Lake Meredith

The Hidden Oasis of the Texas Panhanle

Summer 2023 Edition

Welcome to Lake Meredith

The Hidden Oasis of the Texas Panhandle!

Nestled in the panhandle of Texas is an oasis, Lake Meredith. In this oasis, visitors can find relief from life’s stressors and enjoy the available recreation on the water and off. Also, the many habitats and vast array of wildlife are expansive. In the following pages, you will find ten of the many things you can do at Lake Meredith.

Before Lake Meredith, the Canadian River flowed freely through the area. The need for drinking water in the extended surrounding regions was answered by former Borger City Manager A.A. Meredith, who devised the project that built the lake named after him. The federal government financed the project under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Reclamation and is owned and operated by the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority.

Construction began March 11, 1962, and was completed three years later. Meredith did not get to see the completion of his project, dying two years before it was completed in April 1963. Lake Meredith

supplies water to 11 west Texas cities: Amarillo, Borger, Brownfield, Lamesa, Levelland, Lubbock, O ‘Donnell, Pampa, Plainview, Slaton, and Tahoka. Lake Meredith can store 1,407,600 acre-feet and a surface area of 21,640 acres at an elevation of 2,965 feet above mean sea level. Since 1965 the reservoir has been under the administration of the National Park Service. In 1972 Sanford Recreation Area, as it was called, was renamed Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Archeological traces of prehistoric Indians, most notably the Alibates Flint Quarries, dot the lake area. The remains of Amos McBride’s stone ranch house, dating from the 1870s, are in McBride Canyon on the southeastern side of the lake (Texas State Historical Association). We at The Eagle Press, hope to see you soon, at Lake Meredith, the hidden oasis of the Texas Panhandle.

Tara Huff, Publisher

Lake Meredith is a great source for many types of fish. Walleye, crappie, white bass, bass, catfish, and trout can be found in different areas throughout the lake. While there are many areas around Lake Meredith’s shores to fish, easily accessible areas include the docks at Sanford-Yake and Spring Canyon. Other good fishing spots are the shores of Harbor Bay, Cedar Canyon, Chimney Hollow, or Bugbee Canyon. Grab your bait from one of the many area bait shops, cast your line and enjoy a great day (or night) of fishing!

Freshwater Devices

Game fish may be taken only by pole and line Channel, blue, and flathead catfish also may eb taken wit h a trotline, jugline, or throwline.

Definitions:

Jugline - a fishing line with five or less hooks tied to a freefloating device. Gear tag must be attached within six inches of the free-floating device and marked with the date set out. For non-commercial purposes, a jugline must be marked with a white free-floating device.

Gear tag - a tag made of material as durable as the device to which it is attached. A gear tag must be clearly legible and show the name and address of the person using the device and the

1. Fishing

date the device is set out. For freshwater trolleys, the gear tag is valid for 30 days.

Trotline - a fishing line with more than 5 hooks attached and with one end attached to a fixture.

The gear tag is valid for 30 days.

Against the law in these cases: a mainline greater than 600 feet hooks spaced less than 3 horizontal feet apart metallic stakes

Limits:

Largemouth, Smallmouth Bass- Daily Bag-5 (any combination), Possession 10, Minimum Length- 14”

White, Sand Bass- Daily Bag-25, Possession- 50, Minimum Length- 10”

Channel, Blue Catfish, their hybrids, and subspecies

- Daily Bag- 25 (any combination), Possession (any combination)- 50, Minimum Length- 12”

Flathead Catfish - Daily Bag 5, Possession-10 Minimum Length 12”

White and Black Trout, their hybrids and subspecies - Daily Bag- 25 (any combination), Possession- 50 (any combination), Minimum Length- 10”

Rainbow, Brown Trout and their hybrids and subspecies- Daily Bag- 5 (any combination), Possession- 10, Minimum Length- No Limit

