Lake Pinkston

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: On Sandy Creek 10 miles west of Center on State Highway 7
Surface area: 523 acres
Maximum depth: 45 feet
Impounded: 1976

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level: Pinkston Water Plant (936) 598-7856
Conservation Pool Elevation: 300 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 1-5 feet
Normal Clarity: Clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

City of Center
617 Tenaha Street
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-2941

Aquatic Vegetation

Primarily non-native submersed (hydrilla and milfoil), but a variety of native aquatic plants are also established

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

None available

Fishing Regulations

Special bass limits and gear restrictions are in effect.

Angling Opportunities

The most popular game fish at Pinkston Reservoir is the largemouth bass. Numbers of bass are relatively high and an excellent fishery exists. The lake record is a whopping 16.9 pounds! Due to the popularity of bass fishing here, few anglers fish for crappie but a good fishery is present, especially for large crappie. Catfish have been stocked but numbers are low. Bluegill 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 Pinkston Reservoir consists of submerged aquatic vegetation and standing timber. Hydrilla is the predominant plant species, although native plants (i.e., coontail, pondweed, and lily pads) are also present. Game fish are typically found around vegetation edges, points, and creek channels.

Tips & Tactics

Anglers are most successful at catching largemouth bass during the fall, winter, and spring months. Due to cooler water temperatures, fish are active for longer periods of the day and are typically found in shallow water. When fish are active, crankbaits and spinnerbaits are usually the preferred choice. During the hot summer, the bite usually slows and fish activity is usually concentrated during early morning, late evening, and at night. Poppers, propeller baits, stickbaits, and flukes are good topwater choices during low light conditions. As the sun rises, most bass concentrate in or around vegetation edges or seek refuge on deep creek channel ledges. During this time, plastic worms and jigs are the preferred baits. However, Pinkston is known for its schooling bass, especially close to the dam. Small topwaters and crankbaits are good choices for schooling fish.

Crappie fishing is good year-round with jigs and minnows. During the spring spawn, anglers target shallow areas around vegetation. During other times of the year, fish are typically concentrated in deeper water around brush. Sunfish, especially bluegill and redear sunfish, can be caught year-round but fishing peaks during the late spring or summer when fish are on their spawning beds. Small jigs, spinners, and crickets all catch sunfish.