Lake Fork FAQ

I heard all the bass died in the lake, true or false?
• False with a capitol F. Contrary to what some people may say Fork is loaded with bass and in all size ranges. While it's true that the lake did experience the Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) its far from the truth to say all bass died. Actually only a very small percentage developed the disease in the summer of '98. When you take in account of the millions of bass in the lake its ridiculous to think they all developed the disease. Since the outbreak there has been no other reports of it and many large bass have been caught.

I hear when people don't catch many fish at Fork that it's due to the virus outbreak, is his true?
• Fishing is fishing. You just can't expect to catch 15 pound bass at any lake. While it's true that some lakes have a better chance of producing lunkers than others, even these lakes can't be expected to produce them non-stop. Since the outbreak in '98 we are hearing this excuse used more. But it's simply not true, some days you will catch fish, some days you will catch a few and some days you will catch a lot. Lake Fork is no different than any other lake in a sense, there are good fishing days, bad fishing days and great fishing days. Lake Fork provides you with the opportunity to catch big fish, but it's not guaranteed.

Has the new slot helped or hurt fishing at Lake Fork?
• We haven't seen any signs that the new slot hurt anything. The slot simply protects the bass 16" to 24" from being harvested.

Where has all the dense timber gone that was in the lake, I was down in the mid 80's and it was a jungle
• Much of the standing timber has rotted and fell over the years. However, what has gone away is the timber you could see, much of it is still there, just under the water.

I heard Dallas is going to draw water from Lake Fork, won't this hurt the lake and fishing?
• Lake Fork has always supplied water to several communities and towns. However, Dallas has built a water line from Lake Fork and will start drawing water from the lake in the future. How this will affect the lake is any one's guess, however, Dallas won't soley draw water from Lake Fork, it's just a number of lakes they use water from, so the odds of it really affecting the lake would have to be considered low.

Is it true that nearby Cooper Lake has surpassed Fork in fishing?
• Cooper is a great lake make no mistake, but we've seen no proof that's its a better lake for bass fishing. It's a newer lake so the timber is still standing so it looks like its a "fishy" looking lake, but as far as being better thn Lake Fork, we haven't seen proof of this.

What's the best time of year to fish Lake Fork?
• Depends on what kind of fishing a person is looking to do. For the best chance of hooking into a 13+ pound bass anytime between December and May, with the prime big bass months usually being February, March and April. Other than these months for big bass, Lake Fork is a great lake to visit anytime you can, because after all it's Lake Fork, and you could hook into a trophy bass any month.

Any other good fishing besides bass at Lake Fork?
• Most definitely! Although bass receive the most publicity at Lake Fork, the lake has great fishing for crappie, catfish and bream. All these species are prevalent and are very catchable for fishermen. Lake Fork ranks right up there as one of the best crappie lakes in the country.

What type of fishing license will I need since I'm from out of state?
• Non-Texas residents need a temporary (5 day) non-resident fishing license that's available from most marinas and convenience stores around the lake. For more info on licenses, check out the TPWD web site.

Do I have to pay to launch my boat?
• At the 4 public ramps no. At the private ramps located at marinas around the lake, most likely yes.


Is it true that Lake Fork is full of alligators?
• No. Although Lake Fork has a population of alligators, most times you'll never see them. In fact there are many fishermen that have fished the lake since it's opened and have never seen one. Most times, the few 'gators that are in Lake Fork reside in very remote areas of the lake (backs of coves and creeks). If you are lucky enough to actually see one, just don't bother it and view it from a safe distance. A popular misconception about Lake Fork is that it's like south Florida with the many swampy areas.

I've heard rumors that there has been a world record bass found dead and floating at Lake Fork. True or false?
• Not true, as far as the people at TPWD are concerned. Although a 19 pound bass was found and documented dead on the surface in the early 1990's. This world record rumor surfaces just about every year, and although it makes for some great tales, we haven't seen any proof of such a fish. However, quite a few 13, 14 and even 15 pound fish have been found dead over the years, due to either stress over spawning or mishandling.

Is it against the law to retain a trophy bass at Lake Fork?
No, currently an angler can legally retain one over 24 inch bass per day, per person, although we and most people who fish Lake Fork strongly recommend catch and release for the trophy bass.

Is it dangerous to fish with live bait for bass at Lake Fork? I've heard some horror stories?
• To our knowledge, no angler has been involved in a physical altercation concerning the use of live bait.

I have a boat, should I hire a guide when I come to Lake Fork?
Yes, we recommend the use of a guide especially for people traveling a long ways to fish Lake Fork. If not for everyday of your trip, at least for a day or so to show you around the lake and to show you current fish patterns and baits. Lake Fork can be frustrating for the occasional angler and you don't want to drive a long distance to not catch any fish! A good reputable guide can greatly increase your odds of having a successful trip.

What do guides charge on Lake Fork?
• Guide fees and services can vary from one guide to another. Generally speaking, expect rates that range from $200.00 to $300.00 a day. It's best to contact marinas or convenience stores around the lake, or the guides directly to discuss their rates and services offered.

Don't you think the rates guides charge is excessive?
• Not at all. When you consider the investment a guide has to have with their boat, tackle and other supplies the price of a good reputable guide could be considered a bargain. Take a guide that charges $250 for a day, if the day consists of 8 to 10 hours thats about $25 to $30 per hour. Not bad price at all when you consider you are fishing in their boat and have the expertise of someone that knows the lake and conditions.

