Last updated:
Cedar Creek Reservoir Fishing Report & Water Level
Cedar Creek Reservoir is at 316.18 ft above mean sea level and 73.0% full as of Oct 20, 2026 (TWDB daily average). That is 5.82 ft below the 322.0 ft conservation pool.
Cedar Creek Reservoir water level today & trend
The lake is 5.8 ft below its conservation pool. Some shallow ramps and coves may be affected; run cautiously in unfamiliar water.
| Level (daily avg.) | 316.18 ft msl (Oct 20, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Conservation pool | 322.0 ft msl |
| Percent full | 73.0% (-1.1 pts in 7 days, -14.5 pts in 1 year) |
| Conservation storage | 470,566 of 644,686 acre-feet |
| Current surface area | 27,179 acres |
| Latest USGS gauge reading | 316.17 ft (lake elevation, NGVD29) at Oct 20, 7:15 AM CDT, USGS 08063010. Instantaneous provisional value; datum can differ slightly from TWDB. |
Percent full from 2025-10-20 (87.5%) to 2026-10-20 (73.0%). Range shown 72.0%–87.5%.
Sources: TWDB Water Data for Texas: Cedar Creek Reservoir (CSV), USGS. Provisional data, updated daily.
Cedar Creek Reservoir fishing report: recent conditions & what's biting
No recent angler reports yet: submit yours. Reports are reviewed before they're published. We never make up reports.
Seasonal pattern for October (general guide)
Fall transition. Shad migrate into creeks and coves and bass follow them, so moving baits that cover water are often effective. Fall turnover can make fishing inconsistent for a short time on deeper lakes. Schooling fish appear in open water.
This describes typical October patterns on Texas reservoirs. It is not an observed report for Cedar Creek Reservoir. Water temperature, lake level (currently -0.26 ft this week) and weather move fish more than the calendar does.
Get water levels, big changes and the coastal outlook in your inbox weekly. Subscribe free to the Texas Lake Report newsletter.
Best baits & techniques for Cedar Creek Reservoir bass fishing
General, proven approaches for the species TPWD lists in Cedar Creek Reservoir. These are not lake-specific hot baits.
- Largemouth bass
- Texas-rigged soft plastics (worms, creature baits), jigs, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, crankbaits (squarebills shallow, deep divers on ledges), lipless crankbaits, and topwaters in low light. Florida-strain trophies are often caught on big worms, jigs and swimbaits.
- Striped & hybrid striped bass
- Live shad, slabs/jigging spoons, swimbaits and topwaters when fish are schooling. Watch for gulls and surface activity, and use electronics to find schools in open water.
- Crappie
- Live minnows and small jigs around brush piles, standing timber, docks and bridge pilings. Spider-rigging and vertical jigging are common.
- Catfish
- Cut bait and live bait for blue and flathead catfish, prepared/stink baits and worms for channel catfish. Drift-fishing and baited holes are both popular.
Comparing gear? See our baitcasting reel and bass rod spec comparisons.
Fish species in Cedar Creek Reservoir
- Largemouth bass
- Blue, channel & flathead catfish
- White & hybrid striped bass
- Crappie
| Location | 15 miles west of Athens in the area between US 175 and Texas 274 |
|---|---|
| Surface area (at full pool) | 32,623 acres |
| Maximum depth | 53 feet |
| Impounded | 1965 |
| Typical fluctuation | 4 feet |
| Normal water clarity | Moderately clear at lower end to muddy in the upper end |
| Controlling authority | Tarrant Regional Water District |
Species and lake facts from TPWD: Fishing Cedar Creek Reservoir (retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Bag and size limits can be lake-specific; check the TPWD Outdoor Annual.
Cedar Creek Reservoir boat ramps & public access
Status: check before you go. We don't track ramp closures. Ramps can close for low or high water, construction or flood damage, and the lake is -5.8 ft vs. conservation pool today. Confirm with the operator (Tarrant Regional Water District).
