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Cedar Creek Reservoir
Lakes in the East Texas Area
 Map showing the location of Cedar Creek Reservoir |
In East Texas, there are over 50 lakes offering a variety of outdoor sports for vacations or weekends. These lakes provide fishing, swimming, water skiing, houseboats, jet skis, sailing and other outdoor and hiking activities.
Within easy driving distance are lakes such as Toledo Bend Reservoir, Wright Patman, Lake Fork, Sam Rayburn, Lake Tawakoni, Caddo Lake and many others.
Cedar Creek Reservoir Location & Characteristics
Cedar Creek Reservoir is located in Henderson and Kaufman Counties, Texas, 60 miles southeast of Dallas. It is built on Cedar Creek, which flows into the Trinity River. It is also 15 miles west of Athens in the area between US 175 and Texas 274.
The reservoir has a surface area of 32,623 acres, with a maximum depth of 53 feet, and is the fourth largest lake in Texas, with over 320 miles of shoreline. Typical water fluctuation is four feet.
 Quiet bay at Cedar Creek Reservoir near Gun Barrel City, Texas |
Sometimes called "Cedar Creek Lake", it is technically named Cedar Creek Reservoir, and was completed in 1965 as a water source for Fort Worth and many other local communities in North Texas.
The lake is approximately 18 miles long and just over 2 miles wide. The lake also boasts three islands that are managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as Wildlife Management Areas for aquatic birds.
Access
Access is available at two public boat ramps and several private marinas. Some private ramps may be difficult to use under low-water conditions.
Campsites or RV hookups are available at some marinas.
Area Tourism and Attractions
 Marina on Cedar Creek Reservoir at Gun Barrel City, Texas |
Gun Barrel City offers an exciting lifestyle, for residents and visitors alike. Cedar Creek Reservoir is at the forefront of many attractions and things to do.
With local parks, a public Skateboard Park, two public boat ramps on the north end of the lake, plus another on the south end, Cedar Creek is a perfect family week-end or day trip destination. Cedar Creek Reservoir offers diverse lodging, dining, retail, RV sites and water sports.
The lake offers a diverse range of fishing, water sports, boating, birdwatching, and other recreational activities.
Purtis Creek State Park in Eustace is a short drive away.
Boat dock at Cedar Creek Reservoir |
Stunning sunset at Cedar Creek Reservoir |
About Gun Barrel City
 City Hall at Gun Barrel City, Texas |
Gun Barrel City is located in Henderson County Texas on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Reservoir, at the crossroads of Texas Highways 334 and 198, and near U.S. 175.
Gun Barrel City is situated about 60 miles southeast of Dallas, and 21 miles northwest of Athens. The town name is derived from its motto, "We Shoot Straight With You," and its symbol, a rifle.
The City of Gun Barrel City has been designated a Texas Certified Retirement Community.
The Gun Barrel City Zip Code is 75156, and its Area Codes are 903 and 430. It is home to about 6,200 residents. For more information, visit the official website of Gun Barrel City.
The Gun Barrel City Hall is located at 1716 West Main Street. Phone the city offices at 903.887.1087.
Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Airshow
 Welcome to Gun Barrel City, Texas |
One of the major annual events in the area is the Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Airshow, which typically happens over the Fourth of July weekend.
The Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation (CCVF) was established to raise monies to assist with the physical and emotional recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured, and disabled military personnel and veterans with a focus on those individuals residing in and organizations serving the Northeast Texas region. The three charities supported by CCVF also assist with the needs of spouses and other family members. The principal fundraising activities for CCVF are the Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Airshow and the annual golf classic.
This is a spectacular air show that entertains and amazes thousands of spectators with aerial acrobatics and an up close and personal experience with the power of fighter jets, both civilian and military. The entire air show performance takes place over Cedar Creek Reservoir. Spectators enjoy the air show from shore and on boats.
For more information, visit the website of the Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation
| Scenes from a recent CCVF airshow (Photos courtesy of the Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation) |
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Fishing Cedar Creek Reservoir
Predominant Fish Species
- White & hybrid striped bass
- Blue, flathead and Channel Catfish
- Crappie
- Largemouth bass
Angling Opportunities
Largemouth bass angling is best in the lower end of the reservoir where the water is clear. The lake record weighed 14.65 pounds. Catfishes are abundant, with more blues than channel cats in the legal size range. Hybrid striped bass are stocked annually and the lake record is 13.19 pounds.
Fishing Cover/Structure
Most submerged vegetation is located in the backs of coves in the lower end of the reservoir. Some emergent vegetation is present in the upper end but water is very shallow. Look for submersed islands across the lake from the confluence of Clear and Caney creeks.
Tips & Tactics
Anglers generally follow the birds to find schools of white bass and hybrids. Action can be good all year but is particularly good in the spring.
Look for largemouth bass in the weedy back ends of coves in the lower third of the lake. Use cut shad or live bait for blue catfish.
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Map of Cedar Creek Reservoir & Gun Barrel City
Map Showing Location of Gun Barrel City in East Texas
Gun Barrel City Hotels and Lodging
Vacation Home Rentals Near Cedar Creek Reservoir & Gun Barrel CityPlanning a trip to Cedar Creek Reservoir and need a vacation rental?
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Cedar Creek Reservoir Water Level: Conservation Pool Elevation is 322'
Courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey
Cedar Creek Reservoir Area Resources
- Texas Freshwater Lakes provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife