Lake Tyler is located southeast of Tyler, in Smith County, off Texas 64. The lake is composed of two bodies; Tyler West which is 2,224 acres and Tyler East which is 2,276 surface acres, both with a maximum depth of 40 feet. Aquatic vegetation in the lake consists of moderate native, floating, submergent, and emergent, with some hydrilla in East Lake.
Lake Tyler East and Lake Tyler West are connected by a canal. Both lakes have a great reputation as consistent largemouth bass fisheries. They are popular with tournament anglers and host frequent night tournaments during the summer. Most fish are in the 2- to 8-lb class with a few over 10 lbs. Crappie are not as abundant as at some other lakes, but size distribution us usually good and few need to be released due to small size. Sunfishes (bluegill, redear, and redbreast) provide excellent opportunity for bait or fly fishing anglers. More recent additions to the fishery are chain pickerel and white bass. Chain pickerel, a smaller cousin of the northern pike, is frequently sought by anglers because of its sporting qualities. White bass were introduced from Lake Tawakoni in 90’s but did not become abundant until heavy rains in 2007 provided the flow needed for successful spawning. All species are currently managed with statewide regulations.
Ramps & Marinas
Concession #1/Lake Tyler Marina
- From Texas 110 in Whitehouse, go east 2 miles on FM 346. Turn left on Tyler West Dam Road and follow to marina entrance at the near end of the dam.
- Two 2-lane boat ramps with parking for 50 vehicles
- $3 launch fee
- Open all year
- Operated by private concession (903) 839-4800
Hill Creek Park
- Take Texas 64 east from Tyler. Turn south on FM 848 and then east on South Hill Creek Road. Go about 2 miles and look for park on the left.
- Two-lane concrete ramp with parking for 25 vehicles; piers for loading boats
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by City of Tyler Water Utility (903) 939-2724
Old #2/Chapman Park
- Take Texas 64 east from Tyler. Turn south on FM 848, then east on CR 2127. Follow road to park.
- Wide single-lane concrete ramp
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by City of Tyler Water Utility (903) 939-2724
Fritz & Opal’s Barge
- Located at north end of Old #2 Park. Take Texas 64 east from Tyler. Turn south on FM 848, then east on CR 2127. Follow road to park.
- Good access for anglers without boats
- Fees required: $4 to fish between 6 am and 6 pm; $5 between 6 pm and 6 am
- Open all year
- Privately operated (903) 565-4442
East Side Park #4
- Located on the eastern shore of Lake Tyler West. From FM 346, turn north on FM 3341 (East Dam Road) and follow to park.
- Bank access
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by City of Tyler Water Utility (903) 939-2724
Sandy Beach
- Located on the eastern shore of Lake Tyler West. From FM 346, turn north on FM 3341 (East Dam Road).
- Bank access, steep walk to water
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by City of Tyler Water Utility (903) 939-2724
Old Omen Road Ramp, West
- Take Texas 64 east from Tyler; turn south on FM 848. Go 2 miles and turn left on CR 285 (Old Omen Road). Follow road to lake.
- Two multi-lane boat ramps; older one is steep; parking for 20 vehicles
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by City of Tyler Water Utility (903) 939-2724
Old Omen Road Ramp, East
- Take Texas 64 east from Tyler. Cross bridge over upper end of lake and turn south on FM 2607. Go 1.8 miles and turn west on CR 285 (Old Omen Road)
- One-lane ramp with small, unpaved parking area
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by Smith County
Highway 64 Ramp
- Located at the upper end of the lake. Take Texas 64 east from Tyler, cross first lake bridge and look for ramp on the right
- Single-lane concrete ramp and parking for 60 vehicles.
- No fee required
- Open all year, but not useful when water level is low
- Operated by City of Tyler Water Utility (903) 939-2724