Possum Kingdom Reservoir
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
Lake Characteristics
Location: On the Brazos River in Palo Pinto
and Young counties, 75 miles west of Fort Worth off Texas Highway
16
Surface area: 15,588 acres
Maximum depth: 145 feet (avg. 37)
Impounded: 1941
Water Conditions
Current
Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,000 ft.
msl
Fluctuation: Moderately high
Normal Clarity: Clear
Reservoir Controlling Authority
Brazos River Authority
Star Route
Graford, Texas 76025
(940) 779-2321
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.
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Records
Current
Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
A complimentary map of Possum Kingdom is available at the project supervisor's office (940) 779-2321 or from the BRA public information office at information@brazos.org
Fishing Regulations
This reservoir has special regulations on some fishes. See bag and size limits for this lake.
Angling Opportunities
The reservoir has been affected by golden alga blooms, especially in 2001 and 2003, but it appears many species are recovering. Striped bass provide a fair fishery with good growth potential and strong fighting characteristics. The lake record is 34.19 pounds. An annual TPWD stocking program maintains the fishery. White bass are abundant and of good size. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are found in this reservoir, though only largemouth bass are abundant at this time. 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.
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
|||
| Catfish |  |
|||
| Crappie |  |
|||
|
White bass |
 |
|||
| Striped bass |  |
|||
| Sunfish |  |
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.
Tips & 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. 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 mouth. 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 stink bait, 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.