Access is available at two public boat ramps and several private marinas. Some private ramps may be difficult to use under low-water conditions. Campsites or RV hookups are available at some marinas.
| Map | Boat ramp / access point & location | Amenities (TPWD) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Chamber Island From Seven Points, turn east on Texas 334 (FM 85). Ramp is on the east side of the island in the middle of the causeway bridge. Two-lane paved ramp with parking for 75 vehicles; Free park entry, donation requested for boat launch; Operated by Cedar Creek Lake Organization | ADA Accessible, parking, courtesy docks, picnic areas | Check before you go |
| B | Sandy Shores Marina Located on the east shore. From US 175, turn east on Texas 334/FM 85. Go through Gun Barrel City and turn left on Big Chief Drive, just before bridge. One-lane ramp, usable at various lake levels; $5 launch fee; $5 fish-cleaning fee for day visitors; Parking for 70 vehicles; Privately operated (903) 887-0535 | restrooms, cleaning stations, parking, courtesy docks, weigh stations, camping | Check before you go |
| C | Lone Star Marina Located on the west shore at mid-lake. From Kemp, take Texas 274 south. Six miles past Seven Points, turn east at Don's Port billboard and follow signs to marina. Boat ramp has parking for 50 vehicles; $5 fee; Privately operated (903) 432-2268 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks, boat gas | Check before you go |
| D | Log Cabin Four-lane boat ramp, usable at various water levels $10 launch fee; Fishing pier; Operated by City of Log Cabin (903) 489-2195 | restrooms, parking, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| E | County Ramp Take Texas 31 to Malakoff and turn north on FM 198. Go 3 miles, cross Caney Creek. Ramp is on right at the north end of the bridge. Two-lane paved ramp with parking for 40 vehicles; No fee required; Operated by Henderson County | parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
| F | Fisherman's Wharf Take Texas 31 to Malakoff and turn north on FM 198. Turn west on FM 3062, go 1 mile and turn right on CR 1703. Boat ramp has parking for 40 vehicles; $5 fee; Privately operated (903) 489-0710 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, courtesy docks, weigh stations, boat gas, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
Access list from TPWD: Cedar Creek Reservoir public access facilities (map and locations on TPWD; retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Includes some privately owned facilities that may charge fees.
Texas law requires draining all water from your boat and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh water (zebra mussel prevention). Clean, drain and dry.
Local guides & marinas at Cedar Creek Reservoir
Run a guide service, marina or bait shop on Cedar Creek Reservoir? Get listed free.
Cedar Creek Reservoir weather forecast
- Today
77°F, Sunny
Wind E 0 to 5 mph - Tonight
55°F, Mostly Clear
Wind 0 mph - Wednesday
79°F, Sunny
Wind 0 mph - Wednesday Night
56°F, Clear
Wind 0 mph - Thursday
80°F, Sunny
Wind 0 mph - Thursday Night
57°F, Mostly Clear
Wind 0 mph
National Weather Service point forecast for 32.243, -96.141 (NWS FWD), issued Oct 20, 6:06 AM CDT. Full forecast at weather.gov.
Cedar Creek Reservoir FAQ
What is the water level at Cedar Creek Reservoir today?
On Oct 20, 2026, Cedar Creek Reservoir was at 316.18 ft above mean sea level and 73.0% full, according to the Texas Water Development Board. That is 5.82 ft below the 322.0 ft conservation pool.
What fish are in Cedar Creek Reservoir?
TPWD lists these predominant species for Cedar Creek Reservoir: Largemouth bass, Blue, channel & flathead catfish, White & hybrid striped bass, Crappie.
Who manages Cedar Creek Reservoir?
Tarrant Regional Water District is the controlling authority, according to TPWD.
Nearby lakes
- Richland-Chambers Reservoir · 15 mi · 89.9%
- Lake Athens · 22 mi · 96.9%
- Lake Tawakoni · 41 mi · 89.9%
- Lake Palestine · 43 mi · 87.6%
- Lake Ray Hubbard · 44 mi · 84.1%
- Lake Fork · 53 mi · 80.1%