Lake Houston

infobox_lake
lake_name = Lake Houston
image_lake =
type = Municipal water reservoir
caption_lake =
location = 15 miles (24 km) northeast of downtown Houston, Texas
basin_countries = United States
coords = coord|29|57.53|N|95|8.93|W|region:US-TX_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
inflow = west fork of the San Jacinto River
outflow = west fork of the San Jacinto River
area = 11,854 acres (48.0 km²)
depth =
max-depth = 45 ft (14 m)
elevation = 44 ft (13 m)
volume = convert|146700|acre.ft|km3|abbr=on|lk=on

Lake Houston is a reservoir on the west fork of the San Jacinto River, 15 miles (24 km) northeast of downtown Houston, Texas, USA. The reservoir is the primary municipal water supply for the city of Houston and much of the surrounding area.

Location and creation

Situated between the suburbs of Humble (pronounced Umble, with a silent H), Kingwood and Atascocita on the west bank, and Huffman and Crosby on the east, the south end of the lake is spanned by an earthen dam.

The reservoir was created in 1953 when the City of Houston built the dam to impound a reservoir to replace Sheldon Lake, then the primary source of water for the city. The city sold Sheldon Lake to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for use as a waterfowl sanctuary and public fishing site.

Fish and plant populations

Lake Houston has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in Lake Houston include catfish, largemouth bass, white crappie, and bluegill.

Recreational uses

Boating and fishing are both popular recreational uses of the lake. At the northern end of the lake, Lake Houston Park also has facilities for camping and hiking.

External links

* [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/houston/ Lake Houston - Texas Parks & Wildlife]
*
* [http://www.lakehoustonfishing.com Lake Houston - Fishing Lake Houston]