90 Acre Stock Membership private lake club.
Lake History-
Lost Prairie Lake Hunting and Fishing Club Inc. was organized in the late 1930 as a men’s fishing and hunting association. The original shareholders were a colorful lot of self-employed businessmen who enjoyed the spirit of the outdoor experience. Most structures on the lake started off as a camp cabin to allow for an early start to a day’s duck hunting or fishing. By the mid-1950s a few full-time residents were enjoying the good life afforded under the tall pines surrounding the lake but the place remained a paradise for those seeking a place out of the way to commune with nature, have a drink and cavort outside of the watchful eye of those who want everyone to be like they want to be. It was still safe to skinny dip out there as late as 1970. But, more full-time residents moved in and the place became increasingly tame. By the early 1980s over half the properties were occupied by full-time residents. The club has become increasing family friendly arriving today at a balance between providing a secure and safe environment for residents and opportunity for enjoyment by all ages. Today, the club exists as a well-managed organization providing a strong sense of community and cooperation among its members.
The Lake
Lost Prairie Lake is approximately 100 acres impounded by an earthen dam along the headwaters of Hurricane Creek. Numerous springs feed the lake. The unimpeded watershed feeding the lake is approximately 1,600 acres. The abundance of water holds the lake constant at conservation pool throughout the year. The lake dropped about two feet during the extreme drought of 2011, mainly due to the unrestricted irrigation of lawns surrounding the lake.
The lake is maintained as a fishery under the management of the Board of Directors guided by the recommendations of a professional fisheries biologist.
Feedstock fish such as minnows and shad are stocked annually along with game fish species to maintain the genetic strength of the fish population. Fish feed is applied based on a buy one, get one paid for by the club program to encourage shareholders to install and operate pier fish feeders. Several hundred pounds of feed are introduced into the lake each month through this program. Many piers sport a guard light which attracts tons of bugs to the lake surface each year as they fly to the light. Lots of bugs mistake the reflection of the light and crash into the lake where they are eaten instantly. The light also attracts plankton and small fish so there’s always a place for a late night snack for Lost Prairie fish. The fish are fat, healthy, and aggressive reproducers. Nothing’s better than a good welfare program to stimulate those sorts of behavior.
The lake is fertilized annually with applications of lime as needed to maintain the plankton bloom. The water is murky and stained by tannin originating from decaying hardwood leaves in the watershed. It is great to swim in but is not clear like drinking water.
There is a lot more to Lost Prairie Lake than fishing. Bird watchers will be astonished at the diversity of wildlife present on the property. The lake is located in the Central North American Flyway. Thousands of ducks pass through the area as do hundreds of woodland migratory species. Deer are abundant on the property as are squirrel, rabbit, armadillo, fox, coyotes, beaver, and river otter. The suspicion exists that some members have deer feeders on their lots. And, yes, there is the occasional wild hog on the property.
Geo coordinates of the lake in decimal degrees are 31.789715N -95.528448W. The lake can be viewed in Google Earth or searched in Google Maps. Images of the lake are available from both these services.
How’s the Fishing?
Overall, it’s an above average lake capable of producing fish that will challenge the skill of any angler. Around the feeders you can catch a mess of fish almost anytime with a cane pole and worms. Nighttime action around the pier lights is awesome. Anything that looks like a big fat juicy bug will lure a strike.
There’s every sort of fish story at Lost Prairie…some will tell you the fish aren’t biting to discourage your competition and some will tell you that fish are jumping into the boat. Big fish, little fish, no fish at all stories, rain or shine, facing every sort of peril are available. So, no matter who you ask, just assume they are telling you a fish story.
Overview of Club Rules and Membership Agreement
The shareholders regulate themselves by a set of Bylaws, Club Rules and a Membership Agreement. Copies of these documents are available by email upon your request. You are encouraged to read them carefully and develop an understanding of the contents before entering into a sales agreement. As an overview, the following paragraphs highlight some of the more significant regulations promulgated by the membership through its board of directors.
Membership is defined as the owner of a share of capital stock and the spouse of such owner during the marriage of each other. A member’s family is defined as the father, mother, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, or grandchild of a member. By the shareholder’s permission, member privileges extend to the defined family members other than voting and share transfer rights. Designated family members can use your lake residence, entertain guests, fish the lake, swim, and enjoy the benefits of the lake membership so long as they comply with the rules. However, the conduct of a family member is the responsibility of the member shareholder.
Many of the rules of the Lost Prairie Lake Club are redundant in their requirement for compliance with existing federal, state, county and local laws, rules, regulations and orders pertaining to the use and operation of the club facilities. Some rules are specific to the lake properties for the safety, welfare, security, and comfort of the members, families, and guests. Other rules require keeping your place up; mowed, free of debris, and properly maintained—common sense stuff to deal with problems when common sense fails. And, if common sense fails, authorizes penalties and actions available to the board for activities necessary to enforce compliance and preserve the rights of other club members.
Lost Prairie Lake Club operates a recreational fishing lake resulting in rules designed to protect fishermen and the fishery: Outboard motor power is suggested to be below 10 horsepower. However, more power is allowed if operated safely. No rifles or pistols may be fired onto or across the lake. Shotguns may be used for vermin control or taking permitted waterfowl. There hasn’t been a duck blind on the lake in over 30 years so don’t let this rule trick you into believing you can duck hunt. Even though it is still permitted you would encounter a nightmare of opposition. Boats must be operated to prevent erosion or other damage, i.e., no wakes. Water skiing, scuba diving, or similar sports (tubing or dragging anything behind a boat) is prohibited. No jet skis or personal watercraft, except paddling craft, are allowed. Lake limits and sizes are set coincident to Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing regulations. Each boat must display a boat number. No business for profit may be conducted on lake property. Piers and boathouses must be approved by the Board of Directors. Property cannot be rented without approval by the Board of Directors and member privileges do not extend to the tenant. Boats belonging to members are the only boats authorized on the lake. Guests must be accompanied at all times when fishing by a member or family member. This paragraph is a synopsis of the key issues to aid in your determination if this is the place for you and is not a substitute for reading the actual membership documents.
Four-wheeling is not restricted. There are abundant trails along with the remote county roads that offer ample opportunity to enjoy the four-wheeler experience. Safety is encouraged and there is the occasional complaint about speed or recklessness. Believe me, you will hear about it if a family member or guest goes over the line.
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