Lake Fork
Current Water Level: 400.32 Ft
Everything is bigger in Texas, as the saying goes, and if you want proof, take a look at Lake Fork. About 70 miles east of Dallas, Lake Fork is one of the biggest lakes in the biggest state, covering almost 30,000 acres and creating 315 miles of shoreline. If you are serious about playing, the lake offers big opportunities for fishing, golfing, and other outdoor sports. Just find a place to live on the lakefront among a big collection of beautiful lake homes for sale.
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Lake Fork Real Estate Agent Info
JR SIMPSON
JR Simpson, Realtor with Century 21 Lake Country Realty. Contact me at 903-850-3324 or jr.simpson@hotmail.com
About Lake Fork
Everything is bigger in Texas, as the saying goes, and if you want proof, take a look at Lake Fork. About 70 miles east of Dallas, Lake Fork is one of the biggest lakes in the biggest state, covering almost 30,000 acres and creating 315 miles of shoreline. If you are serious about playing, the lake offers big opportunities for fishing, golfing, and other outdoor sports. Just find a place to live on the lakefront among a big collection of beautiful lake homes for sale.
Everything is bigger in Texas, as the saying goes, and if you want proof, take a look at Lake Fork. About 70 miles east of Dallas, Lake Fork is one of the biggest lakes in the biggest state, covering almost 30,000 acres and creating 315 miles of shoreline. If you are serious about playing, the lake offers big opportunities for fishing, golfing, and other outdoor sports. Just find a place to live on the lakefront among a big collection of beautiful lake homes for sale.
Lake Fork is renowned for its “trophy waters.” Originally instituted as a fishery reservoir, it now continues as possibly the top premiere fishing destination in Texas. Many bass record holders have come from this lake, including a largemouth bass weighing over 18 pounds caught in 1992. In order to preserve the lake's phenomenal opportunities for trophy fish, the Sabine River Authority of Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department work hard to maintain the lake's reputation. They have instituted a slot limit on largemouth bass larger than 24 inches, and the Parks Department continues to ensure a good crop of fish by stocking the lake with Florida bass.
Anglers, prepare for big rewards at Lake Fork. Many of the fish in the lake love to hang out because of the variety of its underwater structure, which consists of roadbeds, fallen trees, ridges, humps, and creeks. The lake also welcomes fishers interested in deeper waters. Several marinas near Lake Fork's lakefront cabins, including the Minnow Bucket Marina and Pope's Landing Marina, offer a place to lodge your boat or rent one. And those new to the lake can rent out a professional fishing guide service for their first fishing expedition.
In addition to fishing, lake-view homes provide access to great golfing for golfers of all skill levels. The first of two main golf courses surrounding the reservoir, Lake Fork Golf Course, offers 18 holes of less challenging ranges for those who don't consider themselves professionals. The second, The Links at Land's End, features an 18-hole course set on more challenging terrain and has been rated highly among Texas golf courses. If you are serious about golf, consider residing on one of these courses. For more information, visit GolfHomes.com.
There is more to do at Lake Fork than fish and golf. The Lake Fork Chamber of Commerce boasts about the duck hunting available at Lake Fork. A great venue for bird watching, the lake attracts a variety of birds due to its vegetation in shallow waters. Bald eagles are just one of many interesting bird species that have been reported to nest and feed in the area.
In true Texas fashion, Lake Fork is a big lake with big opportunities for outdoor sports. Anyone looking to adopt a Texas-sized lifestyle should take a serious look at the lake properties for sale at Lake Fork. On Lake Fork Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River, lake's acreage is 27,690 at conservation level, maximum depth is 70 feet. Little clearing of timber was done prior to impoundment in 1980, making for excellent fish habitat. Water Level Fluctuation: Moderate, 2-4 ft. Boat launch ramps are at Lake Fork Bridge on FM 515 and on south shore on Texas 154. Maps and information available at lake headquarters at dam on Texas 182. Accessible from Quitman (5 miles northeast) and Alba. - Texas Dept of Transportation Guide Book. Lake Fork Creek, Birch Creek and Big Caney Creek are the primary feeder streams along with numerous secondary creeks. The Reservoir is used for water supply and recreation. Lake Fork is used for water supply and recreation. Lake Fork has gained national recognition because of its trophy largemouth bass fishery.
