Lake Hawkins

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

Public Access Facilities

thumbnail image of contour map
Download Contour Map: KMZ file | AT5 for Lowrance fish-finding devices

Lake Characteristics

Location: On Little Sandy Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River, in Wood County 4 miles northwest of Hawkins
Surface area: 633 acres
Maximum depth: 30 feet
Impounded: 1962

Water Conditions

Conservation Pool Elevation: 373.75 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate, 2-4 feet
Normal Clarity: Clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Wood County District 3
(903) 857-2311

Aquatic Vegetation

Native floating plants (American lotus, spatterdock, waterlily, watershield), native submergent plants (chara, cabomba) and Eurasian watermilfoil. Hydrilla is also present in the reservoir and became a problem in 2006, but has decreased drastically in abundance since 2007.

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Fishing Regulations

A Triploid Grass Carp Permit is in effect on this lake. If a grass carp is caught, it must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. All other species are managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass is a popular sportfish in this clear, highly vegetated lake. The quality of the crappie fishery is sporadic. Blue and channel catfish have been stocked, but they are generally uncommon.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth bass
Catfish
Chain pickerel
Crappie
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

Native floating aquatic plants are most abundant in Lake Hawkins. Hydrilla can be found in small amounts throughout the reservoir. The lake has areas of flooded timber which provide additional cover.

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass fishing is generally good for numbers, and better quality fish are caught in the upper end of the lake. The abundant aquatic vegetation and high water clarity may require downsizing of line and lures. Bass anglers often catch chain pickerel while in pursuit of largemouth bass. Chain pickerel can be targeted specifically using small spinners and baits that mimic small minnows or baitfish. These fish are seldom large but they fight hard and are very fun to catch on light tackle. Crappie are sought in the lake's standing timber and under the 2869 bridge. Live minnows and crappie jigs are among the most popular baits used.