Excellent
Largemouth bass
Amistad's most popular and abundant sportfish.
Live lake level: 39.1% full · 1056.57 ft · measured Sep 7, 2026
Water Data for Texas →TexasDefined checks Amistad Reservoir's official Water Data for Texas page when this page opens; the reading is not stored as evergreen copy.
Texas Defined Fishing · Big Bend
Amistad Reservoir Fishing Guide
A 64,900-acre, 217-foot-deep Rio Grande border reservoir near Del Rio where clear rocky structure supports excellent largemouth bass plus good catfish, white-bass and striped-bass fishing.
64,900 acres217 ft max depthVerified August 15, 2026
At a glance
What makes Amistad Reservoir different.
Amistad is a deep, rocky border reservoir. TPWD rates largemouth bass excellent and emphasizes rock ledges, steep dropoffs, points and shorelines; the same water also supports good catfish and white/striped-bass fishing, with substantial water-level variability and cross-border licensing considerations.
- Surface area
- 64,900 acres
- Maximum depth
- 217 ft
- Impounded
- 1969
- Counties
- Val Verde
- Waterway
- Rio Grande
- Conservation pool
- 1117 ft msl
- Normal fluctuation
- Often 5–10 feet annually; historically much larger
- Water clarity
- Clear to slightly stained
- Controlling authority
- International Boundary & Water Commission
Cover & structure
What the water looks like to a fish.
Rock ledges, steep dropoffs, rocky points and shorelines dominate the reservoir's structure.
Isolated flooded timber adds localized cover away from the rock system.
Aquatic vegetation coverage changes with water level; hydrilla has historically been important when conditions support it.
Flooded terrestrial brush can become important after rising water expands shallow habitat.
Fish this lake
The targets that define Amistad Reservoir.
Fair
Smallmouth bass
A present but lower-density fishery, with better success reported in the Devils River arm.
Good
Catfish
Channel and blue catfish are present in good numbers, with occasional flatheads.
Good
White bass
A popular spring-run fishery tied to river migration.
Good
Striped bass
A stocked, popular fishery with strong growth and trophy potential.
Quick answers
Plan the trip faster.
What is Amistad Reservoir best known for?
Amistad is a deep, rocky border reservoir. TPWD rates largemouth bass excellent and emphasizes rock ledges, steep dropoffs, points and shorelines; the same water also supports good catfish and white/striped-bass fishing, with substantial water-level variability and cross-border licensing considerations.
How large is Amistad Reservoir?
Amistad Reservoir covers 64,900 acres and reaches a published maximum depth of 217 feet.
Where should I check Amistad Reservoir fishing rules?
Use the current Texas Parks & Wildlife Department rules before harvesting fish; this guide avoids freezing changeable bag limits into evergreen copy.
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Source transparency
Core facts and durable fishing patterns were checked against official sources on August 15, 2026. Water levels, closures, access, regulations and current fishing activity can change.