Although Lake Fork has to be considered the king of trophy bass lakes in Texas, there are some great bass fishing lakes in close proximity to Lake Fork. All the lakes listed are less than 30 miles from Lake Fork.
LAKE COOPER:
Lake Cooper at 19,000 surface acres is the newest reservoir in the state of Texas. Located near the town of Cooper, just northwest of Sulphur Springs. Lake Cooper could have the potential to rival Lake Fork in the years to come for trophy bass fishing. Although just opened a few years back the lake already has a 12.16 pound lake record largemouth bass. Lake Cooper has several boat ramps and a recently opened state park.
LAKE TAWAKONI:
Now here's a lake that would have to be considered a great all around fishing lake. Located just south of the city of Greenville, Lake Tawakoni is over 36,000 surface acres in size. This makes it one of Texas' larger lakes. Lake Tawakoni has excellent fishing for sand bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and largemouth bass. Opened around 1960 Lake Tawakoni could be considered a sleeper of a lake for largemouth bass, simply due to the fact that most people pass it up on their way to Lake Fork. The lake was heavily stocked with Florida bass and the current lake record black bass stands at 10.75 pounds, but many black bass larger than this have been caught, just not certified. Lake Tawakoni is also considered by many as the best lake in Texas for sand bass and hybrid striped bass fishing.
LAKE QUITMAN:
Lake Quitman is located just north of the city of Quitman and is less than 10 miles from Lake Fork. Although not a large lake at 850 acres, anglers will still find plenty of fishing spots. This lake offers great fishing for bass, crappie, catfish and bream. Lake Quitman has a 13.62 pound lake record black bass. The facilities include 2 public boat ramps and a picnic area.
LAKE HOLBROOK:
Located just west of the city of Mineola off US-Hwy 80 near the community of Golden, Lake Holbrook is just a little over 1000 surface acres. Lake Holbrook has 2 public boat ramps, a picnic area and a designated swimming area. The current lake record for largemouth bass is 11.13 pounds, although a 14.75 pound bass was caught several years back, but was not certified. Anglers will also find great fishing for crappie, catfish and bream.
LAKE WINNSBORO:
Lake Winnsboro has big bass fame which goes back a long way with East Texas anglers. Located just south of the city of Winnsboro off SH-37 Lake Winnsboro has a certified lake record bass of 10.62 pounds, although, many bass larger than this have been caught throughout the years. At just over 1100 surface acres Lake Winnsboro is one of the larger Wood County owned reservoirs. Facilities include boat ramps and a picnic area. Lake Winnsboro also has great fishing for crappie, bream and catfish.
LAKE HAWKINS:
At just over 800 surface acres, Lake Hawkins is located just west of the city of Hawkins off US-Hwy 80 and it's perhaps one of the most scenic of the Wood County lakes since it's located in a heavily wooded area. Lake Hawkins has public boat ramps, a park area and a park owned and operated by Wood County for RV's and campers for a nominal fee. The lake record black bass stands at 11.91 pounds.
Lake Fork is the undisputed king of trophy bass lakes in Texas, but the entire region around Lake Fork can boast of great fishing. In fact, it's been said time and time again that the Rains, Wood and the Hopkins County area of Texas is one of the five best bass fishing areas in the world.