Fishing at Petrolia Lake Number 1, Clay County, Texas

• Overview

  Clay County in Texas is where Petrolia Lake Number 1 sits. The ground round it is pine and hardwood. About 16 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The closest town, Henrietta, is 15 miles distant. Then Wichita Falls, 16 miles, and Waurika, 17 miles. Round about: Petrolia Lake Number 2 about 0.4 miles, Byers Lake out at 4.4 miles, Twin Lakes about 12 miles, Japanese Beaver Lake Dam out at 15 miles and Temple Lake about 17 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Petrolia Lake Number 1

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Fish this water where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep. Any change in depth is worth more than any change in bait.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 84°F, the coldest about 40°F. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. At this water the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Petrolia Lake Number 2, 0.4 miles out. Confirm access to this water locally before you travel.