Buffalo Springs Lake/Reservoir
editBackground Information
editBuffalo springs lake was used first by the buffalo hunters in 1874 where they fought with the Comanche Indians. In 1877 Causey brothers built a half dugout here. In 1878 ranchers moved into the area. Sheriff Bud Johnston and brother Jim turned the site into a recreational spot and began improvements in the late 1920s. in 1957 the Lubbock County water control bought 1,612 acres around Buffalo springs lake to provide the area with a recreational area. Buffalo Springs lake was impounded in 1960.
Description
editBuffalo springs lake is a natural, spring-fed oasis located 5 miles east of Lubbock on the North Fork of the Double Mountain of the Brazos River. The lake is located on 225 acres of land with a maximum depth of 52 feet and a mean depth of 15 feet with a surface area of 241. Water fluctuation is mild, less than 1 foot. The lake has normal Clarity, Stained, with 1-2 feet visibility.
Coronavirus
editFollowing CDC and governor guidelines
Activities and facilities
editCampground, fishing/boating, beaches, nature trails
Campgrounds
editRv and camp reservation are to be made online. There is a limited tent availability due to COVID restrictions. Grills and campfires are allowed but are not provided by Buffalo springs lakes. Camping is by reservation only. No tents are allowed in AV designated areas. Restrooms with showers are available on site. Dogs are allowed as long as placed on leash. Campgrounds are priced at $30 per day plus a daily gate admission. Campgrounds also include water, electricity, and sewer hook ups.
Long term camping available in winter. Rates include $550.00 Per month, the long-term camping begins October 1st till February 28th and required to sign a contract. Summer daily fees apply the rest of the year.
Fishing/boating
editBoat rules state that all Texas Parks and Wildlife rules must be followed at all times. Small boats such as canoes, row boats, paddle boats, and kayaks are only allowed on West end of lake. The west end of lake is also a no wake zone. Boats must travel on the right side of lake at all times (counterclockwise). Anyone 13 years and younger must have life vest at all times. If boat is being towed by a vehicle, anyone in the boat must be at least 18 years old.
Jet ski
editRules include all must travel on the right side of the lake (counterclockwise). Must be 16 years old or older in order to operate jet ski alone. Jet must stay at least 50 feet away from shoreline and other boats and or ski jets at all times while in water. Jets must be out of water 30 minutes prior to sunset. Any persons on jet ski must wear life vest at all times.
Fishing
editrules stated by Buffalo springs lake state that anyone 17 years or older must have valid fishing license. Fishing allowed in open areas of shoreline with exception of the bridge. Buffalo Springs Lake is stocked by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Ecology
editNot much is found around the lake due to the lake being surrounded by lake houses. There is some farmland found around the lake. Mostly weeds grow here because of the nutrients from the watershed. Several fish species are found including catfish and bass.
Vegetation
edit
Limited to strands of cattail located around the reservoir
Habitat
editThe lake is surrounded by lake houses and boat dock so there is no habitat left.
Fish Species
editPredominant fish species found in buffalo springs lake include
Largemouth bass
Striped bass
White crappie
Channel and flathead catfish
Sunfish
All species are currently managed under statewide regulations
Below is link that shows fish and their abundance at buffalo springs Lake
https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/freshwater-fishing/bag-length-limits
The dam
editThe McMillan Dam is the dam located in Buffalo springs Lake. This dam keeps water levels flat in buffalo springs lake and the overflow spills downstream into the lake at Ransom Canyon. In early 1958 the dam was constructed and in 1959 the spillway and dam were completed. Impoundment began September 15th, 1959. Water was flowing over the spillway on July 6th, 1960 for the first time. The dam is 1,600 feet long and 68 feet high. The dam is 3,029.4 feet above mean sea level. The dam also controls a large drainage area of about 6,000 square miles.
References Links
edithttps://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/buffalo_springs/
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/buffalo-springs-lake#:~:text=The%20lake%20comprises%20200%20surface,ranchers%20moved%20into%20the%20area.
https://www.kcbd.com/story/3053533/buffalo-springs-lake-information/
https://buffalospringslake.net/
https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/freshwater-fishing/bag-length-limits
https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/lake_survey/pwd_rp_t3200_1261/index.phtml
https://www.twdb.texas.gov/surfacewater/rivers/reservoirs/buffalo_spring/index.asp
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/buffalo-springs-lake
“Buffalo Spring Lake (Brazos River Basin).” Buffalo Spring Lake (Brazos River Basin) | Texas Water Development Board, www.twdb.texas.gov/surfacewater/rivers/reservoirs/buffalo_spring/index.asp.
“Buffalo Springs Lake.” Fishing Buffalo Springs Lake, tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/buffalo_springs/.
“Buffalo Springs Lake.” TSHA, www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/buffalo-springs-lake.
“Buffalo Springs Lake: Lubbock - Buffalo Springs Lake: Lubbock, TX.” Buffalo Springs Lake | Lubbock, TX, buffalospringslake.net/.
“Buffalo Springs Reservoir - 2016 Survey Report.” Buffalo Springs Reservoir Survey Report, tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/lake_survey/pwd_rp_t3200_1261/index.phtml.
“Freshwater Bag and Length Limits.” Freshwater Bag and Length Limits - Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, 14 Aug. 2020, tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/freshwater-fishing/bag-length-limits.
Jeanne F. Lively, “Buffalo Springs Lake,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed December 01, 2020, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/buffalo-springs-lake.
March 9, 2005 at 6:15 PM CST - Updated June 29 at 11:40 PM, and Jenna Siffringer. “Buffalo Springs Lake Information.” Https://Www.kcbd.com, 14 Dec. 2014, www.kcbd.com/story/3053533/buffalo-springs-lake-information/.