Lake Fork is known as the premier trophy bass fishing lake, and with good reason. Over 700,000 largemouth bass were stocked through the late 1970’s and 1980’s along with vegetation bass love like duckweed and hydrilla. The lake makes a perfect home for fish because 80 percent of the timber was left standing when the lake was created. Bass are not the only species of fish to enjoy this comfy habitat. Catfish, Sandies, Perch, and Crappie are also plentiful. The location of the lake, nestled in the East Texas pines, between the towns of Quitman, Alba, Emory, and Yantis, make the trip here worth more than the better than average chance of landing a trophy bass. The food around here is better than average, too.
AJ’s Fish House is the place to catch a catfish of the fried variety. These guys consistently serve up great catfish and shrimp with great service. Choose off the menu or sample their all you can eat buffet. Corn fritters, fried apple sticks, and cobbler are great accompaniments before doing yourself in with a soft serve ice cream cone. AJ’s is open daily from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and located at 5375 N FM 17 in Alba, TX.
Bro’s Patio is the place to go for Cajun fixins in a no frills atmosphere. Choose a crawfish, crab, shrimp or Cajun fried catfish served up with corn on the cob, potato wedges and slaw and good ole hush puppies. Eat on the small deck outside or grab one of the rustic picnic tables inside. Find these Cajuns cookin up something good during the spring and fall from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. at FM 515 and CR 1970 near Emory.
Lake Fork Creek Steak and Seafood is the place to try some menu items that might be a little out of your comfort zone. Try it; you’ll like it…really. Frog legs and alligator are more appetizing than they sound and this rustic roadhouse is the place to get them. Crawfish, etoufee, and fried corn on the cob; sandwiches, blackened chicken and, oh ya, steaks cooked just the way you like them. Try anything on the menu and you will see why there is a weekend wait list. Don’t be deceived by the simple building. You will be so glad you stopped by 1667 Hwy 37 S in Quitman.
These are just a few of the places to get grub good enough for the drive. The fishing isn’t bad either.
