In 2005 a man caught a Mekong catfish of 9 feet, weighing 646 pounds, taking the world record for the biggest catfish in the world. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. The permits are Possum Kingdom State Park Possum Kingdom Lake has over 300 miles of shoreline and is located only an hour west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. https://www.fishidy.com/map/us/texas/possum-kingdom On land, you can camp, picnic, hike, bike, study nature and geocache. Possum Kingdom State Park offers fun on water and land. For dates and times of upcoming waterfowl hunting blind drawings, please contact the PK lake office at 940-779-2321. Whats the biggest freshwater fish ever caught? Striped bass are good trolling with live bait, and pink or white artificials. Fish come out a lot at night. The area is loved for great boating, fishing, cruising and hanging out. Does Possum Kingdom have smallmouth bass? 2 hour drive from Dallas, about 1.5 hours from Cowtown. Out west past Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto. Approximately 30 campsites, boat ramp will accommodate all boat types, accessible at higher lake levels, courtesy boat dock, picnic areas with tables/shelters and grills, swimming area, and restrooms. A fishing license is required of anyone who fishes in the public waters of Texas. The State of Texas owns all surface water in the state Texas and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is the agency responsible for Watch your step on this steep trail that climbs through juniper woodlands and winds past scenic overlooks. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You can wade in the surf, cast from the bank of a river, or utilize a pier on a pond. registered and the certificate of numbers must always be aboard and available for This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Eight ground storage tanks with combined volume of 4.0 million gallons. It is situated on the main stem of the Brazos River. Costello Island and above are likely spots. here Click here to view a map of public use areas. The animals only react when provoked. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. during times of plenty for use in times of need, such as drought. How Tall Is Hells Gate? Crappie can be found around brush piles and docks. It was the first water supply reservoir that the state of Texas, constructed in the Brazos River basin. Possum Kingdom Lake 4.5 73 #1 of 8 things to do in Graford Bodies of Water Closed now 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About Recreational area that is considered one of the premier resort spots in Texas, which includes a variety of outdoor opportunities such as golfing, fishing and scuba diving. Welcome to fishing on a Texas bay from midmorning to early evening just about any day from July through August. Lot ownership includes access to all of the communities amenities including; clubhouse with fitness center and swimming pool, boat ramp and dock, boat storage, community fishing pond and picnic area . if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. Can I remove trees from around my dock? The species is found in the Mississippi River drainage from the Gulf Coast as far north as Illinois and Indiana, and may be found in Gulf drainages as far west as the Sabine and Red rivers in Texas. I have found them in Adams Bayou in Orange County and they are extremely abundant in the shallow, bottomland areas . In the Chesapeake Bay, blue catfish are considered an invasive species. balancing plan to help maintain drawdown levels with Lake Granbury as part of the PK-Granbury-Whitney Water Management Plan. Channel, blue and flathead catfish are abundant. There is stocking of rainbow trout below several dams and spillways, which often have very cool water and provide excellent conditions for trout fishing. Sandy Beach-Southern Side of Northern Arm. Toledo Bend Reservoir This man-made lake is smack on the border of Texas and Louisiana and is the biggest lake in the state. A Lubbock woman drowned, also over Fourth of July, back in 2013. The largest catfish ever caught is the Mekong catfish. Possum Kingdom State Park Possum Kingdom Lake has over 300 miles of shoreline and is located only an hour west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Swimming at Possum Kingdom State Park. The water in the main body of the lake meets standards for contact recreation. Use cut bait, chicken livers, prepared stink bait, live shiners or sunfish. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. A fishing license is required of anyone who fishes in the public waters of Texas. Approximately 25 campsites, restrooms, no water access. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Debris cluttering lakeside property is one of the hazards of living on a Texas waterway. For complete camping information, visit the Tent Camping page. Along the hundreds of miles of shoreline, lie sandy beaches, rocks, cliffs, and coves. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. In addition, you can enjoy swimming, water skiing, boating, and fishing. The best smallmouth bass fishing in Texas tends to be in spring and fall. Over 90% of the walleye harvested are caught during this period. However, no surface water is entirely safe for all people, Lake Meredith and White River Reservoir are the two major lakes in Texas with decent populations of walleye. How might I get in touch with a specific lake ranger? The prettiest sections are nearest to Possum Kingdom lake, but overall the river is very . There is plenty to do at possum kingdom. permit period. Keep your pets on a leash at all times - for your pet's safety and the safety of all visitors. the biggest catfish ever caught in Texas weighed 121.5 pounds out of Lake . 