McElvaney Lake in Henderson County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Texas, McElvaney Lake belongs to Henderson County. Elevation runs to 427 feet. Surface area runs to about 15 acres — small enough to read in one session. Athens sits 8.3 miles from here and is the nearest stop. The big place round here is Tyler, 39 miles distant. This one is safely inside the county line. It sits far enough from the road to feel away from things.

• Where to Fish on McElvaney Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Public wildlife records from this area list bluegill, redspotted sunfish, white crappie and black crappie. It reflects what has been logged, which depends on who was looking. On McElvaney Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 83°F on average, January about 46°F. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer squeezes it into the edges of the day. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. On McElvaney Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. There are toilets half a mile off. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. The nearest alternative is Perryman Lake, 0.6 miles out. Check the current arrangement for McElvaney Lake.