Kurth Reservoir

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: Six miles north of Lufkin off US 59
Surface area: 726 acres
Maximum depth: 40 feet
Impounded: 1950

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level: Lake Caretaker (936) 639-4840
Conservation Pool Elevation: 197.5 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 1-3 feet
Normal Clarity: Clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Parks and Recreation Office
Recreation Center
516 Montrose Street
Lufkin, Texas
(936) 633-0250
Note: Lake access permits are required. Annual and 3-day permits may be purchased at the Parks and Recreation Department at 516 Montrose St. during normal business hours (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday).

Aquatic Vegetation

Primarily hydrilla and lily pads

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

None available

Fishing Regulations

This reservoir has special regulations on largemouth bass. See bag and size limits for this lake.

Angling Opportunities

The largemouth bass population is abundant at Kurth Reservoir, with a relatively high number of fish over 4 pounds. Crappie and catfish are present, but numbers are relatively low and few anglers target these species. Bluegill and redear sunfish are present in high numbers and provide fast action, especially for youth or inexperienced anglers.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Crappie
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

Habitat in Kurth Reservoir consists of submerged aquatic vegetation (mainly hydrilla), standing timber, and lily pads. Game fish are typically found around vegetation edges, points, and creek channels.

Tips & Tactics

Kurth Reservoir has a relatively high amount of hydrilla, and anglers are successful at catching largemouth bass year round. During cooler months, fish are active for longer periods of the day; crankbaits and spinnerbaits worked over the vegetation will catch bass. During the hot summer, fish activity is usually concentrated during early morning and late evening. Topwater baits are good choices during low light conditions. As the sun rises, bass concentrate in or around vegetation edges. During this time, plastic baits and jigs fished vertically in thick hydrilla are productive.

Sunfish, especially bluegill and redear sunfish, can be caught year-round but fishing peaks in late spring or summer when fish are on their spawning beds. Small jigs, spinners, and crickets all catch sunfish.