Located in the western part of Texas, not far from the New Mexico state line, the city of Odessa, TX is the seat of Ector County and has a population of a little under 125,000. While the city is not close to any large body of water, there are still several great fishing spots that can be reached in less than two hours by car, allowing anglers to try their luck and enjoy a day or a weekend outdoors.
1. E.V. Spence Reservoir
Also known by locals as the Robert Lee Dam, this body of water covers an area of more than 14,500 acres and boasts a storage capacity of more than half a million acre-feet. This reservoir was established after the construction of a dam across the Colorado River in 1969. Since then, the lake supplies water to the city of San Angelo and other nearby urban areas in Coke County.
Apart from serving as a crucial source of water for inhabitants of the region, the E.V. Spence Reservoir has been a well-known recreational spot since its establishment. The place is visited by thousands during the weekends, being a great place for water activities, including boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. For anglers, this reservoir is regularly stocked with catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, and striped bass. Getting here from downtown Odessa takes a little under two hours by car.
2. San Angelo State Park
With a total area of almost 8,000 acres, the San Angelo State Park was established along the shores of the O.C. Fisher Reservoir in 1995, serving as the most popular recreational facility for inhabitants of the nearby city of San Angelo and other communities in the surrounding areas. This state park is known not only for its lake but also for the more than 50 miles of hiking trails it features, as well as its different campsites and picnic areas.
Getting to the San Angelo State Park from the city of Odessa takes about two hours by car, driving 130 miles east along route TX-158 E. Once you make your way to the park, head to one of the fishing areas on the shores of the lake, from where you can catch some excellent specimens of crappie, largemouth bass, sunfish, white bass, and catfish. Entrance to the San Angelo State Park is subject to a $4 daily usage fee per adult.
3. Red Bluff Reservoir
Located just five miles south of the New Mexico state line, the Red Bluff Reservoir boasts a total area of almost 11,200 acres and was established in 1937 after the construction of a dam across the Pecos River. Getting here from Odessa takes two hours by car, driving 115 miles along routes TX-302 W and US Highway 285. The lake is home to specimens of largemouth bass, white bass, and hybrid striped bass.
No matter the destination you choose for your next fishing adventure, make sure to stop by Kelly Grimsley Honda and check out the inventory of new and used cars we have available for you.
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