TPWD District Fisheries Office

11810 FM 848
Tyler, Texas 75707
(903) 566-1615 x 213
Jake Norman, Biologist

About the Area

Local Information

Nearby State Parks

 

Richland Chambers Reservoir

Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics


BOATER ADVISORY: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir! CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. Draining water is required by law and possession and transport of zebra mussels is illegal.

Lake Characteristics

Location: On Richland and Chambers creeks, east-southeast of Corsicana on US 287
Surface area: 41,356 acres
Maximum depth: 75 feet
Impounded: 1987

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 315 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 3 feet
Normal Clarity: Cloudy to moderately clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Tarrant Regional Water District
140 FM 416
Streetman, Texas 75859
(903) 389-3928

Aquatic Vegetation

Moderate to light vegetation in coves and creek arms; some beds of floating pondweed and water stargrass along the shoreline

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

A detailed road and street map is available online at the lake information web page

Fishing Regulations

This reservoir has special regulations on some fishes. See bag and size limits for this lake.

Angling Opportunities

Richland Chambers is an excellent choice for anglers seeking catfishes, crappie, white bass or hybrid stripers. Angling for largemouth bass can be very good where anglers can find vegetation and clear water; however, these areas are somewhat limited in size compared to the lake surface. Many anglers set jug lines for catfishes and go after schooling white bass and hybrids while waiting for jug line action. Richland Chambers produces abundant crappie (both black and white) and may be area's the most consistent fishery for these fishes.

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass   yes    
Catfish       yes
Crappie       yes
White & Hybrid Striped Bass       yes
Sunfish yes      
Fishing Cover/Structure

Native pondweeds are abundant in Big Cedar Creek and along the south bank of the Chambers Creek arm. Hydrilla is scattered along the south bank of the Richland Creek arm from Midway Marina west to the railroad trestle and from 7L ramp south to Pin Oak Creek. The old Trinity River levee forms a crescent-shaped underwater structure between the confluence of the Richland and Chambers creek arms and the dam.

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass anglers should look for fish congregated around underwater structure where they can be caught with jigging spoons and deep-diving crankbaits. Crappie anglers will have success with jigs or minnows near bridge crossings and in the abundant timber in the upper Richland and Chambers creek arms. Catfishes are everywhere; cut bait, stink bait, chicken livers, and worms are all productive. White bass and hybrid stripers are active from the 287 bridge to the dam. Use a graph recorder to find schools of shad or follow the birds to find schooling activity. Heavy jigs or slabs work well when fish are deep.