Can you recommend a good guide?
• There are many excellent guides that work Lake Fork. Call the marinas or convenience stores around the lake. Since most guides work out of these establishments, they can usually recommend several.

Can you recommend a marina, motel or restaurant at the lake?
• Sure, once again we are partial to the one's that advertise or contribute to our web site. BUT, once again there are many top quality marinas, motels and restaurants at Lake Fork.

Does Lake Fork get particularly rough when the wind blows?
• Yes it can in the main lake. Although the way the lake is laid out, even in 20+ mph winds there will be protected places to fish, although you will have trouble getting to many of these areas. Anglers need to pay special attention to high wind and rough water at Lake Fork, simply because there can be floating logs and timber. Always wear your life jacket when operating the boat, regardless of the wind or weather conditions.

Are there any sand bass or striped bass in Lake Fork?
• No we've never heard of any being caught and none have been stocked. There is a fish that resembles a sand bass in Lake Fork called a Yellow Bass or Barfish. Lake Fork has these fish by the millions, although they rarely grow larger than a half pound.

Are snakes particularly bad at Lake Fork?
• Although not over run with snakes, Lake Fork, as any body of water will contain some snakes. Just use common sense when encountering any wild creature.

I heard all the shad died in Lake Fork. True or false?
• Not true. Although we did have a significant number of shad die off several years back, the shad and baitfish are perhaps at an all time high currently. Every year most lakes experience "turnover" and with this can come shad kills.

Is there a horsepower limit or speed limit for boaters on Lake Fork?
• No.

If I live bait fish can I only fish with one rod?
• Currently there is no law that prevents an angler from fishing with more than one rod.

What is a "slot"?
• Lake Fork, as some other Texas lakes have a certain size bass that is protected from harvest. Currently at Lake Fork that is 16 inch to 24 inch bass, you can catch these size bass but cannot legally retain these size bass.

What's the bag limit for bass at Lake Fork?
• Currently, an angler may retain up to 5 bass per day per person, but only one of the 5 can be over 24 inches. The Lake Fork Visitors Guide, as many others that fish Lake Fork strongly recommend catch and release for over 24 inch bass. Keep some under 16 inches if you like, but please turn the 24 inch and over bass back and get a fiberglass replica, or take a photograph and have it enlarged for a keepsake.

I want to hire a fishing guide, what should the guide know about me?
• By all means they should know you're name! Seriously, be honest with the guide about you're fishing experience, what type fishing you want to do and what you expect from the guide. The more a guide knows about your angling experience, the better they are able to provide you with a good time, great memories and perhaps some big bass. Guides rely heavily on repeat and referral business, so it's in their own best interest that you are happy with them and come back or refer them to other fishermen. But, remember, even the best guide and fisherman can have an off day, fish will be fish!

Who do I report violations to when I'm on the lake?
• TPWD Game Wardens have legal jurisdiction on any body of water in Texas. For non-emergencies, call the Wood County Sheriff's Department at 903-763-2201 if you're on the Wood County side of Lake Fork or the Rains County Sheriff's Department at 903-473-3181 if you're on the Rains County side of Lake Fork. The Sheriff's Department will get in touch with the Game Wardens. If it's an emergency, dial 911.

How many people actually come to Lake Fork in a years time?
• That's hard to say, but, according to an economic survey years back Lake Fork receives over 300,000 visitors a year with a yearly economic impact of over $27 million to the lake and surrounding area. Visit Lake Fork during the springtime and you'd swear that number was low!

Is Lake Fork an unsafe lake?
• Not at all. Just use good common sense and you'll be fine. Don't drive fast in areas that you don't know. Pay special attention to the weather and get off the lake if bad weather approaches and always wear your life vest when the big motor is running.

I've heard just about every boat on Lake Fork gets damaged from hitting stumps. True or false?
• We can't lie to you, Lake Fork has it's share of outboard lower units snapped off and has been responsible for a few damaged hulls, but no where near every boat gets damaged just because it's Lake Fork! 99% of the time this is due to driving too fast in areas which look clear, but are not. Once again, good common sense goes a long way with any lake that contains timber.

Is alcohol available for sale at Lake Fork?
• Alcohol is only available at various private clubs around the lake. There are no alcohol stores within 25 miles of Lake Fork.

Does a good topo map of Lake Fork exist?
Sure, there's several, but the one we like the best is the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey map in 10' contours.

Where's the crappie hotspots on Lake Fork?
• Crappie fishing is usually very good year-round at Lake Fork. Just about under any bridge will produce crappie and the main lake point out in front of the dam is a proven crappie hotspot.

Are there many recreational boaters and jet ski's on Lake Fork?
• Very few recreational boaters come to Lake Fork, although as each year passes there are more recreational boaters on the lake.

Can fishermen without a boat fish Lake Fork very easily?
• There's quite a few areas that bank fishermen can fish from. Most of the marina's have areas and the SRA day-use park on the north end of SH-154 is a good area. Quite a few large bass have been caught while fishing from the bank.

Are there storm warning sirens at Lake Fork?
• Currently no. THis is why you should pay close attention to the weather. Keep a weather radio or a regular radio with you at all times. If you see or hear threatening weather, get off the lake immediately. Lightening and storms are dangerous while on any lake.

What do I do if I see people keeping more than their limit of bass, or keeping slot fish?
• Get the boats identification number and contact the Sheriff's Department as soon as possible so they can get in touch with the Game Wardens.