B.A. Steinhagen Lake: Fishing and Camping on the Neches River

B.A. Steinhagen Lake was formed in 1951 when the Neches River was dammed at Town Bluff. The dam sits on the Tyler-Jasper county line, with the western half in Tyler County and the eastern half in Jasper County. The lake covers about 10,687 acres, and the county line runs right down the middle of it.

Catfish (channel, blue, and flathead) are the most popular catch. Crappie, largemouth bass, and sunfish are also present. The Corps of Engineers manages four parks on the lake. Three of them — Magnolia Ridge, Sandy Creek, and Campers Cove — offer camping and boat ramps. Bluffview Park is day-use only. Martin Dies Jr. State Park, run by Texas Parks and Wildlife, sits nearby on US 190. A fish consumption advisory was in effect for this lake, so check the TPWD lake page before eating your catch. A standard Texas fishing license is all you need.