Lake Murvaul

Bass (lg. mouth). . . .Excellent Crappie . . . . . . . . . . Excellent Perch . . . . . . . . . . . .Excellent Catfish . . . . . . . . . . .Excellent

Massey Sporting Goods 903-693-6129, 508 S Shelby St, Carthage, TX 75633-3024

Fishing Regulations: Most fish are covered under statewide harvest regulations. One exception is a 14-21-inch slot length for largemouth bass. Only 5 bass may be retained each day, and only one of those can be more than 21 inches in length.

Stocking History: Largemouth bass -- 1972 Florida bass -- 1972, 80, 89 Channel catfish -- 1967, 68, 69, 73, 79

Comments: This was once regarded as one of the premiere trophy bass lakes in the state. In fact, in the early 1970's the TPWD experimented with using brood fish from this lake to cross with Florida bass.

Lake Murvaul has an excellent and highly utilized largemouth bass fishery. The reservoir received national recognition in the 1960's for its trophy bass production and continues to produce bass over 8 lbs. Management strategies have been developed to take advantage of Murvaul's ability to grow large bass. During the late 1990's, a supplemental stocking program was conducted to increase the Florida bass genotype in the population and harvest regulations were modified to protect intermediate-size bass and increase fishing quality. Channel catfish are present in high numbers and provide excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. Quality-size crappie are present with best fishing success in winter and spring. Sunfish (bluegill and redear) are present in good numbers with high numbers of > 6-inch fish available for harvest.

FISHING COVER/STRUCTURE Natural habitat is present is present in the form of inundated timber, aquatic vegetation, and numerous creek channels. An abundance of man-made structures (rip rap, boat houses and docks) provide additional structural habitat.

FISHING TIPS AND TACTICS Although largemouth bass fishing is good throughout the year, the most productive months are January through March. Jig combinations, oversized crankbaits and spinner baits are the most popular lures used by anglers. Fish are located in deep water along creek channels during winter months and tend to move into shallow water flats during the spring. Aquatic and terrestrial vegetation may also be productive habitat to fish during the spring through fall months. During warmer months, top-water lures can be effective in producing strikes during early morning hours. Artificial worms are effective in deeper water off major points and secondary points during mid-day hours in summer months.

Crappie fishing is steady throughout the year with higher success rates generally occurring in March and April. Minnows and artificial jigs are productive for crappie. Jones Branch and the creek channel near the FM 1971 bridge are popular fishing areas. Best catch rates for channel catfish occur April through October. A variety of live baits such as night crawlers, minnows, catalpa worms are most effective but commercial prepared dough/stink baits can also be used when fishing for channel catfish. The best months to fish for sunfish are May and June. Fish can be found near shorelines in 2-6 ft of water. Earthworms and crickets are good bait choices for sunfish.

Facilities: Private recreation facilities dot the shoreline with boat ramps, RV sites and campgrounds. The county has provided a park with picnic area and overnight campground.

Murvaul RV Park 903-693-6562, Fm Rd 1234, Carthage, TX 75633

Carthage RV Camp Ground 903-693-5543, 614 NE Loop, Carthage, TX 75633-1256

Get your Fishing License Here! Boat access points:

Murvaul Marina 903-693-9301, Fm Rd 1234, Carthage, TX 75633<

Reeves Motor Sales (Outboard Motor Sales & Repair) 903-693-6142, 411 W Sabine St, Carthage, TX 75633-2421