Striped bass provide a good fishery in Possum Kingdom Lake because of their good growth potential and strong fighting characteristics. The lake record is 34.19 pounds. A TPW stocking program maintains the fishery. White bass are abundant and of good size. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are found in this reservoir. The Florida largemouth strain has been stocked and helps provide trophy potential, as evidenced by the lake record of 16.02 pounds. Crappie are fair, and sunfish are present with some large individuals available for harvest. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are all present, with some especially large blue cats. The lake is currently recovering from a fish kill caused by golden algae in 2001. Fishing is not as good as it was, but a quick recovery is expected.

FISHING COVER/STRUCTURE
Most of the lake shore is made of large to cobble-size rock. The lower end has scenic rock cliffs and bluffs, while the upper end spreads into shallower areas with shoreline vegetations. Points and dropoffs can be found throughout the lake. Many docks provide habitat for fish, and so do standing timber and laydowns. At certain times of the year, aquatic vegetation is also found.

FISHING TIPS AND TACTICS
Largemouth bass can be found throughout the lake and can be caught on any of the typical bass baits. Be prepared to fish 10- to 25-foot depths. In this clear water, try using as light a line as possible. Concentrate on submerged vegetation when you find it. Smallmouth bass will be found associated with rocky structure in the lower end of the lake. Use a smaller lure than you would for largemouth bass. Striped bass anglers look for birds feeding on bait driven to the surface by schools of hungry stripers. Use live shad or artificial bait. White bass action can be very good during prespawn and the spring spawning run, especially up towards the river. Jigs and spoons or slabs are recommended baits. Catfish action can be good for all species. Costello Island and above are likely spots. Use cut bait, chicken livers, prepared stinkbait, or live shiners or sunfish. Crappie can be found around brush piles and docks. In spring, fish the backs of coves for spawning fish. Crappie will be found at different depths depending on time of year and water conditions; be prepared to search for them.

Location: On the Brazos River in Palo Pinto and Young counties, 75 miles west of Fort Worth off Texas Highway 16

Size: 17,700 acres

Maximum Depth: 145 feet (avg. 37)

Date Impounded: 1941

Normal Water Clarity: Clear

Water Level Fluctuation: Moderately high

Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,000 ft. msl
Current Water Levels

Aquatic Vegetation: Emergent rushes can be found in the mid- to upper part of the reservoir at 2-3-foot depths. Submerged vegetation is found throughout the lake in late summer and fall.

Camping: Public camping areas are provided by the Brazos River Authority. These are numbered 1-6 and are located on Park Road 36 and Farm Road 2951 on the east side of the lake. There are no reservations accepted but there are some usage fees at #4 and #6 when staffed - on weekends and holidays during the summer months ($10 per car plus $3 per person daily; children under 12 are free). All public use areas have boat launch facilities and areas for boat trailer parking.