In the mid to late 70's the state began a stocking program with Florida strain largemouth bass. The rest is history. These stockings began in powerplant lakes because they were thought to be suited for the Florida strain. In 1980 the 32 year old Texas state largemouth bass record of 13-5 lbs from Lake Medina was broken. Jimmy Kimball caught a new state record of 14-09 and bass fishing in Texas changed forever and the new era of trophy bass fishing in Texas was kicked off. During this period in 1983 Lake Welsh had a 15-23 that stood for a short time as the "pulic water record" because the then State record was a 15-5 from private Lake Echo. I will date myself by saying I was just getting out of highschool and was part of the trophy bass craze that was taking off at this time. I learned bass fishing on Lake Welsh and it was known as a trophy lake. My question: when is the last time anyone has seen a bass anywhere close to double digit caught from Welsh? For that matter when did anyone catch an 8+ from Welsh? While way past it's prime I still catch an accasional 7-8lber from Monticello and hear of a DD or two caught each year from it but I have never seen or heard of anything even close to "trophy" status from Welsh in years...a lot of years. Anyone?

I've caught a 9 off the big Hump!!!

I know several 10+ out there and they will have a cross etch on their forehead...do not ask me how I know this

My dad caught a 9 3/4 lber. in '84 that's hanging in my garage. RIP, Pops.

I have seen a fish over 7# come out of welsh in 5-6 years.

I'll be fishing it some this winter, I'll be sure to post pics if I can catch a big one.

Used to night fish that hump. Some big fish come out of the deep to feed on this shallow rocky spot.

dam broke on Welsh, all the fish are gone, dry lake, guess everyone can go to Martin Creek or Monticello

Seems like this happens to this lake every year! Dang the bad luck.

Have not heard of any DD out of either lake in a while but had some 7-8 lber last year at welsh and I think maybe one around 9 lbs. They are there but the hide good ! Got a picture of a dead fish at Monticello last year that for sure was 11-12 lbs. What a shame.

I think locals that fish it probably don't talk about what they catch.....I know if I caught a 12+ on my home lake you'd never know.....

So True !

I have fished it hard for 3 years . 5.5 will win big bass almost everytime . The weight should go up some this year , as the cool summer didn't make the water boil !

My biggest is just over 6 in 21 years fishing that lake (only five or six times a year though). Have had one day partner and I caught 110 fish biggest was just over four. Fun day though.