What You'll Find at O.C. Fisher Reservoir

O.C. Fisher Reservoir is a 5,440-acre impoundment on the North Concho River near San Angelo, Texas, about 50 miles northwest of the city. The lake holds catfish, striped bass, largemouth bass, and crappie in water that stays relatively clear year-round compared to other Texas reservoirs. The shoreline is rocky and brushy in places, with some sandy beaches and boat ramps on the south and west sides. The lake sits at roughly 2,100 feet elevation in semi-arid country, so expect hot summers, mild winters, and wind that can kick up quickly in spring.

Access is straightforward: the San Angelo Parks and Recreation Department manages public boat ramps at Pecan Grove Park and Twin Buttes Park (which also serves O.C. Fisher). Day-use fees run around $5 per vehicle, and overnight camping is available at both locations. The nearest services—fuel, bait, tackle, and food—are in San Angelo, about an hour's drive, so plan accordingly if you're staying on the water.

Key Takeaways

  • O.C. Fisher holds catfish and striped bass as the primary species, with stripers most active in spring and fall when water temperatures drop below 75 degrees.
  • Public boat ramps at Pecan Grove Park and Twin Buttes Park charge day-use fees and offer camping, but the nearest tackle shops and fuel are in San Angelo.
  • Summer water temperatures often exceed 85 degrees, pushing stripers deep and making early morning and evening catfish trips more productive.
  • A Texas fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older, and striped bass have a 10-fish daily limit with no size restriction.

Striped Bass: Spring and Fall Peak Seasons

Striped bass are the draw for many anglers at O.C. Fisher, and they respond to seasonal temperature swings. From March through May, stripers move into shallower water as the lake warms from winter lows, and they feed aggressively before the heat sets in. Live shad—either caught with a cast net or purchased from bait shops in San Angelo—work best, as do white or chartreuse crankbaits and swimbaits fished along the dam and in the main channel. Early morning is critical; most stripers are caught in the first two hours after sunrise.

Fall (September through November) brings a second window when water temperatures drop back into the 65–75 degree range. Stripers move shallower again and feed throughout the day. Winter fishing is possible but slower; stripers hold deep in the main channel and require patience and vertical jigging with live bait or heavy spoons. Summer (June through August) is the hardest season—water temperatures often exceed 85 degrees, and stripers retreat to the deepest holes near the dam, making them difficult to locate and catch.

Catfish: Year-Round Opportunity

Channel catfish and blue catfish are present year-round and offer the most consistent fishing at O.C. Fisher. They respond to cut bait—shad, mackerel, or chicken liver—fished on the bottom in 15 to 40 feet of water. The rocky areas along the north shore and the deeper holes near the dam are productive. Catfish bite best at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night, so many anglers fish from shore or from anchored boats after sunset.

There is no size or bag limit on catfish in Texas, so this is a good option if you want to keep fish for a meal. Blue catfish can grow large—20 to 40 pounds are not uncommon—and they pull hard on medium-heavy tackle. Channel catfish run smaller but are easier to catch and excellent eating. Bring a headlamp and patience if you plan to fish the evening bite; the lake has little light pollution, and the stars are a bonus.

Largemouth Bass and Crappie

Largemouth bass are present at O.C. Fisher but are not the primary draw. They inhabit the brushy shorelines and shallow coves, particularly on the south side of the lake. Soft plastics—creature baits and crawfish imitations in brown and green—work in spring and fall. Summer is slow for bass because the shallow water heats up quickly. Most anglers targeting bass focus on early morning or evening when water temperatures are coolest.

Crappie fishing is seasonal and best in spring (March through May) when they move into shallow water to spawn. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) in white, yellow, or chartreuse, fished around brush piles and fallen trees, produce consistently. Fall crappie fishing is also decent but less reliable than spring. Winter and summer are slow for this species.

Regulations and Licensing

A valid Texas fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older. Licenses are sold online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, at sporting goods stores in San Angelo, and at some bait shops. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting for a short trip.

Striped bass have a 10-fish daily limit with no minimum or maximum size. Largemouth bass are limited to 5 per day with a 14-inch minimum. Channel catfish have no limit. Blue catfish also have no limit. Always check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations before you fish, as rules can change. The lake itself has no special restrictions beyond state law.

When to Fish: Seasonal Patterns

Spring (March through May) is the best overall season. Water temperatures climb from the 50s to the low 70s, stripers feed aggressively, catfish bite well, and crappie spawn. Expect mild weather and occasional wind. This is when most visiting anglers plan their trips.

Summer (June through August) is hot and slow for stripers but remains productive for catfish, especially at night. Water temperatures often exceed 85 degrees by July. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and plan to fish early or late in the day.

Fall (September through November) is the second-best season. Water temperatures drop, stripers return to shallower water, and catfish bite throughout the day. Weather is mild and predictable. October is often considered the peak month.

Winter (December through February) is slow overall. Stripers are deep and difficult to catch. Catfish still bite but require patience. Water temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s. This season is best for anglers who don't mind cold weather and want solitude.

Getting There and What to Bring

O.C. Fisher Reservoir is about 50 miles northwest of San Angelo. From San Angelo, take US-87 north toward Knickerbocker, then follow local roads to the lake. GPS coordinates for Pecan Grove Park are approximately 31.47°N, 100.58°W. The drive from San Angelo takes about 1.5 hours.

Bring a boat if you want to fish the main lake effectively; shore fishing is limited to the park areas and is less productive. If you don't have a boat, consider renting one in San Angelo or hiring a guide. Fuel, bait, and tackle are not available at the lake itself, so stock up in San Angelo before you arrive. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and extra water—the desert sun is intense and there is little shade on the water. If you plan to fish at night, bring a headlamp and insect repellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to catch striped bass at O.C. Fisher?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are best. Water temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees trigger aggressive feeding. Summer is difficult because stripers move deep when water exceeds 85 degrees. Winter is slow but possible for anglers willing to fish deep with live bait.

Can I fish from shore at O.C. Fisher?

Yes, but shore fishing is limited to the park areas and is less productive than boat fishing. Catfish can be caught from shore at night with cut bait. Stripers and bass are easier to locate and catch from a boat. Both Pecan Grove Park and Twin Buttes Park have shoreline access.

Do I need a boat to fish O.C. Fisher?

A boat is not required but is strongly recommended. Shore fishing works for catfish but limits your options for stripers and bass. Boat rentals are available in San Angelo, or you can launch your own at either public ramp for a small day-use fee.

What is the closest town with bait and tackle shops?

San Angelo is about 50 miles south and has multiple tackle shops, bait suppliers, and fuel stations. There are no shops at the lake itself, so plan to buy everything you need before you arrive. Bring extra tackle and bait in case you run out.

Are there camping facilities at O.C. Fisher?

Yes. Pecan Grove Park and Twin Buttes Park both offer overnight camping with water and electric hookups at some sites. Reservations are recommended during spring and fall. Contact San Angelo Parks and Recreation for current rates and availability.