Lake Jacksonville

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: 3 miles southwest of Jacksonville off US 79
Surface area: 1,320 acres
Maximum depth: 62 feet
Impounded: 1957

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 422 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 3 feet
Normal Clarity: Clear to fairly clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Jacksonville Municipal Water Supply
PO Box 1390
Jacksonville, Texas 75766
(903) 586-3510

Aquatic Vegetation

Sparse

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

Lake maps are available from the City of Jacksonville

Fishing Regulations

This reservoir has special regulations on some fishes. See bag and size limits for this lake.

Angling Opportunities

Jacksonville can be a difficult lake to fish, but it has produced largemouth bass in excess of 15 pounds. Spotted bass are also present in this lake. Crappie are not particularly abundant but are usually well above the 10-inch minimum length. The catfish population is limited by largemouth bass predation and catch rates can be low.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth bass
Spotted bass
Catfish
Crappie

Fishing Cover/Structure

Although hydrilla was a problem in the past, the City of Jacksonville has enacted an integrated management plan using chemical, biological, and environmental intervention to combat the problem. The topography of Lake Jacksonville is steeper than most East Texas lakes and features abundant iron ore rock substrate on points and riprap along the dam. Angling success is best on deep structure, brush piles, and around lighted piers.

Tips & Tactics

Anglers need to find deep structure to catch many fish. Look for largemouth bass along the face of the dam and around patches of native vegetation in Cat Creek and Byrd Branch. Dropoffs along the island across from the marina can also be productive.