Caddo Lake
Size: 25,400 acres
Age: Natural lake

Location: Lies on the Sabine River and Cypress Bayou in the Texas counties of Marion and Harrison and in the Louisiana Parrish of Caddo. Nearest cities are Shreveport and Marshall, Texas. The lake is just west of State Highway 43.

Description: Unlike any other Texas lake, this body of water was not built by man. Indian legend has it Caddo was formed during a catastrophic earthquake centuries ago. Today, the lake remains one of the compelling mysteries in Texas fishing with its winding channels and dense stands of bald cypress.

Controlling Authority: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

TPWD Fisheries Office: 3802 East End Blvd., Marshall, TX 75670, (903) 938-1007.

Fishing Regulations:

Bass -- eight per day, all 14 inches or longer.
Crappie -- 50 per day, no length limit.

Stocking History:

Florida bass -- 1981, 82
Blue catfish -- 1988

Comments: Almost half this lake (11,000 acres) lies in Louisiana. This is one of the few waters in Texas where anglers can catch chain pickerel, a pike like toothy species that strikes bass lures. To the first time visitor, this lake may have the appearance of a giant swamp. Boaters should be cautious. Many anglers have lost their sense of direction.

Lake Records:

Species Pounds Inches Angler
Largemouth bass 13.25 26.50 Ronnie D Arnold
Redear sunfish 1.17 11.00 Audrey L Briggs, Jr
Flathead catfish 23.75 34.00 William J. Boyd

Fishing Tips: Winter-time fishing for pickerel can be excellent in shallow-water cover on spinnerbaits and casting spoons. Crappie fishing is best on live minnows and jigs in the flooded timber.

Fishing Quality:

Largemouth bass --
Catfish --
Crappie --
Sunfish --
Chain pickerel --

Facilities: At the upper end, Caddo State Park (903/679-3351) offers camping and other public recreation. Numerous private facilities are available around Uncertain, Texas and on the north side of the lake.

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