TPWD District Fisheries Office

409 Chester Avenue
Wichita Falls, Texas 76301
(940) 766-2383
Wes Dutter, Biologist

About the Area

Local Information

Nearby State Parks

 

Possum Kingdom Reservoir

Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics


Lake Characteristics

Location: On the Brazos River in Palo Pinto and Young counties, 75 miles west of Fort Worth off Texas Highway 16
Surface area: 15,588 acres
Maximum depth: 145 feet (avg. 37)
Impounded: 1941

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Operational Pool Elevation: 999 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderately high
Normal Clarity: Clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Brazos River Authority
Star Route
Graford, Texas 76025
(940) 779-2321

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.

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

A complimentary map of Possum Kingdom is available at the project supervisor's office (940) 779-2321 or from the BRA public information office at information@brazos.org

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

The reservoir has been affected by golden alga blooms, especially in 2001, 2003, and 2010. Striped bass are stocked in most years and provide a fair fishery with good growth potential and strong fighting characteristics. The lake record is 34.19 pounds. White bass are abundant and of good size. Largemouth bass are found in this reservoir. Florida-strain largemouths have been stocked and help 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.

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass     yes  
Catfish     yes  
Crappie   yes    

White bass

      yes
Striped bass     yes  
Sunfish   yes    
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.

Brush piles and artificial fish habitat structures have been placed in sections of this reservoir. Anglers may use GPS in conjunction with a fish finder to locate these structures.

Use the Habitat Structure Viewer for an interactive map of fish habitat structures and downloadable GPS coordinates.

Tips & 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. 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 mouth. 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 stink bait, 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.