Lake Meredith offers numerous camping opportunities, including scenic overlooks, shoreline camping, and wooded campgrounds. There are 10 RV sites at SanfordYake with electric and water hookups. These sites charge a fee and are available by reservation. All other sites and campgrounds are FREE and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Caprock Campgrounds

Scenic overlooks of the lake with picnic tables and shade shelters

Locations:

Sanford-Yake

Located on Sanford-Yake Road near the dam, Sanford-Yake is a well-maintained campground with a scenic overlook. A well-suited area for RV’s, trailers and campers. What to Know- There are 10 RV sites with 50, 30 and 20 amp electric and water hookups. These 10 fee sites are available by reservation. For reservation and fee information, go to www.wrightonlakemeredith.com or call 806-865-3131. The remaining 41 sites are free; first come, first serve.

AvailablePicnic tables, shade shelters, and grills

Bathroom with potable water, showers, and flush toilets

Paved roads and pullthrough parking

2. Camping

Water and dump station nearby

Fritch Fortress

Located about 3.5 miles from Fritch, on Fritch Fortress Road, this popular campground overlooks the lake.

What to Know- Fritch Fortress Campground is suitable for RV’s, trailers, and campers (but no hookups).

Available-

Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills

Bathroom with potable water, showers and flush toilets

Paved road & pull-through parking available

Dump station nearby

Blue West

Located north of the lake off Farm-to-Market Road 1913.

What to Know- This campground has breath-taking views of Lake Meredith. However, access to the shoreline is difficult.

Available-

Picnic tables, and shaded shelters

Bring drinking water

Vaulted- evaporator toilets only

During the summer, wildflowers and other shrubs cover the mesas

Lower Campgrounds

Southeast shore--sandy beaches, hiking, fishing from shore, birding, and wildlife viewing.

Locations:

Harbor Bay

This beautiful campground is located near Fritch. From Broadway Street, turn west on Lakeview Drive until you reach the campground.

What to Know- This large camping area has developed sites and stunning lake views, especially at sunset. Drive with caution when leaving any paved roads in this area.

Available-

Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills

Bring drinking water

Vault-evaporator toilets

Harbor Bay and South Turkey Creek Hiking Trails

Canyon Campgrounds

Hunting, hiking, & horseback riding Limited off-road vehicle areas

Locations:

Blue Creek

This area for off-road vehicles is located in the Big Blue Creek drainage on the northwest side of the lake. This area can be accessed from FM 1913.

What to Know- The area features beach camping with no individual campsites. The camping area is soft during rainy conditions. Drive with caution when leaving paved roads.

Available-

Restroom with potable water and flush toilets near the parking lot

Large cottonwoods pro-

vide shade in this area

Beautiful views of Lake Meredith

Blue West

Located north of the lake off Farm-to-Market Road 1913.

What to Know- Off-Road Area

Available-

Off-road use in creek bed ONLY

Primitive campground

Bring drinking water

Vault-evaporator toilets only

Rosita Flats

Off-road vehicle area on Canadian River with access from Highway 87/287.

What to Know- Off-Road Area

Available-

Primitive campground

Bring drinking water

Vault-evaporator toilets only

Plum Creek

Located on the southwest side of lake off FM 1913.

What to Know- Plum Creek is a popular area for horseback riding, hiking, and bicycling. Devil’s Canyon Trail is for beginner to experienced horseback riders, as well as hikers and mountain bikers. This area contains some beautiful shade trees. A great place for birdwatching.

Available-

Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills

Bring drinking water

Vault-evaporator toilets only

Horse corrals and water troughs

Other Campgrounds

Northwest shore

Chimney Hollow

Located near Blue West.

What to Know- This remote and primitive campground is tucked in the Blue Creek embankment, which affords the area protection from prevailing winds.

Available-

Picnic tables

Bring drinking water

Vault-evaporator toilets only

Bugbee

Located off Farm-to-Market 3395. What to Know- The Bugbee area features shoreline fishing. Areas near the shore will be soft during rainy conditions. Drive with caution when leaving paved roads.

