Peni-Bilt Lake Fishing Guide, Coryell County, Texas

• Overview

  Peni-Bilt Lake is listed under Coryell County, Texas. It stands 797 feet above sea level. At roughly 17 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is the biggest water on our Coryell County list. The nearest town is Gatesville, 3.2 miles away. Killeen sits 19 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Peni-Bilt Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Documented catches and surveys in the area cover tadpole madtom, plains darter, dusky darter, Rio Grande longear sunfish and black bullhead. Check the state or provincial list before planning around one species. Fish Peni-Bilt Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 83°F and January near 46°F on the long-run figures. The year never really closes; it just gets uncomfortable in summer. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Plan any trip to Peni-Bilt Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Anchor Lake, 3.8 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. For Peni-Bilt Lake in particular, ask before you travel.