Lake O.H. Ivie is a large reservoir located in central Texas, about 55 miles east of San Angelo. Completed in 1990, it was created by impounding the Colorado and Concho Rivers with the S. W. Freese Dam. The lake covers roughly 19,000 acres when full and serves as a key water source for several West Texas cities, including Abilene, Midland, and San Angelo.
What makes O.H. Ivie especially notable is itsreputation as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the United States. In recent years, it’s gained national attention for producing record-breaking largemouth bass, including numerous entries into Texas Parks and Wildlife’s “ShareLunker” program, which tracks trophy-sized bass weighing over 13 pounds.
The reservoir’s combination of deep structure, flooded timber, rocky points, and clear water creates ideal habitat for big bass. With advanced fish-finding technology helping anglers locate these giants, O.H. Ivie has become a destination for serious fishermen seeking a once-in-a-lifetime catch. Beyond fishing, the lake also supports boating, camping, and wildlife viewing, making it a gem of Texas outdoor recreation.
