Refuge Lake in Colorado County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Refuge Lake is one of the Colorado County waters in Texas. Height above sea level is 184 feet. At roughly 15 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. You are 7 miles from Eagle Lake. It is 40 miles to Cypress, the nearest city. Also on the doorstep: Plowden Lake sits 2.5 miles out, Eagle Lake at 8.6 miles, Hillbolt Lake sits 13 miles out, Northington Lake at 21 miles and Engstrom Lake Number 2 sits 24 miles out. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Refuge Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Species logged nearby in open biodiversity records include spotted gar, longnose gar, bluegill and white crappie. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. At Refuge Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 83°F; by January the average is down near 50°F. The whole calendar is open, with dawn and dusk the productive hours in summer. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Plan around that when you fish Refuge Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. A car park sits roughly half a mile away. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Plowden Lake, 2.5 miles away. Confirm access to Refuge Lake locally before you travel.