Caddo Lake Fishing, Size, Depth, And More

Caddo Lake is a large and impressive lake in Caddo Lake State Park. In and around this lake are many protected animals and plants. Caddo Lake has also been the site of multiple alleged Bigfoot Sightings. Are you ready to learn more about this unique lake?

Caddo Lake Location

Caddo Lake is located on the border between Texas and Louisiana. In Texas, this large lake is in northern Harrison County and southern Marion County, while in Louisiana it’s in Caddo Parish.

Caddo Lake Size

This lake is the second largest in the south. Its surface area is 25,400 acres, and it sits at an elevation of 161 feet. Caddo Lake is about 8 to 10 feet deep, however, it can drop quickly to 20 feet.

History

Caddo Lake is a fairly recent lake, however, people have lived around the lake for over 12,000 years. Europeans first came to the area around Caddo Lake in the 1600s. Both the Spanish and the French explored the Caddo on the Red River. They traded with Native Americans on the land. However, the lake didn’t form or develop until the 19th century. It grew in popularity during the 1900s when the lake changed shape. The water level fell, and a dam was added. The oil industry developed on Caddo Lake with the discovery of oil underneath it. Sadly, this caused a lot of pollution and destruction. By the 1930s, the oil industry had left Caddo Lake.

Fishing

Fishing in Caddo Lake is a popular activity. Many people enjoy fishing on the water because of how shallow and rich it is. You can fish on your own with friends, or take a fishing tour guide throughout the lake. The lake has a lot of vegetation, where many of the most popular fish hide. In this lake, you can find largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, yellow bass, and sunfish.

Before fishing in this large lake, you should always consider the regulations and limits. To give you an idea, the largest largemouth bass caught with a rod and reel in Texas’ Caddo Lake weighed 26.50 pounds. On March 20, 2010, Keith Burns caught this 16.17-inch long largemouth bass using a Senko. The largest fish though caught on this lake weighed about 48 pounds. On March 28, 1992, Arthur Franklin reeled in an impressive 55.75-inch long flathead catfish.

Geology

Technically, there are two main theories as to how and when the lake formed. However, only one is likely. The lake most likely formed between 1770 and 1790, making it a fairly recent lake. It’s also one of the few natural lakes in Texas. It may have formed slowly because of a log jam, called the “Great Raft” on the Red River in Louisiana.

Another theory exists, but it’s more of a legend. The Caddo People have a legend behind the formation of Lake Caddo. In this legend, the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes caused the formation of the lake. According to the Caddo legend, the earthquake was a punishment because a Caddo Chief didn’t obey the Great Spirit.

Boating

Caddo Lake is a wonderful boating spot. In the state park, there are two public boating ramps and many private marinas. There are also dozens of boating and wildlife tours available on the lake. While on a boat tour, you can see a beautiful Bald cypress forest. It’s also a great opportunity for bird watching. Around this lake alone there are about 216 species of birds.

Camping

All around the lake, in both Texas and Louisiana are camping sites. You can camp in cabins, tents, or in an RV. One campsite option along the water is Backwater Jacks. Here you camp under the stars in a tent or rent an RV spot. In the campsite is a private boat ramp, bathhouse, and washer and dryer. The pull-thru RV sites come with 30/50 amp electricity, water, and sewer.

Camping is also available in Caddo Lake State Park. The best part about camping in the state park is waking up the next day close to hiking, fishing, and paddling opportunities. In this state park are about 46 campsites. You can also rent a historic cabin, which sleeps two to six people.

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature and get up and close to many animal and plant species. However, you should hike at your discretion, carefully. In and around Caddo Lake are many American alligators. Although alligators don’t actively hunt humans and prefer animals smaller than them, they can attack when feeling threatened.

Some of the most common trails you can walk near Caddo Lake are the Caddo Forest Trail, the Pine Ridge Spur, and the Pine Ridge Loop. Before hiking, drink plenty of water and put on sunscreen.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Victoria Ditkovsky/Shutterstock.com