There has been some discussion recently about outdoor burning in Horseshoe Bend. Regulations are published by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. This is the environmental agency for the State of Texas. This guide was written to help interpret the current Outdoor Burning rule, Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Sections 111.201-221.
The sections of this guide that affect us the most are Fires for Disposal or Land Clearing, On-site burning of waste plant growth and Domestic Waste.
Listed below are some rules, but not all, that pertain to us as property owners.

1. The responsible party, or representative, must be present.

2. Only burn when wind speed is predicted to be at least six miles per hour while still allowing the fire to be contained and controlled.

3. Only burn when wind is blowing such that smoke will not affect sensitive receptors, such as a residence, and not closer than 300 feet unless you have written permission of occupant.

4. Begin burning no earlier than 1 hour after sunrise. Cease burning the same day no later than 1 hour before sunset.

Burning is not allowed during a County Wide Burn Ban.

This guide-- RG-049.pdf -- can also be downloaded from the TCEQ website. The link is https://www.tceq.texas.gov/publications/rg/rg-049.html.

Complaints for violations can be filed with the TCEQ by phone or online at The link is https://www.tceq.texas.gov/complaints/index.html. There is also a toll-free phone number.

Also on our website, under Local Resources, is a link to the TCEQ website for more complete information.

Recommendations that we look to implement to improve the quality of the lake and fish population

1. Go to barbless hooks: The use of barbless hooks would be beneficial in a lake with moderate fishing pressure.

Barbless hooks allow the least amount damage to the fish’s mouth and a quick release back into the water. Hooking mortality studies have shown that barbed hooks can cause up to 20% fish mortality, and mortality is even higher in the summer months. Skinny largemouth bass, which were identified during the survey is an indicator of hook mortality onset, which can take weeks to kill fish after they are caught.

2. Stop Weighing and Measuring every fish: Fishing pressure has increased at Horseshoe Bend the last couple of years. We have weighed and measured over 3,000 bass each of the last two years. A once or twice a year survey of approximately 30-40 fish will supply a proper statistical sample of the size and weight of the fish. In addition and most importantly the significant reduction of time fish spend out of the water with the use of barbless hooks and no weight or measure will increase the recovery of a caught fish and lead to improvement over all of the fish health. Instead of weighing and measuring each fish, we will request fisherman and fisherwomen to record the number of fish caught and hours fished. Of course if you do catch a Trophy size fish, you can weigh it and photograph. Please keep all fish in the water as much as possible.

3. The Lake Management Committee would like to once again ask everyone for their assistance in NOT removing any bass or crappie from the lake.

However, Bass 10 - 14 inches can be taken/removed at this time until the number taken from the lake reaches 500. If you do so, please record that number in the Catch Reporting section.

HSB Neighborhood Crime Watch House Check Form

HSB Neighborhood Watch Patrol Volunteer List

HSB Community Wildfire Risk Assessment

HSB Community Wildfire Risk Assessment Details

A 10 lb. 2 oz. bass caught from Darrell's Kayak. He said it sure was fun.

If you make a request to the Maintenance Committee to have Hog Traps placed on your property, you will have to fill out a Hog Release form.
Click Here to see Hog_Release form

Lake Committee is starting to replace a Boat Dock. Stage 1 is complete Stage 2 to come next.

3000 black crappie 3-4" long were placed in the lake on Thursday, Feb 23.

Calling All Lake HorseShoe Bend Fishermen!!

Please keep and eye out for tagged bass in our lake. In an effort to better understand and track our bass, starting this year 20 Black Bass have been tagged. (see pictures)

The tag system is very simple and used by several state agencies. The tag this year is yellow, is attached to the bass with a hypodermic type tool near the dorsal fin area. One fish scale is removed to enable the tag to be inserted into the fish. No long term harm is done to the fish.

The tag this year is yellow with a black number on each tag. The ID number is 7 digits. All that is needed for our survey is the last 3 numbers, where on the lake the bass was caught, length, weight, am or pm, and lure used to catch fish. Please double check the tag number, they are small. Please DO NOT remove the tag.

Over several years a "Year Book" will be created. We will be able to see the growth, or not, of the bass over an extended time. We should be able to identify resident, migrant and trophy bass with this tagging effort.

If you happen upon a dead bass in our lake, please check for a tag. If possible try to retrieve the tag and report it. Any questions contact someone on the Lake Management Committee