Available-

Primitive Campground

Bring drinking water

Vault-evaporator toilets only

Lake Meredith has been enjoyed my millions of people who love boating. They have enjoyed the waters of Lake Meredith via their private boat or by renting watercrafts from the park’s vendor. Currently there are four boat ramps open. What to Know-

There is no fee associated with boating on Lake Meredith.

Motorized boats must be registered in accordance with federal and state regulations. Every vessel must carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each person on board.

Remember to Clean, Drain and Dry- Help protect lakes from invasive species such as giant salvinia, quagga, and zebra mussels. Invasive species can attach to boats, trailers or gear and spread to another lake. Always clean, drain, and dry watercraft before traveling from one waterbody to another.

It is the law to Remove

Drain Plugs- It is illegal to transport or possess aquatic invasive species in Texas. Drain plugs must be removed when leaving the water.

Locations:

Sanford-Yake Boat Ramp

From the east side of Fritch, exit Hwy 136 on Eagle Blvd.

3. Boating

and exit on Blue West Rd.

Available-

Two-lane boat ramp with parking for 10

Parking

Courtesy Docks

Restrooms

Picnic Areas

Camping

Operated by National Park Service (806) 857-3151

Harbor Bay Boat Ramp

Canoeing, Kayaking & SUP Boards

Turn north on Fritch Fortress Road, go about three miles to High Plains Road and turn right. High Plains intersects Sanford Yake Road - keep left. Follow Sanford Yake to end of road

Available -

Four-lane boat ramp with parking for 50

Courtesy Docks

Parking

Restrooms

Handicap Access

Picnic Areas

Camping

Open all year

Operated by National Park Service (806) 857-3151

Fritch Fortress Boat Ramp

From east side of Fritch, exit Hwy 136 on Eagle Blvd. Turn north on Fritch Fortress Hwy and follow about

4 miles to Fritch Fortress.

Available-

Four-lane boat ramp with parking for 30

Courtesy Docks

Parking

Restrooms

Picnic Areas

Camping

Open all year

Operated by National Park Service (806) 857-3151

Blue West Boat Ramp

Located near the intersection of FM 1913 and Hwy 287, 12 miles south of Dumas. Drive

16 miles east on FM 1913

Located in Harbor Bay: from highway 136 turn onto Lakeview Dr. Continue into Harbor Bay area.

Available-

Two-lane boat ramp

Parking

Restrooms

Picnic Areas

Camping

Operated by National Park Service (806) 857-3151

Canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboards have gained popularity at Lake Meredith. What to know- non-motorized vessels do not need registration. Life jackets are still required. One popular spot to enjoy these nonmotorized vessels is at Spring Canyon basin where motorized bots are not allowed. Paddling can be enjoyed anywhere on Lake Meredith. Please pay attention to the weather and water conditions. If you do not have your own equipment, the park vendor located at the Sanford-Yake boat ramp does rent kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats.

Trails at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area have beautiful views of landscapes, animal life, and history. Some trails are for mountain biking and hiking, and others are just for hiking, and range from easy to Strenuous.

Locations:

Harbor Bay Tail

The Harbor Bay Trail’s trailhead is located at The Harbor Bay Camping Area and ends at Meredith Way. Harbor Bay is located outside of Fritch at the end of Lakeview Drive off Highway 136.

Experience Level- Moderate

What to Know- It is an out and back format with two optional loops. Round trip, including both loops, this moderate hike/bike trail is roughly eight miles. The terrain consists of gently rolling hills, steep slopes with steps, switchbacks and more. Bring drinking water and your camera.

Available -

Views of Lake Meredith

Variety of foliage along trail

Bathroom available at Harbor Bay

Mullinaw Trail

Located southwest of Lake Meredith, off SH 136.

Experience LeveEasy to Moderate

What to Know- The entire Mullinaw Trail System covers 4.3 miles. The orange spur travels along the Canadian river for 2.25

4. Trails

Great view of a variety of habitats.

