WACO, Texas (April 14, 2026) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Fisheries Management Division (FMD), in partnership with Kubota Tractor Corporation, successfully completed a large-scale habitat restoration project at Lake Waco on Wednesday, April 8, enhancing fish care and long-term sustainability for one of Central Texas’ premier fisheries.
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Working from Airport Beach Park and in coordination with an existing Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) habitat site, the project focused on the installation of MossBack Fish Habitat “Tournament Recovery Zones.” These specially designed structures are intended to support the recovery of bass and crappie, helping ensure healthier fish populations and improved post-release survival rates.
The effort brought together a strong coalition of local and industry partners, including MLF pros Alton Jones Jr. of Lorena, Texas, and Kelly Jordon of Flint, Texas, along with MLF co-founder and Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Gary Klein of Mingus, Texas , volunteers from the Waco Bass Club and Texas B.A.S.S. Nation, and biologists from Texas Pro Lake Management (TPLM) and the TPWD Inland Fisheries Waco District staff. Equipment support was provided by WC Tractor of Waco, which supplied two Kubota SVL 75-3 track loaders, while TPWD and TPLM contributed work boats for mapping and deployment.
“We’ve seen firsthand how the Bass Pro Tour’s catch, weigh and immediate-release format can shine a spotlight on some incredible, under-the-radar fisheries,” said Steven Bardin, MLF Fisheries Biologist. “With the support of Kubota, we’re excited to help enhance habitat on Lake Waco in a way that will benefit anglers for years to come.”
The newly installed habitat structures have been strategically GPS-mapped, giving local anglers the ability to locate productive fishing areas while also encouraging increased youth and community engagement on the water.
“These projects are what it’s all about – giving back to the lakes that give us so much,” said Jones Jr. “When you can come together with local anglers, biologists and partners to build something that’s going to help fish populations thrive long after we’re gone, that’s a win for everyone who loves this sport.”
The Lake Waco project is part of a broader MLF Fisheries Management Division habitat restoration initiative across Texas this month, with a similar project scheduled for Lake Brownwood on April 22. These efforts continue to highlight the collaboration between the professional fishing industry, conservation experts and host communities, all working toward the shared goal of preserving and enhancing fisheries for future generations.
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