Aquilla Lake is an artificial lake (reservoir) in Hill County, Texas, USA. The dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam is part of the overall flood control project in the Brazos River basin. The lake is located approximately north of Waco, Texas, and directly north of the town of Aquilla.

The dam was built and is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake is formed by an earthfill dam with a crest length of and a top width of . A reinforced concrete inlet structure near the center of dam houses the flood-control gates and operating equipment. Closure of the dam began March 20, 1982, and the dam was completed in January 1983. Deliberate impoundment began April 29, 1983. The lake was built for water supply, flood control, and recreation purposes. Figures given herein represent total contents. Data regarding the dam and lake are given in the following table (USGS data):

Elevation Capacity (ft) (m) (acre-feet) (million m3)Top of dam 582.5 177.6 Spillway crest (uncontrolled) 564.5 172.1 213,700 263.6Top of flood-control pool 556.0 169.5 146,000 180.1Top of conservation pool 537.5 163.8 52,400 64.6Invert, lowest gated outlet 503.0 153.3 932 1.1Record maximum (1991-12-23) 551.9 168.2 119,000 146.8Record minimum (1983-10-10) 511.3 155.8 4,600 5.7

Recreational activities on the lake include boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

Fishing Largemouth bass fishing can be good on Aquilla. The combination of stained water, localized cover, and light fishing pressure means there are some big bass to catch but you have to work for them. Fish spinner baits, jig and pork combos, and plastic worms in and around cover. Tree lines, fencerows, and creek channels are good places to start. Crappie are usually found on submerged brushpiles and large isolated trees. Live minnows seem to be the preferred bait. Channel and blue catfish are caught drift fishing flats or on trotlines set around shallow, brushy areas. Shad, cutbait, or bloodbait will all work. White bass are caught trolling small tailspinners, jigs, and spoons across windy flats.Fishing Aquilla Lake

See also List of lakes in Texas

References

External links U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Gateway: Aquilla Lake GORP: Aquilla Dam and Lake Texas Parks and Wildlife: Aquilla Lake Recreation.gov – Aquilla Dam and Lake U.S. Geological Survey: USGS Station 08093350 Aquilla Lake Above Aquilla, TX