What Lake Nasworthy offers anglers

Lake Nasworthy is a 60-acre impoundment on the North Concho River just outside San Angelo, built primarily for municipal water supply but open to the public for fishing. The lake holds largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in a setting that feels closer to town than the larger reservoirs west of San Angelo, making it useful when you want a shorter drive or calmer conditions. The water stays relatively clear year-round because the lake is shallow and well-mixed, which means fish are less concentrated than in deeper systems but more predictable in their seasonal movements.

The lake's main advantage is access. A public park with a boat ramp, parking, and restroom facilities sits on the south shore, and the water is protected enough that small boats and kayaks can fish safely even when wind picks up elsewhere. Depths run 15 to 25 feet in the main basin, with extensive shallows along the upper end where the river enters. Those shallows are where most of the feeding happens, especially in spring and fall.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Nasworthy holds largemouth bass and catfish in shallow water, with the best fishing in the upper end where the North Concho River enters the lake.
  • A public park with a boat ramp and parking is located on the south shore, making access straightforward for anglers with small boats or kayaks.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent fishing, when bass move into shallows to feed and catfish become active in deeper channels.
  • The lake is only 60 acres, so a full day of fishing covers the entire system; plan to fish multiple spots rather than stay in one location.

Bass fishing in the shallows and structure

Largemouth bass in Nasworthy respond to shallow-water presentations because the lake lacks deep offshore structure. Fish hold around submerged timber, fallen trees along the banks, and the rocky riprap that lines parts of the shoreline. The upper end of the lake, where the river channel narrows and current still moves water, holds the most consistent bass population. Fish here are not large—most run 12 to 16 inches—but they are willing to strike.

Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, when bass move from deeper water into the shallows to hunt. Throw soft plastics like 4-inch worms or creature baits along the timber and structure, working them slowly so they stay in the strike zone. Topwater lures work during low-light periods, especially around the rocky banks. In summer, when the shallows warm, bass retreat to deeper channels and the main basin; switch to deeper-diving crankbaits or fish the channel edges where depth transitions happen quickly.

Catfish and sunfish in the deeper channels

Channel catfish and flathead catfish both inhabit Nasworthy, and they are often easier to catch than bass, especially for anglers fishing from shore or a stationary boat. Catfish hold in the deeper main basin and along the channel where the river enters, particularly where current scours deeper holes. Fish cut bait—shad or mullet—on the bottom in 15 to 25 feet of water, and check your lines every 20 to 30 minutes. Flatheads prefer live bait and are more active at night, so if you plan an evening trip, bring live bluegill or shad.

Sunfish—bluegill, redear, and longear sunfish—are abundant in the shallows and around structure. They are not the target for most visiting anglers, but they provide reliable action for children or anyone wanting consistent bites. Fish small jigs, crickets, or live minnows in 3 to 8 feet of water near the banks and around fallen timber. Sunfish bite throughout the day, though they slow in the heat of midday.

Seasonal patterns and water conditions

Spring (March through May) is the most productive season. Bass move into the shallows to spawn, and catfish become active as water temperatures climb. The upper end of the lake, where the river enters, warms first and draws fish earliest in the season. Water clarity is usually good, so sight-fishing for bass is possible on calm mornings.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite for bass but keeps catfish active. The shallows become too warm for bass to stay long, so fish move to the deeper main basin or hold tight to structure in shade. Early morning and evening trips are more productive than midday. Catfish bite best at night when water temperatures peak.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools and bass return to the shallows. This is often the second-best season after spring. Winter (December through February) slows fishing overall, but catfish remain catchable in the deeper channels, and bass occasionally bite on slow presentations near structure on warmer afternoons.

Access, facilities, and regulations

The public park on the south shore has a concrete boat ramp, parking for vehicles with trailers, and restroom facilities. There is no fee to launch or fish. The ramp is wide enough for single-lane traffic and is maintained by the City of San Angelo. Kayak and canoe anglers can launch from the same area or from the upper end of the lake where the river enters, though that access is less developed.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations apply. You need a valid Texas fishing license to fish Nasworthy, available online or at sporting goods stores in San Angelo. Bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit with a daily bag of five fish. Catfish have no size limit and a daily bag of 25 fish. Check the current regulations before you fish, as rules can change.

Tackle and techniques for Nasworthy's shallow system

Bring a medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line for bass. The shallow water and light cover mean you do not need heavy tackle, and lighter line casts farther and feels more natural. Pack soft plastics in natural colors—green pumpkin, watermelon, and brown—along with a few topwater lures for early morning. A 7-foot rod is ideal for accuracy in tight spaces.

For catfish, a medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line and a basic slip sinker rig works well. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish at night. For sunfish, a light spinning rod with 4- to 6-pound line and small jigs or live bait is all you need. The lake is small enough that you can cover most productive water in a half day, so plan to move between the upper shallows, the main basin, and the rocky banks rather than camp in one spot.

When to fish and what to expect

Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends, and the lake is small enough that a few other boats will not crowd you. Plan a half-day trip if you are visiting from San Angelo proper—the drive is short, and the fishing is concentrated enough that you can fish the whole system in four to five hours. Bring water and sunscreen; there is no shade on the water, and the West Texas sun is intense even in spring and fall.

Expect to catch fish, but do not expect large ones. Bass average 12 to 16 inches, and catfish run 2 to 5 pounds on average, with occasional larger fish in the 8- to 12-pound range. The lake is most valuable as a place to practice technique or introduce someone to fishing, rather than as a destination for trophy hunting. The consistent bite and easy access make it reliable when you want a short outing with a good chance of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Nasworthy?

No. The shoreline has accessible banks, especially along the south side near the park, and you can catch catfish and sunfish from shore. A boat or kayak lets you reach the deeper channels and the upper shallows more easily, but it is not required.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset) are most productive for bass. Catfish bite throughout the day and night, with peak activity at night during summer. Sunfish bite all day but slow during the hottest midday hours.

Can I fish the upper end where the river enters?

Yes. The upper end holds the most bass and is less crowded than the main lake. Access is rougher than the public park, and there is no developed ramp, but anglers with kayaks or small boats can reach it by paddling upstream. Check water levels before you go, as low water can make navigation difficult.

What should I do if the lake is too windy?

The upper end and the main basin are more protected than the open south shore. If wind picks up, move to the river channel or stay close to the banks where trees and terrain block the wind. If conditions are dangerous, wait for calmer weather—the lake is small and will fish well another day.

Are there any restrictions on boat size or type?

No formal restrictions exist, but the lake is shallow and small. Large boats with deep drafts can run aground in the upper end, and jet skis are not practical. Small boats, kayaks, canoes, and pontoons work well. Check with the City of San Angelo Parks Department if you have questions about specific vessel types.