Everything You Need to Know About Lake Fork, Texas

One of America’s most iconic trophy-bass lakes, right here in East Texas.

📍 Location

Sabine River — Hopkins, Rains, and Wood Counties
Just northwest of Quitman, Texas

📐 Size & Depth

  • 27,264 acres
  • Maximum depth: 70 feet
  • Impounded in 1980

🌊 Water Conditions

  • Conservation pool elevation: 403 ft. msl
  • Fluctuation: moderate (2–4 ft.)
  • Typical clarity: moderately clear

Who Manages the Lake

Sabine River Authority of Texas
P.O. Box 487, Quitman, TX 75783
📞 (903) 878-2262

Aquatic Vegetation

Lake Fork’s strong ecosystem includes:
Hydrilla • Coontail • Milfoil • American Lotus • Pennywort • Alligator Weed • Water Primrose • Water Hyacinth

Fish Species You’ll Find Here

  • Largemouth Bass (Lake Fork’s crown jewel)
  • White Bass
  • Black & White Crappie
  • Channel Catfish
  • Sunfish / Bluegill

These species thrive thanks to the lake’s rich habitat, healthy vegetation, and long-standing stocking efforts.

Why Lake Fork Is Legendary

Lake Fork isn’t just another lake — it’s a record-book giant.

  • Home to 65% of Texas’ Top 50 largest bass
  • Birthplace of the current state-record bass
  • Produces over half of all ShareLunker entries
  • Famous for monster crappie, winter “barfish,” and steady catfish action

It’s a dream destination for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Fishing Structure & Habitat

  • Submerged timber
  • Shoreline vegetation
  • Hydrilla points
  • Boat-house structure
  • Brush piles
  • Creek channels
  • Bridge pilings
  • Artificial fish attractors (TPWD)

For More information:

See online fish attractor map | Get GPS coordinates

Tips & Tactics

Lake Fork fishes differently through the seasons. Here’s what usually works best:

Spring
(Feb–Apr)

  • Plastic worms & lizards
  • Jigs
  • Lipless crankbaits
  • Spinnerbaits
  • (Bass move shallow for spawn)

Summer

  • Night fishing is extremely productive
  • Topwaters early/late
  • Deep crankbaits
  • Big worms

Fall

  • Crankbaits
  • Topwaters
  • Shad-imitating lures
  • (Fish feed aggressively before winter)

Winter

  • Jigging spoons
  • Jigs
  • Crankbaits along structure
  • Crappie stay deep
  • Catfish love stinkbait/cut bait
  • White bass chase shad (spoons/minnows)

Sunrise reflecting over Lake Fork with still water and trees in Texas
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