Bathroom available at Harbor Bay

Fritch Fortress Trail

The trailhead is located at the Fritch Fortress camping area. From Fritch, on hwy. 136, turn left onto Fritch Fortress Dr. Follow to campgrounds.

Experience Level- Moderate to Strenuous

sand sage, prickly pear cactus, many wildflowers

Bathroom available at Fritch

Fortress Campgrounds

Mesquite Trail

This trail is located right next to the Alibates Flint Quarries Museum. From Fritch, hwy. 136 S, approximately 4.5 miles outside of Fritch, turn right onto Cas Johnson Rd. Continue onto Alibates Rd.

Experience Level- Easy

miles and is the main portion of the trail. On the blue and green spur, a variety of native plants, grasses, and trees can be seen. The green spur totals 1.17 miles and the blue spur is 0.58 of a mile. Spring is an excellent season to view wildflowers along the Mullinaw Trail System. Many large raptors migrate to the cottonwood treats. Don’t forget binoculars, and camera. This tail is especially beautiful during the fall season.

Available-

Opportunities for great viewing of birds and other wildlife Great view of changing colors during the fall

South Turkey Creek Trail

The South Turkey Creek Trail begins across the road from the picnic area at Harbor Bay. Harbor Bay is located outside of Fritch at the end of Lakeview Drive off Highway 136.

Experience LevelEasy to Moderate

What to Know- Hike/bike on a beautiful trail along the shoreline of Lake Meredith through several habitats. The first section of the trail covers 6.17 miles to South Turkey Creek. An additional loop measures 4.17 miles. The total length of the South Turkey Creek Trail is approximately 16.51 miles of rolling hills, lake views, and deep canyons.

Available-

Opportunities for great viewing of birds and other wildlife

What to Know- The trail is constructed in steep side slope, with steep drop off on the trail’s edge, trail contains two sets of moderate switchbacks. WARNING: The Fritch Fortress Trail is currently under construction. Watch for hazardous conditions such as holes, rocks on the trial, trail workers and abrupt end of trail.

Available-

Opportunities for great viewing of turkey vultures

Great view of a spectacular sunsets at Lake Meredith

Views of variety of plants;

What to Know- The trail is an easy, short 0.3-mile hike, taking you on a journey back in time of the early days of Texas panhandle ranching.

Available-

Hike on the former LX Ranch, one of the first ranches in the Texas panhandle, by the original barbed wire from the LX Ranch. Views of a variety of wildflowers in the spring and summer Signs where cowboys may have built a dugout

Restrooms at the Alibates Flint Quarry Museum

5. Lake Fireworks Show

6. Movies at the Lake

The Fireworks Show is sponsored by the Friends of Lake Meredith and Alibates and free to the public and is slated for July 1, 2023. Location- Views are great from most spots at, on, or near Lake Meredith. Preferred locations are at the Fritch Fortress area, specifically the Amphitheater, and Cedar Canyon. Many choose to watch the

show from their boats on the lake. What to Know- The recommended viewing areas are Fritch Fortress Amphitheater and parking lot, Cedar Canyon, Sanford Yake Campground and parking lot, North Canyon, Blue West Campground, Bugbee, and of course, on the lake itself.  Lake Meredith NPS urges visitors to please plan ahead, have patience, and enjoy their holiday. It is strongly recommended that pets be left at home and come early to secure a viewing spot. This event is presented by the Friends of Lake Meredith and Alibates. Bring water, or purchase refreshments from one of the many locations in Hutchinson County before coming to the lake. Need ice, water, snacks? They are just a few minutes away!

Available -

Picnic areas

Restrooms Fritch Fortress, Amphitheater, Cedar Canyon, Sanford-Yake

For additional information, you may call Park Headquarters at 806-857-3151

The Movies at the Lake events are part of the Evening Program Series sponsored by the Friends of Lake Meredith and Alibates and are free to the public.

Location- from Fritch, on 136 N, turn left onto Fritch Fortress Rd. Continue down road and into NPS area. Turn right into Amphitheater parking lot.

