Freshwater Fifty: Deussen Park Lake Houston

Location:

 Alexander Deussen Park   12303 Sonnier Street Houston, Texas 77044

This is a 309 acre county park on the west side of Lake Houston. Very well maintained and includes 3 boat launch ramps

Directions:

From Beltway 8 east take Lake Houston Parkway east 3.1 miles the park entrance is on the right.

Launch Site Evaluation:

 The three boat ramps are all paved . The middle ramp can accommodate at least two vehicles at a time The ramp on the very north side of the park is smaller and situated on a protected slough area and would be my choice to launch a kayak.

Paddle Details:

 Lake Houston is 11,854 acres, created in 1953 for a city water supply You will have plenty of room to explore. Deussen Park is on the far south end of the lake so try the west shoreline and along the dam.  As with most any lake near a large metropolitan area you will have to contend with some power boat traffic.

Fishing Prospects: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and  Pan fish are plentiful. The Cat fishing is excellent. The drought in 2011 caused the lake to be very low, but by early 2012 water levels were back to normal. Fishing around docks and other structure should produce satisfactory results. There is also piers from which you can fish

Water Conditions: Paddling on an open lake brings wind and other weather factors into consideration. The lake is relatively shallow and at times can appear pretty muddy. There are also several launch points on the north side of the lake that are more protected.

Amenities:

This park is very well maintained and has several pavilions and multiple handicap accessible restroom facilities. The park has a playground, hike and bike trails, a wildlife exhibit and a jogging trails.

http://www.hctx.net/comm_lee/PDeussen/index.htm

This is a shot of the very north ramp. It is the best in my opinion for kayak launch

 The middle ramp is much larger and can launch 3 power boats at a time..

 The south ramp is the spot to launch closest to the dam.

Freshwater Fifty... Trinity River North

Kayak Launch Destinations

Location:

Trinity River on Highway 59

  

Directions:

Travel highway 59 north from Beltway 8, 48.7 miles just north of Shepherd Tx. Turn left across the freeway and continue under the bridge to the ramp

  

Launch Site Evaluation:

This is a free paved 3 lane ramp. It is very long and very steep going down to the Trinity River. Plenty of paved parking available.

  

Paddle Details:

The Trinity River has very steep banks and lots of structure. Rip-rap and other structure are all along the banks. This river can be prone to major water level changes. Always check the river height and flow before planning a trip to any major river.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/rivers/flow/flow.htm

Fishing Prospects:

When fishing major rivers you will have the opportunity to target may species of fish. Largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, buffalo, gar just to name a few

  

Water Conditions:

The water in the river will be muddy to stained depending on the flow. Always be sure to check the river condition before you plan a trip. It can vary from a flat calm paddle to turbulent raging white water flood. Remember there are not many available take out spots along the river so be sure you have a game plan for where to put in and take out. If that is the same place understand you paddle capabilities and plan your trip accordingly

  

Amenities:

No Restrooms and no other facilities

Looking down the ramp

 Backing up to the water

 Looking down to the river.

 Up the ramp..it is very steep!

 Rivers edge and launch point.

 Very large parking lot.

Freshwater Fifty... Sheldon Reservior

Kayak Launch Destination

Location:

Sheldon Reservoir

Directions:

Beltway 8 east exit Garret Road. Go east ½ mile to Pineland Rd. Turn right 2.5 miles, the reservoir and parking lot will be on the left.

  

Launch Site Evaluation:

This is a free paved launch with a somewhat small parking lot.

Paddle Details:

If you are looking for a spot for a great paddle close to the city this is it. The 1254 acre reservoir was created in 1943 and offers a series of channels and islands that give you lots to explore. If you love birds this is a prime nesting spot for many species

Fishing Prospects:

Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish are all in the lake. I have fished mainly for bass. Bring your weedless gear.Top water frogs and buzz baits will work well. The lily pads are abundant and make great cover for the bass.

Water Conditions:

Power boats are allowed but I have never had much of a problem with them on this lake. There are several islands and channels for cover.

Amenities:

None. Be sure and take everything you need.

Ramp from the water

 Parking Lot from the top of the ramp.

 Looking down the ramp

 Warning Sign

Texans V Colts

 How about some of this next weekend!! Scoring that is!

 Here are a few shots from the Colts game