Lake Palestine History
Lake Palestine was created by the construction of the Blackburn Crossing Dam on the Neches River. The original dam construction began in 1960, and was completed in 1962; in 1969 an enlargement project began and was completed in 1972. Rising 70 feet above the stream-bed, the dam has a crown width of 24 feet, a length of 5,720 feet, a spillway length of 500 feet, and has a normal operating elevation of 345 feet above sea level.
Lake Palestine has a total length of 18 Miles, with 135 miles of shoreline. It has an average depth of 16 feet, and a maximum of 58 feet. The Lakes total surface area has about 25,500 square feet of clear water and has a great number of coves that provide good protection from the wind. With temperate weather and an average rainfall of around 40 inches, Lake Palestine offers plenty of opportunity for fishing, boating, skiing and much more! The lake is far enough away to have a pleasant country air about it and still be just a short drive from the city lights and activities you enjoy.
Other activities in the area include:
- Golfing (almost year round)
- Shopping and Dining
- Museums and Historic Buildings
- Hiking and Biking
- Picnics in the parks
- Bird watching and wildlife photography
- Zipline
- Tyler Rose Garden
Fishing on Lake Palestine in East Texas
Lake Palestine offers something for everyone as it relates to fishing! Both white bass and hybrid striped bass are present in our lake. White bass are particularly popular during their spring run. Channel and blue catfish are abundant and flathead catfish provide a great opportunity for a trophy-sized catch.
HOW'S THE FISHING? |
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Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
Largemouth Bass | X | |||
Spotted Bass | X | |||
Catfish | X | |||
Crappie | X | |||
White & Hybrid Striped Bass | X |