What to Know- Before the movie begins (after sunset), at the outdoor theater, enjoy themed activities that are fun for the whole family.

AvailableConcession Stand available for

your movie snack purchases

Wheelchair accessible

Bathrooms

Family friendly preshow events

Saturday, June 10, Doctor Strange

Saturday, July1, Top Gun: Maverick

Saturday, September 2, Avatar: The Way of Water

Saturday, October 28, Movie TBD

These free shows are open to the public, and everyone is invited. For additional information, you may call Park Headquarters at 806-857-3151

7. Off-Road Vehicles

Off-Road Vehicle enthusiasts can enjoy ORV recreation at Blue Creek and Rosita Flats.

Requirements-

A no-cost NPS ORV permit is required when using the off-road areas of Blue Creek and Rosita Flats. All riders must wear a DOT-approved safety helmet and eye protection, and all ATVs must be equipped with a whip and flag.

An NPS ORV Permit is required when using the off-road areas of Blue Creek and Rosita Flats. Decals are available by completing an ORV Application. Applications can be completed through e-mail or in person at Park Headquarters. There is no charge for this permit currently.  In addition to the NPS ORV permit, a Texas State OHV decal is required and can be purchased by calling the Texas Parks & Wildlife Customer Service Center at (512) 389-8917

Please call Park Headquarters at (806) 857-3151 with specific NPS OffRoad Vehicle or Permit questions.

Tips-

Don’t blaze a new trail.

Don’t litter— LEAVE NO TRACE! Don’t spin your tires and tear up the soil. Don’t disturb the wildlife and plants.   Drive slowly because speed is not your friend.

Locations-

Blue Creek- This ORV area is on the northeast side of Lake Meredith, off FM 1913. What to Know- Off-road use is in the creek bed only. Bring drinking water. Available- Vault-evaporator toilets are on site.

Rosita Flats- This ORV area is on the Canadian River with access from Highway 87/287. Vault evaporator toilets are on site. Visitors may enjoy the primitive campground and some picnic tables in this area.

What to Know- Bring drinking water

Available-

Vault-evaporator toilets

Primitive campgrounds

Some picnic tables

8. Horse Riding

There are several areas ideal for riding. Plum Creek, Mullinaw Trail, and McBride Canyon have corrals and lots of dirt roads and trails.

Locations:

Plum CreekLocated on the southwest side of Lake Meredith, off FM 1913.

Experience Level- Devil’s Canyon Trail is for beginners through experienced horseback riders. What to Know- This is an unmaintained trail. No drinking water available for human use. This area has some beautiful shade trees.

Available -

Vault-evaporator toilets

horse corrals

automatic self-filling horse-water tank

picnic tables

grills

McBride Canyon and Mullinaw Trails System

Located southwest of Lake Meredith, off SH 136. What to Know- Large cottonwood trees provide shade. Dirt road can become impassable for motor vehicles during and after rain. No drinking water available for human use.

Available-

Vault-evaporator toilets horse corrals at Mullinaw Trails

Campground Area automatic self-filling horse-water tank picnic tables

grills

State historic marker at McBride Ranch house

Jarrod

& LaTrina Gerstberger

New Home Builders / Land Developers Office 806.570.5055

GQ Home LLC, 149 E. Broadway St., Fritch TX info@gqhomes.vip

Lake Meredith is active all year long. Hunting season begins in the fall. For exact hunting season dates, contact the NPS Headquarters at 806-857-3151.

White-Tailed Deer

White-tailed deer, the smallest members of the North American deer family, are found from southern Canada to South America.

Archery Season- Sept.30, 2023- Nov. 3, 2023 (check with NPS for specific dates)

Bag Limit: 3 deer (no more than one buck and no more than 2 antlerless— all seasons combined)

General Season- November 4- January 7 (check with NPS for specific dates)

Bag Limit: 3 deer (no more than one buck and no more than two antlerless—all seasons combined)

9. Hunting

Mule Deer

Mule deer’s defining characteristic are their large ears, which are about three-fourths the length of the head. They have a distinctive black forehead, or mask, that contrasts with a light gray face.

