Located about 80 miles east of Dallas, Lake Fork is nestled in the scenic landscape of Wood, Rains, and Hopkins Counties in East Texas. The reservoir, situated on Lake Fork Creek—a major tributary of the Sabine River—lies just five miles northwest of the town of Quitman. Owned and operated by the Sabine River Authority of Texas, Lake Fork has become a haven for anglers since it opened to the public in 1980.

Looking for Great Bass Fishing?

Lake Fork is one of the most popular
bass fishing lakes in Texas.

A sample of Largemouth Bass and Crappie Fishing on Lake Fork

Lake Fork is nationally renowned for its largemouth bass fishing. In fact, the largest recorded bass ever caught from the lake weighed an impressive 17.67 pounds, setting a Texas state record in November 1986. Today, Lake Fork remains one of the top trophy bass lakes in the country, drawing anglers from across the nation. Crappie fishing is also considered excellent, while channel catfish and sunfish are popular among casual fishers.

The lake’s design provides an ideal habitat for fish, with about 80% of the standing timber left intact and abundant aquatic vegetation such as duckweed, milfoil, and hydrilla. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, Lake Fork offers excellent opportunities for catching largemouth bass and crappie, and good conditions for other species.

Spanning 27,680 surface acres and boasting 315 miles of shoreline, Lake Fork has a maximum depth of 70 feet. Over 300,000 people visit the lake each year for its recreational offerings. The surrounding area features a range of accommodations, including motels, rental cabins, lake houses, RV sites, and tent camping. Visitors also have access to fishing piers, bait and tackle shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants. The Sabine River Authority maintains four public boat ramps and a free day-use park at the northwest end of the SH-154 bridge, making it easy for anglers and families alike to enjoy the lake.

Nearby towns include Quitman, Alba, Emory, Yantis, and smaller communities like Ginger, Salem, Shady Grove, Arbala, and Coke—each contributing to the local charm of the Lake Fork experience.

Lake Fork Map