How Deep is Lake Fork in Texas?

In Texas, there are over 7,000 lakes. Lake Fork is a large and deep reservoir in Texas. It cuts through at least four towns and counties. This artificial lake was created in 1980 by the Lake Fork Dam and has a surface area of 27,264 acres. Its water volume is 675,819 acre-feet. But just how deep is Lake Fork in Texas? Where is the deepest point? Keep reading to find out!

How Long is Lake Fork in Texas?

Lake Fork in Texas is not a small lake. In fact, it has at least 315 miles of shoreline. Its unique shape makes it difficult to measure. The Lake Fork Dam though is 12,410 feet long and has an area of 493 mi². This lake is part of the Sabine River, and its primary inflows include Lake Fork Creek, Caney Creek, and Little Caney Creek.

What is the Average Depth of Lake Fork?

The average depth of Lake Fork in Texas is 12 to 15 feet when there are consistent water levels. This East Texas lake has the perfect depth for swimming, boating, and canoeing. It was established by the Texas Parks and Wildlife as a premier bass fishing lake. Bass grow very quickly and require deep freshwater lakes to thrive. The deepest point in Lake Fork is estimated to be 70 feet.

What is Lake Fork Known For?

Lake Fork is a reservoir for Dallas and its surrounding suburbs. This large body of water sees hundreds and thousands of visitors every year. The healthy bass population keeps people coming back for more. Fun fact, 15 out of the 20 Texas State Record largemouth bass ever caught were in this lake! From its beginning, the Texas Parks and Wildlife stocked the lake with 732,514 Florida-strain largemouth bass. The vegetation in and around the lake is natural and well-kept, including timber, duckweed, and hydrilla.

You won’t get bored when visiting Lake Fork. There is always something new and interesting to do, including sports fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. Be aware there is wildlife in the water. Bird watching is also a popular activity.

Where is Lake Fork Located on a Map?

Lake Fork is located about 84 miles east of Dallas, Texas. It would take you about two hours to drive here from this city. It is north of both Houston and Austin. It is also just over a two-hour drive west of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Which Lake in Texas is the Deepest?

Lake Travis is the deepest lake in Texas. However, it is not the largest. The largest lake in Texas is Toledo Bend Reservoir, with a surface area of 289.1 mi². The maximum depth of this lake is 110 feet, but it does change. It is an 18,930-acre hydroelectric reservoir formed in 1942. Lake Travis’s water height can change up to 100 feet since it acts as a flood-control reservoir. Although Lake Travis is primarily a flood reservoir, it is also used for recreational activities. Along the 270 miles of shoreline, visitors can swim, fish, kayak, canoe, and boat.

Boating is especially popular, and events are constantly held on the lake. Despite being a swimming beach, it is one of the clearest lakes in Texas and serves as a water supply for the Austin, Texas, area. Lake Travis is also 63.75 miles long and has a maximum width of 4.5 miles. With how large this lake is, it shouldn’t surprise you to know it also has two zip-lining courses and four lakeside water parks!

Animals In and Near Lake Fork, Texas

Lake Fork is primarily a premier fishing destination with a large supply of largemouth and smallmouth bass. However, those are not the only fish and animals you will find in the area. Actually, catfish and crappies are also common. Some anglers have also caught spotted gar and smallmouth buffalo. Aside from fish, some alligators call Lake Fork in Texas home.

In the surrounding woods near the lake, you can also spot coyotes, bobcats, badgers, squirrels, and white-tailed dear. If you are tired of swimming or fishing, bring a pair of binoculars and try to spot American kestrels, red-headed woodpeckers, and prairie warblers while bird-watching. Lake Fork in Texas has something for everybody!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Steve Price/Shutterstock.com