In true Texas fashion, Lake Fork is a big lake with big opportunities for outdoor sports. Anyone looking to adopt a Texas-sized lifestyle should take a serious look at the lake properties for sale at Lake Fork. On Lake Fork Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River, lake's acreage is 27,690 at conservation level, maximum depth is 70 feet. Little clearing of timber was done prior to impoundment in 1980, making for excellent fish habitat. Water Level Fluctuation: Moderate, 2-4 ft. Boat launch ramps are at Lake Fork Bridge on FM 515 and on south shore on Texas 154. Maps and information available at lake headquarters at dam on Texas 182. Accessible from Quitman (5 miles northeast) and Alba. - Texas Dept of Transportation Guide Book. Lake Fork Creek, Birch Creek and Big Caney Creek are the primary feeder streams along with numerous secondary creeks. The Reservoir is used for water supply and recreation. Lake Fork is used for water supply and recreation. Lake Fork has gained national recognition because of its trophy largemouth bass fishery.
Lake Fork Quick Facts
Are Jet Skis permitted on Lake Fork?
Yes
Can you swim in Lake Fork?
Yes
What is the water quality at Lake Fork?
Good
What is the average water level variance at Lake Fork?
400.32
Are boat docks permitted at Lake Fork?
Yes
Are power boats permitted at Lake Fork?
Yes
What is the lake depth at Lake Fork?
70'
What are the nearby cities to Lake Fork?
Quitman, Alba
Lake Fork Fishing Information
Lake Fork has world-renowned bass fishing and is home to the Texas large mouth bass state record. Predominant Fish Species: Largemouth bass, white and black crappie, channel catfish and sunfish.
FISHING REGULATIONS Special regulations govern the harvest of large mouth bass at Lake Fork. Currently, bass 16 inches and shorter and 24 inches and longer (16 to 24 inch slot length limit) can be harvested with a daily bag limit of 5 fish, of which only 1 fish can be 24 inches or greater. Crappie harvest is also restricted by a special regulation. During the months of December, January and February, the minimum length limit is waived but harvest is regulated by a 25-fish daily bag limit. The first 25 crappie caught, regardless of size, must be retained; culling is not permitted. From March through November, harvest is controlled by a 10-inch minimum length, 25-fish daily bag limit. The harvest of all other sport fishes is controlled by statewide regulations.
FISHING TIPS AND TACTICS Largemouth bass anglers are most successful on this reservoir during the spring, fall, and winter months. Spinnerbaits, plastic worms and lizards, jigs and jerk baits are all popular baits during peak fishing in the spring (mid-February to April) when fishing is concentrated along the shoreline for spawning fish. Night time fishing during the hot summer months can be very productive and a good way to beat the Texas heat. At this time, plastic worms, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwaters are often used. During late summer and early fall, when fish are schooling, crankbaits and topwater lures can be very effective. In winter jigging spoons, jigs and crankbaits are most productive.
Crappie anglers concentrate their efforts in deep water near the dam during the winter months. In late spring and early fall, most angler fish for crappie under the bridges (Highway 154, Highway 515, CR 2946 and CR 514). Live minnows and crappie jigs are among the most popular baits used. The catfish population is dominated by channel catfish, but also includes flathead catfish. Stinkbait and cutbait work well for channel cats, while live bait is preferred for flatheads. Anglers occasionally catch large blue catfish.
Sunfish such as bluegill and redear can be caught in early summer, in shallow water, using crickets, earthworms and small spinners. During the remainder of the year they can be caught using the same baits around piers, boathouses and submerged humps.
