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Since its inception, Lake Fork Reservoir has had restrictive harvest regulations
in effect for largemouth bass. This has contributed to the lake becoming
the premier trophy largemouth bass lake in Texas. It has produced numerous
fish over 13 pounds, dominates the
Texas Top 50 Largemouth Bass list, and has produced state record fish.
Peak fishing for largemouth bass occurs during spring (mid-February to April)
when anglers concentrate their efforts along the shoreline for spawning fish.
Popular baits used at this time include spinnerbaits, plastic worms and lizards,
jigs and jerk baits. Another prime fishing period occurs in late summer
and early fall when schooling fish are abundant. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits
and topwater lures can be very productive on schooling fish. Nighttime
fishing with plastic worms, crankbaits and topwaters also account for numerous
fish caught during the summer. During winter months, lures, such as jigging
spoons, jig and trailers, and crankbaits fished slowly can be productive.onths, lures, such as
jigging spoons, jig and trailers, and crankbaits fished slowly can be
productive.
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Crappie |
Lake Fork Reservoir contains both white and black crappie, with black crappie
dominating the population. Large numbers of crappie can be caught from
around bridge pilings, submerged trees, brush piles, and from deep water near
the dam, depending upon the time of the year. Concentrations of boats are
often an indication that anglers have located crappie-especially under bridges
in late spring/early summer and again in the fall. During winter months,
most crappie anglers concentrate their efforts in deeper water near the dam.
Popular baits throughout the year are live minnows and crappie jigs. |
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Shops, Stores, Malls and MoreShopping Resources! |
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Channel and blue catfish are present in Lake Fork Reservoir. Trotlines
account for most catfish harvest. Rod and reel angling for catfish has
been limited, but is gaining in popularity as catfish populations expand.
The
Lake Fork Sportsman's Association has great success with
its annual "Yantis
Catfish Classic" held in July of each year. |
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Sunfish |
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Lake Fork Reservoir contains an excellent "bream" fishery-with bluegill and red ear sunfish the dominant species harvested. Most harvest occurs during
the spawning season in the early summer when they are on beds in shallow water
near the shoreline. At this time of year, anglers using crickets,
earthworms, or small spinners catch large numbers of these good-eating panfishes.
During the remainder of the year, sunfish can be harvested using the same baits
around structure such as piers, boathouses and submerged stumps.
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Water Sports |
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Lake
Fork Reservoir is an extremely popular fishing spot but there are a number of
other popular water sports to enjoy. The lake has a few areas in which to
enjoy these water sports, but it is important to be extremely cautious of the
many treacherous underwater hazards. Jet skiing, waterskiing and
wakeboarding can be enjoyed in only in areas known to be safe. |
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Final Hints |
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Lake Fork Reservoir is an extremely popular fishing spot and anglers are urged
to make reservations for lodging, guide services, etc. well in advance.
This is especially true during the spring. There is no hard and fast rule
as to which baits will produce fish on any given day. Anglers are
encouraged to contact local marinas for current fishing conditions.
Serious anglers should consider hiring a guide.
Since the majority of the standing timber was left in the reservoir, numerous
underwater hazards exist. Caution should be exercised when boating in all
areas.
Finally, Lake Fork Reservoir has special harvest regulations which anglers
should make themselves aware of prior to any fishing trip.
Regulation booklets
are available through local marinas, sporting goods stores, or the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. |
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Barry W. Lyons and Steve
Poarch, Fisheries Biologists and Kirk Pratas, Fish & Wildlife Technician.
For more information on Lake Fork Reservoir contact:
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
2122 Old Henderson Hwy.
Tyler, TX 75702
903-593-5077
or
Sabine River Authority
P.O. Box 487
Quitman, TX 75783
903-878-2262 |
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