Day Trips

Photo by Gerald E. McLeod

Wheeler Branch Reservoir outside of Glen Rose contains nearly three million walleye fry. A grown walleye is fun to catch and is good eating.

Since before the lake opened to the public in 2011, the Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife has stocked the lake with the usual Texas sport fish. Like the catfish and bluegills, the walleye is a native of North America, but this is one of the southernmost colonies.

So far, not many of the slow-growing walleye have been snagged at the reservoir. On the other hand, the faster-growing bass are being caught in good quantities and quality. Fishing logic says I never divulge the best fishing holes, so I'm only telling my best friends.

At only 180 acres, the lake is perfect for small boats. The rocky shoreline twists around the limestone hills into the shape of a bat wing. A small island punctuates the center of the lake for scenic effect.

The park on the lake provides covered picnic tables, showers, a swimming beach, a diving platform, and is a heavily wooded wildlife sanctuary. The panoramic view from the dam looks over the Paluxy River valley.

Wheeler Branch Reservoir and the park are two miles north of the Somervell County Expo Center off Bo Gibbs Boulevard. Entrance fees for nonresident adults start at $8 per day. The park is open from 8am to sunset. For information, go to www.scwd.com.

1,153rd in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of "Day Trips," is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.