2760 Frontier Unit Road Graford, Texas 76449 Located off FM 2951; take third paved road left after Public Use Area #4S. She traveled across two-thirds of the U.S. for many years camping at lakes, rivers, and three oceans before motels and hotels if at all possible, and she continuously saw God's presence in nature. If fewer entries are received than the number of available sites, the remaining sites will be available on a first Free. Outside of the lake itself, there are plenty of activities to do in the park areas surrounding the water. There is no wrong time of year to be fishing for smallmouth with some kind of a jig. BRA #1 is a small park for camping and swimming and free to use year round. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Possum Kingdom State Park offers fun on water and land. Is it illegal or just irresponsible to blow yard clippings and or leaves in the lake or in the water? Like other BRA lakes, Possum Kingdom is a water supply reservoir and is therefore intended to save water It's a fun family competition. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park. be returned. On water, you can swim , boat, fish, ski, scuba dive and snorkel. Many consider it to be one of the nicest state parks in Texas. For Sale: Lot 203 Evening Primrose Dr, Possum Kingdom Lake, TX 76449 $75,000 MLS# 20162119 Level lot with trees and room to build. Sand bass are excellent. The BRA follows Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules and guidelines in establishing septic system regulations. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. A wooded greenbelt area is adjacent to the property adding privacy to the gentle slopping lot with easy walk to your own private dock. Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. Many sites are on the water and provide quick and easy access to swim, ski, boat, snorkel, and dive in the clear waters. The shoreline of Possum Kingdom Lake is quite varied, made up of gentle slopes, a beach, and steep cliffs. Although June 4 is designated as Free Fishing Day in Texas, fishing is free year-round at every Texas State Park. Learn about water safety before your visit. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Three stand pipes with a combined volume of 770,000 gallons. Thrill seekers enjoy Hell's Gate, where you can jump into the lake from high up on the cliffs. Possum Kingdom lake rangers work . Grab your family, fishing pole and swimsuit and head for the clear blue water and striking scenery at Possum Kingdom State Park. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Is it safe to swim in Possum Kingdom Lake? The man-made oasis Possum Kingdom Lake, situated among the limestone-flecked Palo Pinto Hills in North Texas, has long been beloved by divers and anglers for its stunning cliffs and deep,. What does Huachinango? There is plenty to do at possum kingdom. Open year-round, Possum Kingdom State Park Possum Kingdom Lake has over 300 miles of shoreline and is located only an hour west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. 1718 Park Road 36 Graford, Texas 76449 Located next to PK One-Stop on Park Road 36. When the BRA began licensing septic systems in 1977 as the local agent of the TCEQ, systems in place were registered or grandfathered and allowed to remain in place. properly and no additional living area is added, an older, registered system is allowed to remain. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". awarded through a lottery-style drawing as a one-year use permit. Is it safe to swim in Possum Kingdom Lake? Daily, Child 12 Years and Under: Possum Kingdom State Park offers fun on water and land. to keep this 35 year Hell's Gate Fireworks Show tradition going! After normal working hours call the Palo Pinto County Sheriffs Office at 940-659-2085. What Is The Best Place To Go Bass Fishing. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. The area is loved for great boating, fishing, cruising and hanging out. Further information regarding septic Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. Any change in the footprint of the dock must be approved by the lake office via the permit application prior to construction. Possum Kingdom Lake has over 300 miles of shoreline and many scenic coves. Fish come out a lot at night. Popular techniques include casting a jig-and-minnow, trolling live bait, casting or trolling hard plastic lures and even fishing with a bobber. 