Averhoff Reservoir is a 173-acre narrow, riverine-type reservoir located on the Nueces River 10 mi (16 km) north of the town of Crystal City in Zavala County, Texas, United States, and 100 miles from San Antonio, Texas.

Averhoff Reservoir
Location of Averhoff Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Location of Averhoff Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Averhoff Reservoir
Location of Averhoff Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Location of Averhoff Reservoir in Texas, USA.
Averhoff Reservoir
LocationZavala County, near Crystal City, Texas
Coordinates28°48′N 99°49′W / 28.800°N 99.817°W / 28.800; -99.817
Typereservoir
Primary inflowsNueces River
Primary outflowsNueces River
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area174 acres (70 ha)
Max. depth28 ft (8.5 m)
Surface elevation600 ft (180 m)

It was constructed by the Zavala-Dimmit Water Improvement District Number 1 in 1948 to provide water for agriculture, recreation, and flood control. The reservoir was formed by the construction of two dams across two channels of the Nueces River. The dam and lake are managed by the Zavala-Dimmit County Water Impound District. Averhoff Reservoir also serves as a venue for recreation, including fishing and boating.

The surface area is 174 acres with a maximum depth of 28 feet. It has a normal water level of 600 ft. msl with severe fluctuations of 15 feet or more. It has a normal water clarity being clear to slightly stained.

In 2005 Illinois pondweed, which occurred mainly in the lower point of the reservoir, was the primary aquatic vegetation taking up approximately 4 acres.

Uses

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Averhoff Reservoir has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in Averhoff Reservoir include crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.

Stocking History for Averhoff[1]

Species Year Number Stocked Size
Bass, Florida Largemouth 2017 18,799 Fingerling
Bass, Florida Largemouth 1998 32,568 Fingerling
Bass, Florida Largemouth 1995 31,969 Fingerling
Bass, Florida Largemouth 1994 31,917 Fingerling
Bass, Palmetto 1983 1,620
Bass, Palmetto 1981 1,300
Bass, Palmetto 1979 3,550

The primary recreational use of the reservoir is fishing. All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.[2]

Fishing Cover/Structure

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Averhoff Reservoir has mud/gravel banks with overhanging brush, and dead standing timber. There is no aquatic vegetation on this reservoir.

Tips & Tactics

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Bass anglers are most successful during the fall, winter, and spring months. Topwater baits such as buzzbaits work well in the early morning and late evening. Texas and Carolina rigged worms and lizards are also popular, and effective when fished around the overhanging brush. Catfish anglers can find channel catfish throughout the lake. Stinkbait and cutbait work well. Crappie anglers should try fishing deep structure in the fall and winter with small jigs fished on light line and tackle. During the spring, fish structure in 3 to 6 feet with small spinners and jigs.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Stocking Report for Averhoff". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  2. ^ "Fishing Averhoff Reservoir". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  3. ^ "Fishing Averhoff Reservoir". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
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