Striped bass
provide a good fishery in Possum Kingdom Lake because of
their good growth potential and strong fighting
characteristics. The lake record is 34.19 pounds. A TPW
stocking program maintains the
fishery. White bass are
abundant and of good size. Largemouth, smallmouth, and
spotted bass are found in this reservoir. The Florida
largemouth strain has been stocked and helps provide
trophy potential, as evidenced by the lake record of
16.02 pounds. Crappie are fair, and sunfish are present
with some large individuals available for harvest.
Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are all
present, with some especially large blue cats. The lake
is currently recovering from a fish kill caused by
golden algae in 2001. Fishing is not as good as it was,
but a quick recovery is expected.
FISHING
COVER/STRUCTURE
Most of the lake shore is
made of large to cobble-size rock. The lower end has
scenic rock cliffs and bluffs, while the upper end
spreads into shallower areas with shoreline vegetations.
Points and dropoffs can be found throughout the lake.
Many docks provide habitat for fish, and so do standing
timber and laydowns. At certain times of the year,
aquatic vegetation is also found.
FISHING
TIPS AND TACTICS
Largemouth bass can
be found throughout the lake and can be caught on any of
the typical bass baits. Be prepared to fish 10- to
25-foot depths. In this clear water, try using as light
a line as possible. Concentrate on submerged vegetation
when you find it. Smallmouth bass will be found
associated with rocky structure in the lower end of the
lake. Use a smaller lure than you would for largemouth
bass. Striped bass anglers look for birds feeding
on bait driven to the surface by schools of hungry
stripers. Use live shad or artificial bait. White
bass action can be very good during prespawn and the
spring spawning run, especially up towards the river.
Jigs and spoons or slabs are recommended baits.
Catfish action can be good for all species. Costello
Island and above are likely spots. Use cut bait, chicken
livers, prepared stinkbait, or live shiners or sunfish.
Crappie can be found around brush piles and
docks. In spring, fish the backs of coves for spawning
fish. Crappie will be found at different depths
depending on time of year and water conditions; be
prepared to search for them.
Location:
On the Brazos River in Palo Pinto and Young counties, 75
miles west of Fort Worth off Texas Highway 16
Size:
17,700 acres
Maximum Depth: 145 feet (avg. 37)
Date
Impounded: 1941
Normal
Water Clarity: Clear
Water
Level Fluctuation: Moderately high
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,000 ft. msl
Current Water Levels
Aquatic
Vegetation: Emergent rushes can be found in the mid-
to upper part of the reservoir at 2-3-foot depths.
Submerged vegetation is found throughout the lake in
late summer and fall.
Camping: Public
camping areas are provided by the Brazos River
Authority. These are numbered 1-6 and are located on
Park Road 36 and Farm Road 2951 on the east side of the
lake. There are no reservations accepted but there are
some usage fees at #4 and #6 when staffed - on weekends
and holidays during the summer months ($10 per car plus
$3 per person daily; children under 12 are free). All
public use areas have boat launch facilities and areas
for boat trailer parking.