Beautiful Lake Fork Reservoir is located approximately 90 miles east of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It was built as an industrial and municipal water supply by the Sabine River Authority (SRA) in early 1980. There are four public boat ramps and many private marinas. Bank access is limited at the reservoir; however, a public day-use area and fishing pier built by the SRA provides limited bank access. Mild year-round temperatures and beautiful scenery provide for a memorable angling experience for a variety of species.

Largemouth Bass

While there are some restrictions on harvesting largemouth bass, these restrictions have helped to make Lake Fork become the premier location for trophy largemouth bass in Texas. The tournaments are enjoyed by many, and the surroundings and weather are beautiful.  There have been many largemouth bass over 13 pounds as well as the state record fish.  Peak fishing for largemouth bass are spring (mid-February to April) when anglers concentrate their efforts along the shoreline for spawning fish. Another prime fishing period occurs in late summer and early fall when schooling fish are abundant.

Crappie

The lake has both white and black crappie and the majority is the black crappie. The crappie is usually located mostly around some bridge pilings, submerged trees, brush piles, and from deep water near the dam, depending upon the time of the year. If you look for where the majority of boats are, that is often a good sign that the anglers have located crappie-especially under bridges in late spring/early summer and again in the fall. During winter months, most efforts are in deeper water closer to the dam. Popular baits throughout the year are live minnows and crappie jigs.

Catfish

If you are interested in Catfish both Channel and blue catfish are present in Lake Fork Reservoir. The trot lines account for most of the catfish harvest. While rod and reel angling for catfish has been limited, it is gaining in popularity as catfish populations expand. If you enjoy participating in tournaments, the Lake Fork Sportsman’s Association has great success with its annual “Yantis Catfish Classic” held in July of each year.

A Note about Water Sports

Even though Fishing is extremely popular on Lake Fork Reservoir there are a number of other popular water sports you can enjoy in a few areas. 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. 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

Additional Information

Lake Fork Reservoir is an extremely popular fishing spot and anglers who are considering utilizing guides, are encouraged to make reservations for guide services well in advance if you are planning to fish here especially during the spring. Local marinas are great sources for current fishing conditions. There is no hard and fast rule as to which baits will produce fish on any given day.

Here is a list of just a few of the Guide Services in the area. 

Since the Lake Fork Reservoir has special harvest regulations which anglers should make themselves aware of prior to any fishing trip. We suggest you review the information available on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.Website. It has an abundance of valuable information. You may also contact them and the Sabine River Authority at the following:

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

LAKE FORK FISHING TOURNAMENTS

If you are interested in finding out more information on a couple of our local tournaments you may want to check out this link about a variety of them throughout the year