Lake Fork Fishing Report Today
Lake Fork sits in Wood, Hopkins, and Rains counties, about 70 miles east of Dallas and five miles northwest of Quitman. The reservoir covers 27,264 acres on Lake Fork Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River. It reaches a maximum depth of 70 feet with 315 miles of shoreline. The dam closed in February 1980, and TPWD left roughly 80 percent of the lake's standing timber in place — a habitat decision that shaped everything that followed.
Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report
Lake Fork holds 36 of the 50 largest largemouth bass ever recorded in Texas, including the state record — 18.18 pounds caught by Barry St. Clair on January 24, 1992. TPWD stocked 732,514 Florida-strain largemouth bass between 1979 and 1987 and continues stocking to the present. A protected slot limit requires anglers to release all bass between 16 and 24 inches immediately, with a limit of one bass 24 inches or larger per day. Spring pushes bass shallow into protected coves for the spawn. Summer moves them to deep standing timber and structure points as water climbs past 80°F. Fall brings an active feeding pattern along creek channel swings as shad move shallow. Winter fish hold tight to deep timber and bridge riprap.
Lake Fork Crappie Fishing Report
Both white and black crappie are present with a Good rating from TPWD. The lake's standing timber and bridge pilings hold crappie most of the year. Fishing stays most consistent in cooler months when fish stack tight to deeper timber, typically in 12 to 20 feet. Small jig and minnow combinations worked vertically around submerged structure produce well. Crappie fishing draws far less attention than the bass fishery here despite consistent numbers.
Lake Fork Catfish Fishing Report
Channel catfish are rated Excellent by TPWD and provide a reliable year-round fishery on cut bait fished in the deeper channel areas. Blue catfish and flathead catfish are also present. Catfish activity stays strong through the summer when the bass bite slows during midday heat. Night fishing with heavy bottom rigs near creek channel confluences and points is the standard approach.
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About Lake Fork
Lake size and depth. Lake Fork covers 27,264 acres with roughly 315 miles of shoreline. It reaches a maximum depth of 70 feet near the dam. The surrounding terrain is East Texas piney woods and hardwood bottomland along the Sabine River basin.
Location. The lake sits about 70 miles east of Dallas on Lake Fork Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River. It spans Wood, Hopkins, and Rains counties. The nearest towns are Quitman, Alba, Emory, and Yantis.
Bass regulations. Lake Fork operates under a protected slot limit for largemouth bass. All bass between 16 and 24 inches must be released immediately. Anglers may keep one bass 24 inches or longer per day. The standard statewide daily bag limit of five bass applies otherwise. These rules have been in place for decades and are the primary reason the lake continues producing trophy-class fish.
Lake history. The Sabine River Authority dam closed in February 1980. TPWD stocked 732,514 Florida-strain largemouth bass between 1979 and 1987 and has continued stocking to the present. The decision to leave approximately 80 percent of the lake's standing timber in place when it filled gave bass cover and ambush points at every depth. Within a decade of opening, Lake Fork was nationally known as a trophy bass destination. The Texas state record — 18.18 pounds, caught January 24, 1992 — has stood since.