Amistad Reservoir, located on the Rio Grande River 12 miles northwest of Del Rio in Val Verde County, Texas, is a premier fishing destination spanning 64,900 acres. Created in 1969, this international reservoir (shared between the United States and Mexico) offers exceptional angling opportunities with crystal-clear waters reaching depths of 217 feet. The reservoir features a complex underwater topography dominated by rocky structure, steep drop-offs, rocky points, and shorelines, complemented by submerged vegetation primarily consisting of hydrilla. Water levels fluctuate significantly based on rainfall and downstream irrigation demands, with annual fluctuations of 5-10 feet and historical drops of up to 50 feet below conservation pool elevation. The reservoir's pristine natural beauty makes it a tranquil escape for fishing enthusiasts, with its remote location contributing to its reputation as one of America's premier bass fishing destinations.
Learn what type of fish are at Amistad Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Atractosteus spatula
Ictalurus furcatus
Oreochromis aureus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Pylodictis olivaris
Aplodinotus grunniens
Moxostoma congestum
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis megalotis
Lepisosteus osseus
Lepomis auritus
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
Carpiodes carpio
Ambloplites rupestris
Ictiobus bubalus
Lepisosteus oculatus
Morone saxatilis
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Ameiurus natalis
Learn how to get on Amistad Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Amistad Reservoir, and when to apply.
Boater pass · Motorboats · Required year-round
Boats that need Texas registration must have an Amistad lake use pass to launch on Amistad Reservoir, and paddled craft are exempt.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Amistad National Recreation Area
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
All residents and visitors over the age of 17 require a Texas fishing license to reel in fish, mussels, clams, and crayfish across the state. In addition, you’ll need specific tags or endorsements based on the size of the catch and its location.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Access must usually be obtained through the use of public property. The typical access may be from the right of way of a public road that crosses the stream, through a publicly owned boat launch area, or from some other public land (a park, for example) adjacent to the stream. There is no general right to cross private property to get to a navigable stream. There are a number of privately owned parks or campgrounds where members of the public may have access to a navigable stream by paying a small fee to the landowner. If the private landowner forbids access, an attempt to use the private land would be a trespass. Texas courts have recognized that a member of the public may engage in a variety of lawful activities along a navigable stream. Besides boating, persons may swim, float, walk, wade, picnic, camp, and (with a license) fish. Public use must be confined to the stream bed and, to a limited extent, the banks. State law prohibits parking on a highway bridge and generally forbids (with certain exceptions) parking in the main traveled part of a highway. Within a public road’s right of way, private fencing that restricts public passage to the stream is illegal.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Amistad Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Amistad Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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See the best times to fish Amistad Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.
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