Lake Fork Texas is the premier trophy bass lake in the state. Throughout the 90's Lake Fork has produced an unchallenged numbers of 13+ pound bass, leaving no doubt that Lake Fork is still the #1 trophy bass lake in the state of Texas. Prior to impoundment, the ponds that would eventually be inundated were stocked with Florida strain largemouth bass up to 8.5 pounds. The fish grew in these ponds until the ponds were inundated and became part of Fork. The Lake achieved national recognition in 1986 when a 17 pound 10 ounce bass was boated. In the following five years, more 13+ pound bass were caught out of Fork than any other lake in the southeast U.S. bringing national and world recognition to the lake.
J&H Lodge 310 County Road 1973, Yantis, TX, - 903 383-2631 Helen Johnson
Fisherman's One Stop 903-383-7121, Highway 515 & FM 1970, Yantis, TX 75497
Lockhart Lures 903-383-7663, 9 Taylor Dr, Yantis, TX 75497-9413
Bassin' With Bennett 903-383-7550, 1950 Highway 154, Yantis, TX 75497
Lake Fork Pro Shop 903-473-8072, Highway 515 W, Alba, TX 75410
Anglers Anchor - 903 878-7171
C Cs Fishing Guide Service - 903 878-2799
Charlie Foreman's Lake Fork Guide Service - 903 383-2198
J & J Lake Fork Guide Service - 903 383-7989
FISHING REGULATIONS Special regulations govern the harvest of large mouth bass at Lake Fork. Currently, bass 16 inches and shorter and 24 inches and longer (16 to 24 inch slot length limit) can be harvested with a daily bag limit of 5 fish, of which only 1 fish can be 24 inches or greater. Crappie harvest is also restricted by a special regulation. During the months of December, January and February, the minimum length limit is waived but harvest is regulated by a 25-fish daily bag limit. The first 25 crappie caught, regardless of size, must be retained; culling is not permitted. From March through November, harvest is controlled by a 10-inch minimum length, 25-fish daily bag limit. The harvest of all other sport fishes is controlled by statewide regulations.
FISHING TIPS AND TACTICS Largemouth bass anglers are most successful on this reservoir during the spring, fall, and winter months. Spinnerbaits, plastic worms and lizards, jigs and jerk baits are all popular baits during peak fishing in the spring (mid-February to April) when fishing is concentrated along the shoreline for spawning fish. Night time fishing during the hot summer months can be very productive and a good way to beat the Texas heat. At this time, plastic worms, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwaters are often used. During late summer and early fall, when fish are schooling, crankbaits and topwater lures can be very effective. In winter jigging spoons, jigs and crankbaits are most productive.
Crappie anglers concentrate their efforts in deep water near the dam during the winter months. In late spring and early fall, most angler fish for crappie under the bridges (Highway 154, Highway 515, CR 2946 and CR 514). Live minnows and crappie jigs are among the most popular baits used. The catfish population is dominated by channel catfish, but also includes flathead catfish. Stinkbait and cutbait work well for channel cats, while live bait is preferred for flatheads. Anglers occasionally catch large blue catfish.
Sunfish such as bluegill and redear can be caught in early summer, in shallow water, using crickets, earthworms and small spinners. During the remainder of the year they can be caught using the same baits around piers, boathouses and submerged humps.
Lake Fork Texas is the premier trophy bass lake in the state. Throughout the 90's Lake Fork has produced an unchallenged numbers of 13+ pound bass, leaving no doubt that Lake Fork is still the #1 trophy bass lake in the state of Texas. Prior to impoundment, the ponds that would eventually be inundated were stocked with Florida strain largemouth bass up to 8.5 pounds. The fish grew in these ponds until the ponds were inundated and became part of Fork. The Lake achieved national recognition in 1986 when a 17 pound 10 ounce bass was boated. In the following five years, more 13+ pound bass were caught out of Fork than any other lake in the southeast U.S. bringing national and world recognition to the lake.
