O H Ivie Reservoir, TX

About O H Ivie Reservoir

O.H. Ivie Reservoir is a large impoundment in west-central Texas where the Colorado and Concho rivers meet, spreading across parts of Coleman, Concho and Runnels counties. Built primarily for water supply, this sprawling, often clear reservoir is defined by rocky points, submerged creek channels, flooded brush, standing timber, and long stretches of structure that fluctuate dramatically with the region's boom-and-bust rainfall. When the lake is full it can cover tens of thousands of acres; in drought years it shrinks significantly, which is part of what makes its fishery so dynamic.

In angling circles, O.H. Ivie has become one of the most talked-about big-bass destinations in the entire country. Over the past several years it has produced an extraordinary run of Toyota ShareLunker entries—largemouth bass weighing 13 pounds and up—including some of the heaviest bass ever documented in Texas. That reputation draws traveling anglers from across the U.S. chasing a true double-digit fish, especially during the late-winter and early-spring trophy window. Beyond the trophy bass, Ivie also offers solid catfishing, crappie, and white bass, making it a well-rounded fishery for visitors and locals alike.

Fish Species

O.H. Ivie supports a mix of warmwater gamefish, but it is the bass fishing that has made it nationally known.

• Largemouth bass — the marquee species and the reason most traveling anglers come. Ivie has produced a remarkable concentration of giant, ShareLunker-class fish, and double-digit bass are a genuine possibility here in the right season.
• Smallmouth bass — present and capable of strong size, taking advantage of the lake's rock and clear water.
• White bass — schooling fish that provide fast, fun action, particularly around the river arms and during their seasonal runs.
• Crappie — both black and white crappie relate to brush, timber and submerged structure, offering good panfishing.
• Catfish — channel, blue and flathead catfish are all available, with the chance at hefty blues and flatheads.
• Sunfish — bluegill and other panfish round out the forage base and provide easy action for kids and bait anglers.

Best Seasons & Times

Winter to early spring (roughly December through March) is the celebrated trophy-bass window at Ivie. As water temperatures climb out of the cold, the lake's biggest females move up to stage and eventually spawn, and this is when the giant ShareLunker-class largemouth are most catchable. Many of the heaviest bass come on slow presentations during this period, and midday can actually be prime when the sun warms shallow water.

Spring brings the main spawn and excellent overall action—bass on beds and staging areas, white bass running the upper river arms, and crappie moving shallow to brush. Summer pushes fish deeper to channels, humps and main-lake structure; early morning and late evening are most productive as the heat builds, and catfishing is strong through the warm months. Fall sees bass and white bass chasing shad as the water cools, often with exciting schooling activity around points and flats. In general, low-light periods at dawn and dusk are reliable, but the cold-season trophy bite can break that rule.

Techniques & Baits

Techniques at Ivie revolve around its clear water, abundant structure, and a forage base heavy on shad. For the trophy largemouth that built the lake's reputation:

• Big swimbaits and glide baits — large soft and hard swimbaits are a signature technique for targeting the biggest females, especially in the cold-season trophy window.
• Forward-facing sonar with soft jerkbaits and underspins — many of Ivie's giant bass in recent years have come from anglers using live-imaging electronics to spot and target individual big fish suspended near brush, timber and channel edges.
• Jigs, Texas-rigged creature baits and Carolina rigs — effective around rock, brush and standing timber, both shallow in spring and deeper in summer.
• Crankbaits and lipless cranks — good for covering water on points and flats, particularly in fall when bass chase shad.

For other species: white bass respond to small slabs, spoons and shad-imitating crankbaits, especially during their runs and when schooling on top. Crappie are taken with minnows and small jigs fished around submerged brush and timber. Catfish come on cut bait, shad and prepared baits along channels and flats, with larger blues and flatheads favoring fresh or live offerings. Because Ivie's water clarity is often high, natural color patterns and a stealthy approach tend to pay off.

Access & Launches

O.H. Ivie sits in a fairly remote stretch of west-central Texas, so it is more of a destination than a quick stop. The reservoir is managed in connection with regional water authorities, and there are public boat-launch facilities as well as a marina and lodging-style operations that cater to visiting anglers. Access points are spread around the lake's major arms, so it helps to plan your launch based on which part of the lake you intend to fish.

Because the lake level fluctuates significantly with drought and rainfall, ramp usability and shoreline access can change from season to season—it is wise to confirm current conditions and which ramps are open before you travel. Bank and wade access exists in spots, but a boat greatly expands your options on such a large, structure-rich reservoir. For specific ramp locations, marina services, and current lake-level information, check with the managing authority or current local sources before your trip.

Regulations & Licenses

A valid Texas fishing license with the appropriate freshwater endorsement is required for anglers of licensing age, and you should carry it while fishing. O.H. Ivie is managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, and bass, crappie, catfish and other species are subject to size limits, bag limits, and in some cases special or lake-specific regulations that can change over time.

Given Ivie's status as a trophy bass fishery, anglers should be especially familiar with current largemouth bass rules and strongly consider catch-and-release of big fish to protect the lake's giants—live, eligible ShareLunker-class bass can be entered into the Texas program. Always review the current Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations for O.H. Ivie before fishing to confirm slot limits, bag limits, and any special provisions, as these are updated periodically and vary by species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is O.H. Ivie known for catching?
O.H. Ivie is best known for producing giant largemouth bass. In recent years it has generated an exceptional run of Toyota ShareLunker entries—bass over 13 pounds—including some of the largest ever documented in Texas, which is why it draws trophy hunters from around the country. It also offers smallmouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish.

When is the best time to catch a trophy bass at O.H. Ivie?
The prime trophy window is late winter into early spring, roughly December through March, when the lake's biggest females stage and prepare to spawn. Slow presentations and big baits shine during this period, and midday can be productive as the sun warms shallow water. The spring spawn also offers excellent overall bass action.

What techniques work best for the big bass at O.H. Ivie?
Large swimbaits and glide baits are a signature approach for the biggest fish. Many of Ivie's recent giants have come from anglers using forward-facing sonar to target individual big bass with soft jerkbaits or underspins near brush and timber. Jigs, Texas rigs, and Carolina rigs around rock and structure also produce well.

Do I need a license to fish O.H. Ivie Reservoir?
Yes. A valid Texas fishing license with the appropriate freshwater endorsement is required for anglers of licensing age. The lake is managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, and species like bass, crappie, and catfish are subject to size and bag limits that can change, so check the current TPWD regulations for O.H. Ivie before your trip.