The Falcon Reservoir located on the Rio Grande River in Zapata and Starr counties was built in the early 1950’s to provide irrigation for the fertile fields of the Rio Grande valley but also provided an opportunity for some great fishing. In the 1990’s Falcon Lake was voted Texas’ #1 bass fishing lake by many bass fishing clubs. However, in the past 15 years west and south Texas have been in the grips of a severe drought, which brought Falcon Lake to its lowest levels since construction. The land once sparkling with the reflections of the water was now being overgrown with brush.
The heavy rains of the past year has revived the lake into the beautiful and productive lake of the past. The 10 years of re-growth is now providing great cover and bedding areas for the many species of fish in the lake.
Falcon Lake, once down more than 50 feet is now nearing conservation level. Falcon Lake has increased its surface acre feet extensively and is expected to grow even more. The lake is at its highest level in years and with any more significant rainfall, the lake could reach capacity. For the past several years access was limited to the boat ramp at Falcon Lake State Park but with current water levels the Zapata County boat ramp, as well as most of the boat ramps at the many RV parks in the area, provide quick access to the lake. And it’s apparent that word is getting out. More boats can be heard on the lake daily and many of the bass clubs are returning to Zapata County for their tournament.