Lake Fork
Lake Fork is in northeast Texas, about 80 miles east of Dallas. It is one of the best-known trophy largemouth bass lakes in the country.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Big fish come from standing timber and creek channels on deep-diving cranks and big worms.
Crappie
Fish submerged timber and bridge pilings with jigs or minnows.
White Bass
Schools chasing shad in open water, and spring river runs.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Bluegill
Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Caney Point Recreation AreaPublicSabine River Authority, 3685 W State Hwy 154, Yantis; six-lane ramp, 245 trailer spacesDirections ↗
- FM 17 Public RampFreeSabine River Authority, west end of FM 515 bridge on FM 17; two ramps, dock, restroom, no feeDirections ↗
- Highway 154 Public RampFreeSabine River Authority, southeast end of Hwy 154 bridge on Caney Creek arm; no feeDirections ↗
- Highway 515 East RampFreeSabine River Authority, west side of Caney Creek at the 515 East bridge; no feeDirections ↗
- Rains County RampFreeRains County, north end of FM 2946 bridge on Lake Fork Creek arm; no feeDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee Texas Parks & Wildlife or the lake manager's website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass Fish 16 in and under or 24 in and over may be kept; only 1 largemouth 24 in+ per day | 16-24 in slot | 5 / day combined |
| Crappie Dec 1-Feb 28: no minimum length and all crappie caught must be retained | 10 in | 25 / day |
| White Bass | 10 in | 25 / day |
| Channel Catfish Channel/blue combined; max 10 over 20 in | See Texas rules book ↗ | 25 / day combined |
| Bluegill | See Texas rules book ↗ | No limit |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Lake Fork Goods and TackleNearby8446 FM 515, Yantis, TX(903) 243-8646Directions ↗
- Lake Fork Marina Tackle and Gift ShopNearby275 County Road 1558, Alba, TX(903) 765-2764Directions ↗
Local tips
- Standing timber is everywhere, so stay in marked boat lanes when running.
- Spring spawn in February and March is the best shot at a double-digit bass.
- Texas law requires draining all water from your boat when leaving the lake.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Texas lakes
Lake Livingston Amistad Reservoir Richland-Chambers Reservoir Lake Tawakoni Cedar Creek Reservoir Lewisville Lake Choke Canyon Reservoir Ray Roberts Lake All Texas lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.