Soil Conservation Service Site 20 Reservoir Fishing near Santa Anna, Texas

• Overview

  The Coleman County end of Texas holds Soil Conservation Service Site 20 Reservoir. Elevation runs to 1,490 feet. This is a pocket water of some 10 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Compared with other Texas water on our list, it sits high. 16 miles away sits Santa Anna, the nearest town. Bangs lies 20 miles off, Coleman another 22 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Soil Conservation Service Site 20 Reservoir

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include bluegill, channel catfish, longear sunfish, green sunfish and redbreast sunfish. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. At this water light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 83°F; the cold one sits at 45°F. Cooler months are the productive ones on most of this water. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Anyone fishing this water regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Soil Conservation Service Site 4 Reservoir is 12 miles off. Confirm access to this water locally before you travel.