Sanders Creek (Red River tributary) facts for kids
Sanders Creek is a waterway in Lamar County, Texas, United States. It is about 23 miles (37 kilometers) long. This creek flows near the city of Paris, Texas. Sanders Creek is a "tributary" of the Red River. This means it is a smaller stream that flows into the larger Red River.
Discovering Sanders Creek
Sanders Creek is very important to Pat Mayse Lake. It is the main "inflow" for the lake. This means it is the primary stream that feeds water into Pat Mayse Lake. The creek also acts as the main "outflow" from the lake. People sometimes call this part the "spillway." This is where water leaves the lake and continues its journey.
Fish and Other Animals
Sanders Creek is home to many different kinds of fish. If you like fishing, you might find several species here. Some common fish include:
- Catfish
- Gar
- Largemouth bass
- Carp
- Bowfin
- Buffalo
- Pickerel
The part of the creek that flows out of Pat Mayse Lake also has many fish. These fish often travel from the Red River into the creek. You might see paddlefish or striped bass in this area.
Special Mussels in the Creek
Sanders Creek is also very special because of a unique animal that lives there. It is one of only two creeks in Texas that has the Ouachita rock pocketbook. This is a type of freshwater mussel. Mussels are small animals that live in shells, often at the bottom of rivers or lakes. The Ouachita rock pocketbook is a "federally endangered" species. This means it is protected by the government because very few of them are left. Protecting Sanders Creek helps keep these special mussels safe.
