CRMWD Natural Resources

E. V. Spence Reservoir

The E.V. Spence Reservoir was formally dedicated and opened to recreation in June 1970. The rugged terrain and colorful cliffs give it a striking beauty that is accented by bright yellow and blue wildflowers in the spring.

Its waters are especially suited to striped bass. In 2000, 36 of the top 100 record striped bass caught in Texas came from the Spence Reservoir and the lake is also popular with catfish, crappie and large-mouth bass fishermen. Game fish in the Spence Reservoir, like many across Texas, suffered some serious golden alga kills beginning in 2001, but with the help of restocking from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the fish populations are rapidly recovering.

Camp sites, boat ramps, pavilions, restrooms and private vendor concessions are available at the Spence Reservoir. The District has four parks. Paint Creek and Wildcat Creek parks on the reservoir’s south shore are the most developed, and along with Lake View, are continuously open. Rough Creek Park on the lake’s north shore is sometimes closed due to drought conditions. When full, the reservoir covers almost 15,000 surface acres and even in severe drought it typically covers more then half of that amount. Day, annual and senior vehicle permits are required for access to the District’s facilities.

District regulations and ordinances pertaining to lots, boating, private docks and more are available in the official Rules and Regulations document.

Access to the Reservoir:

From Odessa/Midland (122 mi.): IH 20 to SH. 158 southeast (toward Robert Lee) to reservoir

From San Angelo (31 mi.): US 67 to SH 208, then north to Robert Lee and Spence Reservoir

From Big Spring (70 mi): U.S. Highway 87 South to Sterling City, then SH 158 east (toward Robert Lee) to Spence Reservoir