Jacksonville Lake

Jacksonville can be a difficult lake to fish, but it has produced largemouth bass in excess of 15 pounds. Spotted bass are also present in this lake. Crappie are not particularly abundant but are usually well above the 10-inch minimum length. The catfish population is limited by largemouth bass predation and catch rates can be low.

Although hydrilla was a problem in the past, the City of Jacksonville has enacted an integrated management plan using chemical, biological, and environmental intervention to combat the problem. The topography of Lake Jacksonville is steeper than most East Texas lakes and features abundant iron ore rock substrate on points and riprap along the dam. Angling success is best on deep structure, brush piles, and around lighted piers.

fishermen need to find deep structure to catch many fish. Look for largemouth bass along the face of the dam and around patches of native vegetation in Cat Creek and Byrd Branch. Dropoffs along the island across from the marina can also be productive.

Jacksonville Lake has special regulations on some fishes. Check current TPWD regulations before your trip.