Welcome to First Down Park Pond
8670 Health Science Center Parkway
Although Lake Walk’s Lake Atlas looks inviting, fishing is not allowed. The only official fishing spot in the Lake Walk development is the pond at First Down Park , located along the Biocorridor near Health Science Center Parkway. That’s where anglers can legally cast a line.
The Legacy of First Down Park
First Down Park was dedicated to NFL referee Red Cashion in August 2020. The park’s plaques and benches embody his spirit of enthusiasm and positivity. Home to his family for decades, the land now features walking paths, cypress trees, quiet reflection spaces, and the pond where fishing is permitted.
Urban Neighborhood Pond: The pond falls under the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s “Neighborhood Fishin’” program, which stocks it with catfish (and occasionally trout) for family‑friendly fishing. Kids under 17 fish free; adults need a valid license.
How to Fish at First Down Park Pond
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| License | Adults (17+) must have a valid Texas fishing license. Kids under 16 and younger fish free. |
| Stay Within Bag Limits | Daily limit is 5 fish per person, of any species; up to one bass may be over 14″. |
| Gear Restrictions | Only pole‑and‑line fishing is allowed: no nets, trotlines, or traps. Maximum two rods per person. |
| Bait & Fishing | Catfish are most commonly stocked in spring through early summer and fall. Trout may be stocked seasonally in winter. Use worms, hotdogs, chicken liver, or small spinners. |
| Catch & Keep | Practice catch‑and‑release for native sunfish and bass if desired; follow Texas Parks & Wildlife regulations for harvested fish. |
| Pack Out Trash | Remove all trash; do not introduce foreign bait or plants to the water. |
Why the Pond, Not Lake Atlas?
- Public vs Private Access: First Down Park Pond is operated by the City of College Station and TPWD, falling under public park and fishing programs. Lake Atlas is maintained by the Lake Walk owners association, and is reserved for amenity use only.
- Stocked and Managed: TPWD stocks First Down Park Pond regularly as part of its Neighborhood Fishin’ program, with active oversight, making it ideal for family fishing outings.
Tips for Visiting
- Check city or TPWD updates for seasonal fish stocking dates: February-June and again September–October are typical. No stocking occurs in August due to the heat.
- Park at First Down Park and stick to designated shoreline areas.
- Fishing from park benches is not allowed; shoreline access only.
- Bring water, sun protection, and a trash bag: leave the area cleaner than when you arrived.