Pat Mayse Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pat Mayse Lake |
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 Pat Mayse Lake
Location in Texas
Pat Mayse Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lamar County, Texas |
| Coordinates | 33°51′13″N 95°33′11″W / 33.85361°N 95.55306°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Sanders Creek |
| Primary outflows | Sanders Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 451 ft (137 m) |
Pat Mayse Lake is a cool reservoir (which is like a big, human-made lake) located in the Prairies and Lakes area of Texas, United States. You can find it in Lamar County, close to the small towns of Chicota and Powderly. The bigger city of Paris, Texas is also nearby. This lake is a popular spot for outdoor fun, especially for fishing and enjoying nature!
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About Pat Mayse Lake
Pat Mayse Lake is a special place that was created to help manage water and provide a fun spot for people. It's looked after by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which is a group that builds and manages many important water projects across the country. They make sure the lake is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Where is Pat Mayse Lake?
This lake is located in the northeastern part of Texas. It's part of a region known for its beautiful prairies and many lakes. The lake is easy to get to from nearby towns and cities, making it a great day trip or weekend getaway for families and friends who love the outdoors.
Fishing and Water Fun
Pat Mayse Lake is famous for its awesome fishing! Many different types of fish live here, making it a perfect place for anglers of all ages.
What Fish Live Here?
The lake is regularly stocked with fish, meaning new fish are added to keep the population healthy. You can try to catch:
- Largemouth bass: These are very popular sport fish, known for putting up a good fight!
- White crappie: These are tasty fish that are fun to catch, especially in groups.
- Sunfish: A general name for several smaller, colorful fish like bluegill.
- Striped bass: These can grow quite large and are exciting to reel in.
- Channel catfish: Known for their whiskers and good eating.
- Flathead catfish: Another large catfish species.
- And many other common fish species that make the lake a lively place for fishing.
Fishing Tournaments
If you love fishing competitions, Pat Mayse Lake hosts some exciting events!
- The "2 of Us - North Region" fishing tournament happens here every year in early June. It's a chance for teams to show off their fishing skills.
- The annual "Uncle Jesse's Big Bass" tournament is another popular event where anglers compete to catch the biggest bass.
Wildlife and Nature Areas
Beyond fishing, Pat Mayse Lake is surrounded by beautiful natural areas that are home to lots of different animals. These areas are also managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and are open for public enjoyment, especially for hunting and wildlife watching.
Animals You Might See
The land around the lake is a habitat for many types of wildlife. If you visit, you might spot:
- Deer: Especially whitetail deer, which are common in Texas.
- Squirrels: Both fox squirrels and gray squirrels scampering through the trees.
- Birds: Like bobwhite quail and morning doves, which are often seen in open fields.
- Rabbits: Cottontail rabbits are quick and fun to watch.
- Raccoons: Often seen near water, especially at dusk.
- Turkeys: Wild turkeys can be quite impressive to see.
- Foxes: Both red and gray foxes live in the area.
Other Wildlife
There are also other interesting animals, sometimes called "furbearers," that live around the lake:
- Opossums: Known for "playing dead."
- Beavers: Famous for building dams.
- Mink: Small, quick animals often found near water.
- Skunks: Easily recognized by their black and white stripes.
- Nutria: Large, semi-aquatic rodents.
These animals are an important part of the lake's ecosystem, making it a rich and diverse natural environment for everyone to explore and appreciate.
