Lake Bridgeport

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

BOATER ADVISORY: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir! CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. Draining water is required by law and possession and transport of zebra mussels is illegal.

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: On the West Fork Trinity River in Jack and Wise counties, off US Highway 380
Surface area: 11,954 acres
Maximum depth: 85 feet
Impounded: 1932, renovated in 1972 with a new spillway

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 836 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Average 12 feet annually
Normal Clarity: Moderately clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Tarrant Regional Water District
1710 FM 1658
Bridgeport, Texas 76426
(817) 335-2491 central office
(940) 683-2349 local

Aquatic Vegetation

Sparse colonies of American pondweed and American lotus.

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

Commercial maps can be purchased at local sporting goods stores.

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
Catfish
Crappie
White & Hybrid Striped Bass
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

Most of Lake Bridgeport's 170-mile shoreline is good bass habitat, with 7 miles of rip-rap, 90 miles of boulders, and many coves and points. Near the Lakeview Lodge on the Sid Richardson Scout Ranch, near Windy Point, Captain Kidd Point, and Steele Island, there are submerged gravel piles that were deposited when the West Fork Trinity River flowed free and uncontrolled. These piles provide excellent habitat for white bass and black basses.

Tips & Tactics

Crappie are caught most often when the fish school around structure in deep water in the winter and in the spring when they come into shallow water to spawn. Many main-lake points, ledges, and channels provide excellent wintertime habitat. In spring, two of the best spots for crappie are Bean Creek and Big Creek. Fish year round with minnows or jigs. Channel catfish are best in the spring when tributaries are running, and again in summer when the fish concentrate atop submerged flats and can be drift-fished with shrimp or cut bait. Similar baits pay off during inflow during the spring and summer.

White bass fishing is best during the spring spawning run. All main-lake points and any inflowing tributaries are good producers. In summer you are likely to see white bass anywhere: in front of the dam, near Rattlesnake Island in open water, and around submerged gravel piles. Best baits here are surface lures, plastic shad, small spoons, jigs, and live minnows or shad. Hybrid striped bass are attracted to similar locations and baits. In winter, hybrids can usually be found feeding on shad and drawing the attention of hundreds of sea gulls.

Black basses in this lake include largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass. They can be caught almost year round, but spring and fall are tops for action. For trophies, try fishing in February and March. Effective baits in spring include a Carolina Rig worm or 6-inch lizard, a Texas rigged worm (7-inch variety), and crankbaits. On into summer, jig and pig, spoons, Texas rigged worms, and crankbaits work well. In fall, try crawfish-mimicking baits, spinners, and jigs in turbid and shallow water. Roll a spinner bait, bump a crankbait, or dabble a Texas rigged worm over one of the submerged gravel humps and you better be holding to something solid.