Lake Fork
Size: 27,700 acres
Age: Impoundment began 1980, filled to capacity 1985

Location: Approximately 75 miles east of downtown Dallas, five miles west of Quitman, just east of U.S. Highway 69.

Description: The dam impounds Lake Fork Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River. Other major creeks are Big Caney and Little Caney. The water is usually stained to moderately clear, with widespread distribution of hydrilla and other flooded vegetation. Most standing timber was left in the original reservoir basin.

Controlling Authority: Sabine River Authority, Lake Fork Division, P.O. Box 487, Quitman, TX 75783, (903) 878-2262.

TPWD Fisheries Office: 2122 Old Henderson Hwy, Tyler, TX 75701, (903) 593-5077.

Fishing Regulations:

Largemouth bass -- Three per day, none between 14 - 21 inches.
Crappie -- From December 1 to last day of February, no minimum, no culling, 25 per day.
All others same as statewide.

Stocking History:

Florida largemouth bass -- 1979, 80. 82, 87
Blue catfish -- 1980, 84, 85
Channel catfish -- 1977, 78, 80, 84
Flathead catfish -- 1979
Coppernose bluegill -- 1981
Redear sunfish -- 1981

Comments: From the start, this was textbook fisheries management, including initial stocking before the lake filled, leaving most of the standing timber and filling in stages. Then, the fish were protected from over-harvest by a minimum length limit that became a "slot limit," to help make Fork the premiere trophy bass lake in Texas, perhaps in the nation. It has also been one of the top crappie and sunfish lakes.

Lake Records:

Species Pounds Inches Angler
Bowfin 16.34 24.00 Joe Stickler
Largemouth bass 17.67 27.50 Mark Stevenson
White crappie 2.81 16.00 Buster Whorrell
Black crappie 3.27 17.00 Brady R. Dillard
Flathead catfish 40.00 50.00 Donald G. Latham
Blue catfish 53.96 44.00 Wayne L. Evans
Channel catfish 15.32 34.50 Larry C. Bateman

Fishing Tips: For trophy bass, prime time is early-December through April 1, especially for anglers patient enough to work jigs and plastic lizards slowly in heavy cover. By late-February, warming water temperatures bring a more aggressive bite on spinnerbaits and diving crankbaits. Crappie fishing can be excellent year-round.

Fishing Quality:

Largemouth bass--
Crappie--
Catfish--
Sunfish--

Facilities: Good public and private boat ramps, but no public campgrounds. Numerous private lodges and marinas have RV and tent camping.

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