TPWD District Fisheries Office

2122 Old Henderson Hwy.
Tyler, Texas 75702
(903) 593-5077
Jake Norman, Biologist

About the Area

Nearby State Parks

 

Lake Holbrook

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


Lake Characteristics

Location: On Lankford Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River, in Wood County 3 miles northwest of Mineola
Surface area: 653 acres
Maximum depth: 30 feet
Impounded: 1962

Water Conditions

Conservation Pool Elevation: 363 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderate, 2-4 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Wood County District 2
(903) 569-6351

Aquatic Vegetation

Cattails and other emergent aquatic species are prevalent along the edge of the reservoir, providing limited shallow-water habitat. Recent native aquatic vegetation introductions by TPWD have successfully established pickerelweed and waterwillow. Submerged vegetation is scarce.

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass is the most popular sportfish in the reservoir. Stockings of Florida largemouth bass in 2007 and 2008 have been conducted in order to influence the genetics of the population. Bluegill and redear sunfish provide a limited fishery with some individuals up to 10 inches. Both black and white crappie are prevalent in the open water of the reservoir. Channel catfish are present, and have been increasing in abundance in recent years.

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass       yes
Catfish   yes    
Crappie     yes  
Sunfish     yes  
Fishing Cover/Structure

Flooded timber, boat houses and brush piles provide limited cover. TPWD staff have been working to establish stands of native aquatic species since 2006. The department has also worked with local organizations to create fish habitat structures in this lake.

Use the Habitat Structure Viewer for an interactive map of fish habitat structures and downloadable GPS coordinates.

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass anglers are most successful on this reservoir during the spring, fall, and winter months. Topwater baits are popular in the early morning and evening hours. Schooling largemouth and yellow bass can be caught in the summertime. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also productive fished along main-lake points and flooded timber. Popular soft plastic baits include worms, tubes, grubs, and soft-jerkbaits. Crappie are sought in the standing timber in the upper end of Lake Holbrook and in the vicinity of boat houses, brush piles and bamboo “crappie condos” that have been placed in the lower end of the reservoir. Live minnows and crappie jigs are among the most popular baits used. Channel catfish can be caught in the vicinity of decaying brush piles and standing timber. Prepared catfish baits work well, along with minnows and worms.