Black bass
For largemouth bass, length limit is a 14-21” slot. Bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches or greater in length may be retained. Only one bass 21 inches or greater may be retained. For smallmouth bass (if present), minimum length limit = 14 inches. No minimum length limit on Alabama, Guadalupe, and spotted bass (if present.) Daily bag limit for all black bass species is 5 in any combination.
Gear restriction: Fishing by pole and line only. No gas-powered motors; electric trolling motors allowed.
Official lake regulations ↗
Habitat on Wheeler Branch
Clear water, flooded trees, rock outcrops, rocky shorelines and brush piles provide habitat.
Fishing approach
Lake guide guidance: TPWD describes seasonal bass around shoreline cover and deeper structure, channel catfish drift fishing with shad, and walleye close to bottom around rocky or sandy areas.
Lake fishing guide ↗No active lake-specific advisory or possession ban was named in the reviewed DSHS directory. This does not guarantee that fish are safe to eat.
Official consumption guidance ↗Species within this group
Largemouth Bass
Harvest: For largemouth bass, length limit is a 14-21” slot. Bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches or greater in length may be retained. Only one bass 21 inches or greater may be retained. For smallmouth bass (if present), minimum length limit = 14 inches. No minimum length limit on Alabama, Guadalupe, and spotted bass (if present.) Daily bag limit for all black bass species is 5 in any combination.
Eating guidance: No active lake-specific advisory or possession ban was named in the reviewed DSHS directory. This does not guarantee that fish are safe to eat.
The upper jaw extends behind the eye. A dark lateral band runs along the side.
Smallmouth Bass
Harvest: For largemouth bass, length limit is a 14-21” slot. Bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches or greater in length may be retained. Only one bass 21 inches or greater may be retained. For smallmouth bass (if present), minimum length limit = 14 inches. No minimum length limit on Alabama, Guadalupe, and spotted bass (if present.) Daily bag limit for all black bass species is 5 in any combination.
Eating guidance: No active lake-specific advisory or possession ban was named in the reviewed DSHS directory. This does not guarantee that fish are safe to eat.
Green to bronze coloration with dark vertical markings. Upper jaw ends at or before the eye rather than extending behind it. Avoid identifying hybrids from one feature alone.
Individual lake profiles
Choose the species for its own identification, harvest rules and eating guidance on this lake.
Source & occurrence note
TPWD lake guide and reviewed fisheries evidence establish the listed species or group. Historical survey records do not establish current abundance.