J&H Lodge 310 County Road 1973, Yantis, TX, - 903 383-2631 Helen Johnson
Fisherman's One Stop 903-383-7121, Highway 515 & FM 1970, Yantis, TX 75497
Lockhart Lures 903-383-7663, 9 Taylor Dr, Yantis, TX 75497-9413
Bassin' With Bennett 903-383-7550, 1950 Highway 154, Yantis, TX 75497
Lake Fork Pro Shop 903-473-8072, Highway 515 W, Alba, TX 75410
Anglers Anchor - 903 878-7171
C Cs Fishing Guide Service - 903 878-2799
Charlie Foreman's Lake Fork Guide Service - 903 383-2198
J & J Lake Fork Guide Service - 903 383-7989
Lake Fork Local Area Businesses
Nearby points of interest are:
- Fairfield Lake and Tyler State Parks
- Texas State Railroad State Historical Park
- Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
- First Monday Trade Days in Canton
- Cedar Creek Reservoir
- Martin Creek and Purtis Creek State Parks
- Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, famous as "Rose Capital of World"
- Tyler Junior College and planetarium
- Brookshire World of Wildlife
- Carnegie History Center
- Kilgore Oil Museum
- Morton Salt Mines in Grand Saline, 40 miles from park
- Spring Flower Trail (March)
- Rose Festival (October)
- Tyler Zoo
- Goodman Museum
- Only 20 to 30 minutes away is Gladewater, "The Antique Capital of East Texas."
Lake Fork Boating Information
Ricky's Lake Fork Boat Rental
8394 West FM 515. Yantis, TX, 75497, 903.383.2814
Steve's Custom Props offers a certified propeller technician with the experience you can count on.
Brey Dock and Dredge Ron Brey, P.O. Box 146, Grand Saline, Texas (903)963-8231
Lake Fork Boat Storage 903-383-2879, RR 2 Box 196, Yantis, TX
Fishermen's Camp - 903 765-3107
Martin R V - 903 765-2688
Fisherman's Cove Marina - 903 765-2943
Lake Fork Boat Rental - 903 765-3209
Lake Fork Fisherman's Cove Marina - 903 765-2943
Bens Marina Lake Quitman - 903 878-2234
For a list of boat ramps and commercial marinas, call (903) 878-2262.
Steve's Custom Props offers a certified propeller technician with the experience you can count on.
Brey Dock and Dredge Ron Brey, P.O. Box 146, Grand Saline, Texas (903)963-8231
Lake Fork Boat Storage 903-383-2879, RR 2 Box 196, Yantis, TX
Fishermen's Camp - 903 765-3107
Martin R V - 903 765-2688
Fisherman's Cove Marina - 903 765-2943
Lake Fork Boat Rental - 903 765-3209
Lake Fork Fisherman's Cove Marina - 903 765-2943
Bens Marina Lake Quitman - 903 878-2234
For a list of boat ramps and commercial marinas, call (903) 878-2262.
Lake Fork Camping Information
J&H Lodge -
310 County Road 1973, Yantis, TX, 903 383-2631
Chaney Point RV Park - 903 765-2264
Lake Fork Marina - 903 765-2764
Marina Estates - 903 765-2764
Popes Landing - 903 765-2385
Lake Fork Camp - 903 878-2506
Oak Ridge Motel & RV Park - 903 878-2529
Fisherman's Hideaway - 903 383-2056
Gateway Inn - 903 383-7959
Hideaway Harbor Campground - 903 383-2733
Quail Hollow Motel & RV Campground-Lake - 903 383-7925
Chaney Point RV Park - 903 765-2264
Lake Fork Marina - 903 765-2764
Marina Estates - 903 765-2764
Popes Landing - 903 765-2385
Lake Fork Camp - 903 878-2506
Oak Ridge Motel & RV Park - 903 878-2529
Fisherman's Hideaway - 903 383-2056
Gateway Inn - 903 383-7959
Hideaway Harbor Campground - 903 383-2733
Quail Hollow Motel & RV Campground-Lake - 903 383-7925
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