The lake was built by West Texas Utilities Company in 1930 to provide municipal water to the city of San Angelo and surrounding areas.

[1] Lake Nasworthy has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing.

Angelo State University has lake facilities on the lake shore that includes a volleyball court, clubhouse, and even a boat ramp area (and if you're affiliated with Angelo State in any way, you can go to the facility anytime during opening hours).

The San Angelo Parks and Recreation Department provides camping on the lake.

[3] Nearby Goodfellow Air Force Base also has a recreational area on the lake available to military members and their families.