Located about 200 miles west of the Dallas – Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, Ballinger, TX, is a relatively small city that offers great opportunities for anglers and water sports enthusiasts looking for nearby destinations to spend some quality time with their friends and families. If you are traveling around the region, here are three nearby fishing spots you should check out.
1. E.V. Spence Reservoir
Spanning a surface area of almost 15,000 acres near the small town of Robert Lee, E.V. Spence Reservoir is one of the best-known spots among anglers from all over the region. Created with the construction of the Robert Lee Dam in the late 1960s, this artificial reservoir has become a popular recreational destination that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Often referred to as Lake E.V. Spence, this body of water is regularly stocked with different species of fish, including largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, and catfish. Located about 40 miles northwest of downtown Ballinger, this reservoir can be reached in about 40 minutes by car along route TX-158. Other popular activities in the area include boating, picnicking, kayaking, and canoeing.
2. O.H. Ivie Lake
Located just 30 miles southeast of downtown Ballinger, O.H. Ivie Lake is another expansive artificial reservoir that offers excellent opportunities for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. Formed in the 1990s with the construction of the S.W. Freese Dam, this place spans a surface area of about 20,000 acres and is managed by the Colorado River Municipal Water District.
Getting from the Ballinger city center to the shores of O.H. Ivie Lake takes about half an hour by car, driving along routes US-83 and FM-1929. Some of the fish species you can find in this body of water include sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, and white bass. Three public recreation areas sit along the shores of the lake and offer public boat ramps, campgrounds, and picnic spots.
3. San Angelo State Park
Spanning an area of about 7,700 acres and located just 40 miles southwest of downtown Ballinger, San Angelo State Park is a popular public recreation area that offers access to the waters of the O.C. Fisher Reservoir. Established in 1995 and managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, this place welcomes anglers from all over the region. Some of the fish species you can find in the reservoir include channel catfish, white crappie, largemouth bass, and white bass.
Before you start preparing your bait and filling up your tank to explore these fantastic destinations, visit us at Toliver Brothers Chevy GMC! Check out our extensive inventory of new and used trucks for sale, ask one of our friendly staff about the different financing plans we have available for you, and take home a new set of wheels for your next fishing adventure.
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