March 1 report from Mark Knapp at Alamo Lake State Park: This going to very short, but worth reading. The lake is still coming up. When it's done we should be able to open the main ramp. Cholla ramp is open right now and the Dept. installed an 80-foot boat dock. Way cool. The lake looks like it did in '05 and is a giant milkshake. Logs jams all over. Fishing is terrible. If you value your boat, stay away from here for now. It's going to be killer fishing in about a month. We will lift the water ski ban once everything settles down. There's lots of rattlesnakes in and around the lake. We are dealing with them all over, so be careful. -- Mark
Feb. 15 report from Mark Knapp at Alamo Lake State Park: Well folks, here's what I know while being at two places in one time (literally) : The lake level is about 1100ish. Cholla ramp is the only ramp open at this time. The lake still looks like a milkshake but is slowly clearing up. I have heard bass fishing is tough, but doable. Try flipping in the new growth around the lake. No reports on crappie fishing yet. Catfishing is OK. Try all the baits I have mentioned over the years at this time of year. Yes, it's true the CORE has upped their releases to 40 cfs and going up to 50 cfs. in May. Here's the way I see it: watch the weather. If we do not get any more storms fishing in general will pick up in the next few weeks. By mid-March it will be on. If we do get hit with storms, add 2 weeks to what I'm saying now. I would be very careful going into the upper end of the lake. The lake is up to the tree area (lower browns crossing) but is very shallow in most areas. That covers fishing in a nut shell. Make sure you have a current fishing/hunting license, OHV tag, life jackets, you get the drift. Not only will this put a big smile on my face, BUT it's for your own safety. Besides, I don't want to cite you for any of these violations either. We can do this. Well, that's all I have time for. It has been pointed out by several of you, and a big surprise to me, that my name has been changed to George Knapp in several papers and internet articles. So, from us to you, remember to make a reservation, and come see us. -- Mark
Jan. 5 report from Mark Knapp at Alamo Lake State Park: Well folks, all said and done, the lake came up about 3 feet. It's a far cry from what we need, but we will take it. Plan on launching off the old rental boat area still. The lake looks like a mud hole. Lots of debris washed and floating all over the place. The only thing really biting is catfish. Anytime we get an inflow of water they go nuts and this is no exception. I don't know about shore fishing, but by boat just head up to the northeast side where the river channel is and throw about anything and you should catch a fish. This will only last until the river stops flowing. You have about two, maybe three, days left. It's been cold and colder out here. Plan on dressing very warm. That's about it for now. -- Mark
From Mark Knapp at Alamo Lake State Park: Well folks, all said and done, the lake came up about 3 feet. It's a far cry from what we need, but we will take it. Plan on launching off the old rental boat area still. The lake looks like a mud hole. Lots of debris washed and floating all over the place. The only thing really biting is catfish. Anytime we get an inflow of water they go nuts and this is no exception. I don't know about shore fishing, but by boat just head up to the northeast side where the river channel is and throw about anything and you should catch a fish. This will only last until the river stops flowing. You have about two, maybe three, days left. It's been cold and colder out here. Plan on dressing very warm. That's about it for now. -- Mark