounding area has to offer. Numerous types of fish and wildlife habitat are found around the lake. Aquatic, watland and floodplain habitats include open water, shallow marshy flats, mud and saline flats, riparian woodlands and extensive cleared pastureland in the floodplain. Upland habitats include Oak-Hickory woodlands, grasslands dominated by Little Bluestem and Yaupon thickets. Wildflowers abound during Spring and Summer. Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes and Sunflowers blanket the parks and provide excellent photo opportunities. Somerville lake plays host to 173 species of birds and provides the best chance in the Central Brazos River Valley of observing wintering Bald Eagles and migrating Osprey. On casual evening walks White-Tailed Deer, Gray Fox, Coyote, Raccoon, Opossum, Armadillo, Cottontail Rabbit and Bobcat can often be seen. Poisonous snakes common to this area are the: Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Texas Coral Snake and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Many non-poisonous species of snakes, such as the: Hognosed Snake and several species of Garter Snakes also inhabit the parks. The fisherman will enjoy a catch of White Crappie, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass and Channel Catfish. Somerville Lake has enjoyed a reputation of being an excellent catfish lake for many years.

While great importance is placed on preserving the natural resources of the lake area, the Corps of Engineers also realizes that it is important to utilize these natural resources to their greatest potential without adversely affecting them. In addition to setting aside 9,336 acres of natural and wildlife areas, the Corps of Engineers maintains 18 grazing leases encompassing 6,798 acres of land in natural areas. However, the primary purpose of these grazing leases is for the enhancement of wildlife habitat. This is brought about through wildlife food plots, increased surveillance, fertilizing and grazing which stimulates new plant growth.

Because of our energy needs, oil and gas exploration has taken on great importance in our country. At Somerville Lake, the Corps of Engineers faces a unique problem in that an abundance of oil and gas reserves are found on Corps of Engineers lands and adjacent watershed lands. Due to this abundance, there is a great deal of oil and gas related activity in the area. Up to the present time, approximately 166 wells have been drilled and 135 miles of pipeline and flowline have been installed on Corps of Engineers lands alone. This presents a hazard to wildlife habitat and water quality. The Corps of Engineers and the oil industry have cooperated intensively to minimize this hazard and maintain the aesthetics of the area. Restricting the amount and location of surface damage and planning and construction requirements help the Corps of Engineers to achieve its natural resource protection goals.

So while you visit Somerville Lake, be sure to take advantage of all the recreational opportunities and natural beauty that the lake has to offer. Help us to preserve the natural beauty of these resources by being a thoughtful visitor. With your help future generations can appreciate the beauty of Somerville Lake. Have a safe and enjoyable stay while you are here and come again.