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Lake Fork (also called Lake Fork Reservoir) spans an impressive 27,690 acres in northeast Texas on the border of the Piney Woods and Prairies and Lakes tourism regions. The Sabine River Authority completed the Lake Fork project in 1985 by damming Lake Fork Creek, a major tributary of the Sabine River, for municipal and industrial water supply and recreation. Birch Creek and Big Caney Creek also feed into Lake Fork. Water level fluctuations generally range between 2 to 4 feet.
Due to little clearing of timber prior to impoundment of Lake Fork Creek, Lake Fork has an excellent habitat for fish. Nationally recognized because of the trophy largemouth bass fishery, Lake Fork claims more than 65% of the Texas Top 50 largest bass ever caught. The state record still resides at Lake Fork Reservoir with an 18.18 pound bass that was caught in January 1991 surpassing the old record of 17.67 pounds caught in November 1986 (also in Lake Fork). Mid-February to April are the best months for bass fishing during the day; however the hot summer months make for good night fishing. Other species found in the lake include white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish.
Special regulations (along with the standard statewide regulations) govern largemouth bass and crappie catches. Bass 16 inches and shorter and 24 inches and longer can be caught with a bag limit of 5 fish, with only one fish being 24 inches or longer. During the months from December through February, crappie catches are limited to 25 fish a day. The first 25 fish caught, regardless of size, must be retained. From March through November, crappie must be at least 10 inches long with a bag limit of 25.
The Sabine River Authority (SBA) operates several boat ramps and a free day-use area on Lake Fork, in addition to numerous private-owned access areas around the lake. Boat launch ramps are available at Lake Fork Bridge on Highway 515 and on the south shore of Lake Fork Reservoir on Highway 154. The SBA boat ramp on Highway 154 is located at a day use park that includes a fishing pier with wheelchair access, restrooms, swings, and a pavilion with picnic tables. You can obtain maps and information at the lake headquarters at Lake Forks Dam on Texas 182.
Other activities enjoyed at Lake Fork include water skiing, boating, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and bird watching (a sport that is gaining momentum). The Lake Fork area is home to bird species such as the Bald Eagle, wood thrush, Arcadian flycatcher, Kentucky Warbler, and swallow-tailed kites. The Ivory-billed woodpecker (thought to be extinct at one time) also makes its home in the area.
When boating, watch for debris and stumps along the shore. However, for a stump-free boating experience try canoeing and kayaking, which are getting more popular in the area. These shallow-hulled boats can get into much shallower water where the larger fish are often found.
For wildlife viewing at Lake Fork, there's no better time to see wildlife than early in the morning or early in the evening. Expect to see turkey, deer, raccoons,opossums, and various song birds.
To get a feel for the history of the area, go to Quitman, which was founded in 1850 as the Wood County seat. Attracting a large number of settlers from the southern states, Quitman quickly became the trading center for the county. Visit the historic downtown area with period buildings and the feel of small town turn-of-the-century America. Other towns close to Lake Fork include Emory, Greenville, Lake Fork, Mineola, Sulphur Springs, and Winnsboro.
For a bit of east Texas charm and some of the best bass fishing in the country, try Lake Fork for a day, a weekend, or a lifetime.
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