Fairfield Lake
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
Fairfield Lake has experienced another late-summer fish kill, and TPWD has suspended stocking at this lake until further notice. Fish kills have been documented on this power-plant lake since 2003. They occur in August and September when hot weather and shorter days lead to a shortage of oxygen in the water. For updates, visit the Facebook page for TPWD's Tyler field office.
Lake Characteristics
Location: 5 miles northeast of Fairfield
off FM 488
Surface area: 2,159 acres
Maximum depth: 49 feet
Impounded: 1969
Water Conditions
Conservation Pool Elevation: 310 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 4 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately clear
Reservoir Controlling Authority
TXU
1601 Bryan Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 812-8699
Aquatic Vegetation
Hydrilla light along shoreline; with American lotus, common cattail, common reed and marine naiad moderate to heavy in shallow areas
Predominant Fish Species
- Largemouth bass
- Red drum
- Catfish
- Tilapia for bow fishing
Lake Records
Current
Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
None available
Fishing Regulations
This reservoir has special regulations on some fishes. See bag and size limits for this lake.
Angling Opportunities
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
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| Catfish |  |
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| Red Drum |  |
Fishing Cover/Structure
Inundated timber is abundant in the upper end of the lake and in both coves on the east side. Hydrilla forms a fringe around the reservoir out to approximately 5 feet. Pockets of native pondweed provide openings in the hydrilla and make good ambush points. The heated cove in this power plant cooling lake provides warm water even in the winter. Emergent cattails and cutgrass grow in shallow water on the shoreward side of the hydrilla.
Tips & Tactics
Largemouth bass angling starts December-February, earlier in the year than most lakes due to the heated water. Many anglers report success using jigs and pigs or lizards pitched into the openings behind cattails and cutgrass. Fishing for catfish can be productive by drifting live bait across the points along the area opposite of the TXU picnic area. Trolling along the west shoreline and along the dam can be productive for red drum.