Archery Season- Sept. 30 – Nov. 3 (check with NPS for specific dates)

Bag Limit: 1 buck mule deer

General Season- November 18- December 3 (check with NPS for specific dates)

Bag Limit: 1 buck mule deer (both seasons combined)

Dove

Hunting dove gives hunters opportunities to use different types of equipment, experience the outdoors, and go on great hunting adventures.

Regular Season- September 1 – November 13 & December 15-December 31 (check with NPS for specific dates)

Daily Bag Limit: 15 mourn-

Gross Sales

ing, white-winged, and whitetipped (white-fronted) doves in the aggregate, including no more than 2 white-tipped doves per day.

Possession Limit: 45 in the aggregate, including no more than 4 white-tipped doves in possession.

Teal

Within the divisions of true duck species, the teal belong in the dabbling duck group. Many of the teal are popular as game birds

Season- September 9-24 (check with NPS for specific dates)

Bag Limit: 6 in the aggregate

Possession Limit: 18 in the aggregate

Turkey: Gobblers or Bearded Hens

The original wild form is a wary and magnificent bird. Wild turkeys usually get around by walking or running, but they can fly strongly, and they typically roost overnight in tall trees.

Archery ONLY SeasonSept. 30-November 3 (Gobblers ONLY) (check with

NPS for specific dates)

Spring Season - March 30, 2024 -May 12 (Shotgun or Archery ONLY) (check with NPS for specific dates)

Bag Limit: 4 (all seasons combined)

Quail

Learning how to hunt quail may be one of the easiest upland bird species to master. In fact, quail hunting requires minimal hunting gear compared to hunting other game.

Season: October 28 — February 25 (check with NPS for specific dates)

Daily bag limit: 15 per day

Possession limit: 45

Pheasant

Pheasant hunting is one of the most fun ways to enjoy the fall foliage. And while chasing wily roosters takes a little know-how, it’s one of the better introductions to hunting for beginners.

Season: December 2-December 31 (check with NPS for specific dates)

Daily bag limit: 3 cock pheasants

Possession limit: 6 cock pheasants

10. Museums

Alibates Flint Quarries Museum

This amazing National Monument exhibits the history of the area, exceptional nature views, and is the location for activities such as Star Gazing. The museum hosts several exhibits that give you the history of 13,000 years of use of Alibates Flint as a tool. These artifacts are in the museum and there are several hands-on learning opportunities available.

Located- from Fritch, on 136 S, approximately 4.5 miles from Fritch, turn right onto Cas Johnson Rd. Continue onto Alibates Rd. and turn into the parking lot of the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument Museum parking lot.

What to Know- The Alibates Visitor Center is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).

AvailableMuseum Exhibits

Ranger-guided quarry tours available upon request at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. An award-winning film about Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

Jr. Ranger Program and Activities

Mesquite Trail -- An easy self-guided trail

Alibates Gardens -- Self-guided

tour with themed gardens

Certified Monarch Butterfly Waystation

Call (806) 857-6680 for Quarry

Tour reservations and information. The monument can only be accessed with a National Park Service Ranger. Also ask for information concerning other events and activities held at this location.

Lake Meredith Aquatic & Wildlife Museum

A popular museum which casts a clever eye on wildlife in the High Plains region. There are two aquariums featuring local freshwater fish. Located- in Fritch underneath the Fritch Water Tower at 101 N. Robey Ave, Fritch, Texas. What to Know- The museum features two aquariums that display the fish variety in Lake Meredith, and realistic wildlife dioramas displaying local wildlife in their natural habitats. Other displays include lives of the Native Americans from 900 AD to 1200 AD, interactive exhibits and educational programs to encourage the youth to preserve and protect the local wildlife and their habitats. The museum offers free admission. For more information call Fritch City Hall at 806-857-3143