Carbon, TX 76435(Eastland County)

Hidden Lake Ranch is an 80 acre gem just 125 miles west of downtown Dallas. Boasting a 40+ acre bass lake, managed by fisheries biologist, Steven Bardin of Texas Pro Lake Management. Under Bardins wise supervision, the lake was stocked with baitfish in 2016. In June of 2017, two thousand Florida bass and F1 hybrids were introduced as 3 to 4 fingerlings. The results have been astonishing. Minimal fishing in September of 2018 produced bass of four and even five plus pounds! These burly fish feel and fight like much larger ones and are both willing and aggressive. The rains in September and October of this year have kept the lake in excellent shape, as the fish rapidly continue to grow toward double digits. This body of water appears to be well on the way to living up to its renowned potential of growing and maintaining a healthy and vibrant trophy bass population. It will afford the fisherman many years of pleasure in both managing and catching big, beautiful largemouth bass.

In addition to the bass, Hidden Lake Ranch supports thousands of migratory waterfowl, beginning with bluewing teal in September, followed by most of the dabbling and diving ducks that frequent the central flyway from October through March. The lake is used for roosting, feeding and loafing. Duck shooting on the lake is excellent year after year. Whitetail deer use the property for loafing year round and during hunting season spend much of their time there, avoiding hunters. Turkey often visit the feeder. There is a sizable sounder of feral hogs on the place, in constant need of thinning. Bobcat, fox, coyote, rabbit and armadillo also frequent the ranch.

There is a 720 square foot two bedroom, one bath cabin built in 2009, including an 8x30 covered porch affording an idyllic view of the lake through the post oak timber. There is community water and septic on site. A storage shed sits beside the cabin. There is a pole barn facility just off of the driveway that provides covered boat storage, which is lighted and has electric receptacles for recharging marine batteries. The owner built an extensive concrete boat ramp and a fish cleaning station that provides running water and electricity at lakeside. There is a pier on the east side of the lake with walking access from the dam.

Seller has no mineral estate ownership with this property and there is an ag- exemption on it via a cattle grazing lease which keeps the property taxes at a minimum. Taxes were $1,342 in 2017.

In summary, Hidden Lake Ranch is a small property with huge recreational potential. It is most definitely within the sweet spot of driving distance from the Metroplex, assuring the city dweller easy access for weekend use and enjoyment. It is a highly productive place for the owner seeking memorable trophy bass fishing, lights-out duck shooting, potential to take a deer during season and a virtually endless supply of varmints to hunt.