Donna Reservoir 1, Texas: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  This water sits in Hidalgo County, Texas. Scrub and brush runs right down to the water. It measures about 234 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. You are looking at roughly 3.5 miles of shoreline, with plenty of water between access points. For supplies, Scissors is 1.4 miles out. Further out sit Donna (1.8 miles) and South Alamo (2.2 miles). The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Donna Reservoir 1

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Nearby survey and observation records mention Alligator gar, black bullhead, common carp and Rio Grande cichlid. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Take this water a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 85°F, with January the cold end at about 58°F. Cold never shuts this water down; heat is the only limit. Season rules are a separate question. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. On this water the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Donna Reservoir 2 at 0.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for this water.