Lake
Brownwood has many small coves, bays, and creeks with a variety of
habitat. The lake is primarily lined by rocky structure and boat docks.
The upper end of the Jim Ned and Pecan Bayou arms have standing timber,
black willow trees and buttonbush. Water willow and bulrush are
scattered throughout the lake, but water willow is most abundant in
Sowell Creek. Those anglers with depth finders should be able to locate
numerous humps, ledges, and creek channels.
Largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and white bass fishing are
rated good to excellent. Summer and early fall are particularly good for
white bass and hybrid striped bass. Florida largemouth were introduced
in 1975. Catfish, crappie, and freshwater drum can also be found in this
lake.
Location: On Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek, 70
miles southeast of Abilene and about 10 miles north of Brownwood
Size: 7,300 acres
Maximum Depth: 95 feet
Normal Water Clarity: Clear to stained
Water Level Fluctuation: Moderate, sometimes
prone to long periods with dropping water levels
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,425 ft. msl
Aquatic Vegetation: Water willow when lake is
full
Lake Brownwood State Park:
History: Lake Brownwood State Park, in Brown County,
is 537.5 acres acquired by deed from the Brown County Water Improvement
District No. 1 in 1934 that was opened in 1938.
Near the geographical center of Texas, the park is situated on Lake
Brownwood, a 7300-surface-acre reservoir created by damming Pecan Bayou,
which is a tributary of the Colorado River. Many structures in use today
were constructed by the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1930s, from timber
and native rock found in the park.
Activities: Activities are picnicking; camping;
hiking (2.5 miles of hiking trails and a .5-mile nature trail.); boating
(motors allowed); water skiing (jet skis allowed); fishing; nature
study; swimming (in an unsupervised swimming area); and bird watching.
