Wright Patman Lake
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
Lake Characteristics
Location: On the Sulphur River in Bowie
and Cass counties, 10 miles southwest of Texarkana
Surface area: 18,994 acres
Maximum depth: 40 feet
Impounded: 1956
Water Conditions
Current
Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 220.6 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 4-5 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderate
Reservoir Controlling Authority
US Army Corps of Engineers
PO Box 1817
Texarkana, Texas 75504
(903) 838-8781
Aquatic Vegetation
Vegetation covers less than 10% of the lake's total surface area. Dominant species include chara, American lotus, black willow, and buttonbush.
Predominant Fish Species
- Largemouth bass
- Blue catfish
- Channel catfish
- Flathead catfish
- Crappie
- Sunfish
- White & hybrid striped bass
Lake Records
Current
Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
Commercial maps are available.
Fishing Regulations
All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.
Angling Opportunities
White bass and hybrid striped bass are two very popular sportfishes at Wright Patman. There is an abundance of both species with high numbers of quality-size fish available for harvest. White bass are native to the Sulphur River system; hybrid stripers have been stocked to enhance fishing opportunities. Crappie are also popular at Wright Patman, with large numbers of legal-size fish available. Both white and black crappie are present; white crappie dominates. Channel and blue catfish are both present, with high densities of quality size fish. Flathead catfish offer an additional angling experience. Largemouth bass are moderately abundant with good numbers of legal-size fish. Bluegill and redear sunfish also offer good fishing opportunities.
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
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| Blue Catfish |  |
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| Flathead Catfish | |
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| Crappie |  |
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| White & Hybrid Striped Bass |  |
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| Sunfish |  |
Fishing Cover/Structure
Structural habitat consists of inundated timber, brush, creek channels, and riprap. Submerged aquatic vegetation is coverage is low, however high densities of emergent and floating plants are present.