TPWD District Fisheries Office

2122 Old Henderson Hwy.
Tyler, Texas 75702
(903) 593-5077
Jake Norman, Biologist

About the Area

Nearby State Parks

 

Lake Winnsboro

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


Lake Characteristics

Location: On Big Sandy Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River, in Wood County 5 miles southwest of Winnsboro
Surface area: 806 acres
Maximum depth: 23 feet
Impounded: 1962

Water Conditions

Conservation Pool Elevation: 419 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate, 2-4 feet
Normal Clarity: Lightly stained

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Wood County District 4
(903) 629-7317

Aquatic Vegetation

Shoreline is fringed with native emergent vegetation such as maidencane and cutgrass. Submerged and floating types are scarce.

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

No free maps available. Topographic maps may be available from online sources.

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass is a popular sportfish in this lake. The quality of crappie fishing is sporadic. Bluegill and redear sunfish provide an additional fishery. Blue and channel catfish have been stocked, but are generally uncommon.

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass     yes  
Catfish yes      
Crappie   yes    
Sunfish   yes    
Fishing Cover/Structure

Aquatic vegetation is scarce. The lake has areas of flooded timber and a small number of boat houses which provide additional cover.

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass anglers are most successful on this reservoir during the spring, fall, and winter months. Although some trophy bass have been caught in Lake Winnsboro, the lake is better known for high catch rates than trophies. Topwater baits are popular in the early morning and evening hours. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits fished along main-lake points, and flooded timber are also productive. Popular soft plastic baits include worms, tubes, grubs, and soft-jerkbaits. Flipping weedless rigged softplastics among the maidencane and emergent vegetation can be an effective presentation in the spring. Crappie can be found in good numbers in the upper end of the reservoir in the early spring near the “iron bridge” on CR 4870.