Ran into an old friend and he said to give Sheldon Reservoir a try. I've tried searches but the only info I could find was fairly old. Anyone have insights they'd care to share? Looking to try something new.

Thanks in advance.

Lots of good fish in it. Not just bass. Big catfish,crappie and some of the biggest bluegill I've ever seen. But bass fishing can be good. Early spring it's one my spots I go to trying to specifically look for a DD class fish. There are many in there, at leat used to be. It hasn't fished the same since the drought started. I think 08 was the best year. I caught 3 over 10 in 08 alone and only 1 since then. You can get bit flipping/punching prettt much year round. Throwing a frog or buzz bait in the pads has always been a good goto also. The lake is shallow and no running in it. Last I checked it was idle only might have even went to no cranking your big motor. Not sure as haven't been in about a year.

Sheldon does have a ton of quality fish. Lots of vegetation and food, so they're very healthy! It is idle only, although I see that rule being broken nearly every time I'm there. Vegetation, mostly millfoil, is very thick right now and can make navigation a challenge. There are also lots of stumps waiting just under the water to ruin your fiberglass boat. The boat ramp is also a challenge - can't see over it until you're on top of it, and locals like to sit on the ramp to fish.

I love fishing trees and pads, so Sheldon is like heaven for me. Cauight lots of fish out of there this year, including a 5.22 and an 8.04, and TONS of big bluegill and redear. Wacky worm, weightless fluke, t-rig craw/creature bait, frog, buzzbait all work well. Plan on fishing everything weedless bc of the thick vegetation.

Good luck and tight lines!

It is a good place to fish, but nothing close to what it used to be several years ago. Plus, each year it seems like less of the grass dies off and it is also fishing smaller and smaller because of it. Like right now, you can barely fish anywhere because the grass is so thick and heavy.

Some of you also need to check up on the rules of the so called "idle only". I hear guys say that all the time but that isn't the rule. In fact, I would like someone to find that and show that to me if you think it is the rule.

I have spoken with 2 separate TPWD officials, there is a location about 5 minutes from Sheldon too if you want to stop by. Neither has said that "idle speed" only is correct.

Direct from their mouth, and direct from the TPWD website is the rule which follows: "Boats must not exceed headway speed while operating on the lake"

If you wanted to also take the time to read the definition of headway speed it is listed on the TPWD website also under Safe Speed "�Although there are no numerical speed limits on the water, citations may be issued for excessive speed or reckless operation. Use common sense, and operate at a safe speed at all times � especially in crowded areas.
�Excessive speed is a rate of speed greater than is reasonable or prudent without regard for conditions and hazards or greater than will permit a person to bring the boat to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead."

Granted, if you are going 70 it is likely you can get a ticket if caught. However, there is nothing online, or posted at the lake anywhere that states "idle speed" only. There are several other small lakes and reservoirs that actually do say that, one is Lake Raven in Huntsville State Park.

When I first started fishing it, the TPWD website said idle only. Now it says headway speed, so that must have changed. Good to know!

I would not suggest Sheldon to anyone. That's my 2 cents on the lake.

Headway speed is 6 mph or the slowest speed to travel and still maintain steerage.