In 1968, the AGFD stocked Alamo with the northern strain of largemouth bass. But the fishing declined in the 1980s. The fisheries folks put into effect a slot limit that mandated the release of any bass between 12 and 16 inches long.

The rule worked well for a few years. Then along came a couple of those excellent above-moisture years. Huge spawns of bass took place.

Coupled with other factors such as lower water levels in subsequent years, the overpopulation of fish began producing dire consequences. The forage base declined, and the effects quickly showed up in the form of stunted bass.

Consequently, the AGFD adjusted the slot size, making it 13 to 16 inches. Unlike the old slot rule, this one allows fisherman to keep one fish that falls within the slot, with a total daily limit of six bass that can also include those under or over the slot limit.

In other words, the daily bag now allows for six fish of any size, as long as only one measures between 13 and 16 inches. For the total daily bag, any combination of smaller or larger fish, with no slot fish, is also legal.

The possession limit is 12, with the same criteria as if it were two separate daily limits. PRIME HABITAT
Alamo contains plenty of prime habitat. There are huge stands of underwater brush, steep and rocky shorelines, large downed trees, flat weedy shallows and long sloping points. All of them harbor fish. Much of the lake's upper end comprises big shallow flats and numerous fishy-looking coves. Brush patches dot the flats and a few of the coves, such as Date Creek and Kaiser washes. The main lake has everything from large coves and long sloping points to deep-water areas. This mixture provides good shallow-water fishing with surface lures or spinnerbaits in the morning and evening -- and during the warmer parts of the day, deep fishing off the points or steep banks with crankbaits or plastics.

During the winter months and right up to the spawn, which normally begins in March and often runs into April, rocky shorelines near the dam can also be good.

Especially productive in these areas are crankbaits or plastic worms and jigs in dark colors. For many anglers, the early spring months are the best times to catch bass.