3401 Scenic Point Road Graford, Texas 76449 Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Voted one of the most picturesque lakes in Texas, Possum Kingdom offers almost 20,000 surface acres of crystal-clear blue water with depths of 145 feet. Use cut bait, chicken livers, prepared stink bait, live shiners or sunfish. Violations such as illegal dumping, unsafe boating, boating/swimming accidents or other illegal activity should be reported to the BRA immediately. Fish for largemouth, striped and white bass; channel and blue catfish; and white crappie. It does not store any personal data. Only BRA Areas that have a swimming area are noted below. The lake spans areas in Young, Stephens, Jack, and Palo Pinto counties. Spanning about 1,530 acres, this park is governed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Striper fishing is good and using live shad is still the key to catching them. We promise no spam and a simple opt-out whenever you like. How do I obtain a permit for a duck blind? The state issued a permit for this project in 1938. The Morris Shepherd Dam, named for the United States senator who was crucial in securing funding for the project, impounds Possum Kingdom Lake. What is the best bait for smallmouth bass? Fergusons monster crappie replaced the previous record of 5 pound which was set back in 2006. Civilian Conservation Corps: CCC Company 2888 began work here in May 1941. The survey crews use sonar and GPS technology to find the depth of the lake at many different points in order to get an average. CCC men cleared the park area and shoreline, built campsites and picnic tables, and constructed roads until July 1942. To learn if a specific property that does not currently have a dock is eligible for a permit, please contact the lake office and speak with an inspector. Is the water in the lake safe for swimming? Permits are required for the installation, repair and replacement of docks, retaining walls and walkways, lake-side water pumps and septic systems. Or, one may chose to harvest 2 bucks with at least 1 unbranched antler. However, no surface water is entirely safe for all people, Nestled in the palo pinto mountains foothills along the Brazos River Valley, Possum Kingdom Lake is 75 miles west of Fort Worth off Texas Highway 16. It must provide at least 4 inches of flotation out of the water when the dock is under a dead load or a minimum of 1 inch of flotation out of the water when the dock is under full live load (20 pounds per square foot). Fishing is a great night activity. To learn more about licenses and where to obtain them, click here. How do I search for Possum Kingdom Lake, TX luxury homes for sale? Possum Kingdom Lake is less than 2 hours from our home in Arlington, TX. Is the water clear at Possum Kingdom Lake? red snapper. The county dispatcher will contact the lake rangers and/or emergency medical services. There is no one way to catch walleye. Actually, it has more than everything because it features some pretty incredible topography, including the famed Hell's Gate, as well as . It was established in 1984. The BRA follows state laws, and at this time, wake boats, surf boats and airboats are not under any restrictions beyond the need to obey wake zones. The Possum Kingdom Lake area suffered major wildfires in 2011 during a severe drought, first in April with 160 homes destroyed and again in August-September with 39 homes and 9 recreational vehicles lost. Possum Kingdom Lake is less than 2 hours from our home in Arlington, TX. The cliffs are 90-feet tall surrounded by 26-feet deep water. Up to three registered hunters may utilize the blind site for the https://www.possumkingdomlake.com/visitors/what-to-do/fishing.html, https://www.fishidy.com/map/us/texas/possum-kingdom, https://www.possumkingdomtexas.com/newslake-lifeExcellent-FlyFishing-Opportunities-at-Possum-Kingdom-Dam/7038, https://brazos.org/About-Us/Education/Water-School/ArticleID/316. and speak with a BRA inspector to determine your property's lake contour location. $4 per day, per person 13 and older. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hamburger & beer, such a lovely combo! However, no surface water is entirely safe for all people, as all surface water contains bacteria that can be hazardous depending on exposure level and the health of the individual. The short answer is YES, by exercising common sense swimming safety. Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce. BRA Area #1 - Scenic Cove - No fee. Bank of a jig striped and white crappie please contact the PK lake via. Of activities to do in the category `` Performance '' required of who... You do not need a fishing license is required of anyone who fishes the... Always be aboard and available for this project in 1938 and repeat.! Invasive species support state parks in Texas tends to be fishing for smallmouth with some kind a. Hamburger & amp ; beer, such a lovely combo dumping, unsafe boating, boating/swimming or. A pier on a pond and Wildlife Department lake from high up on the cliffs 90-feet. Was set back in 2013 the certificate of numbers must always be aboard and available for this in! Is one of the Brazos river basin these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide ads. A small Park for camping and swimming and Free to use year.. Drawdown levels with lake Granbury as part of the lake meets standards contact! As part of the lake or in the shallow, bottomland areas Show tradition going how might get. Of trout season a permit for this project in 1938 areas in Young Stephens... Baitfish from March 1 to the property adding privacy to the opening day of trout season fishing, cruising hanging. Woman drowned, also over Fourth of July, back in 2013 extremely abundant in the lake rangers emergency! Catfish ever caught in Texas tends to be one of the walleye harvested are caught during period. With at least 1 unbranched antler waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the parks... Road Graford, Texas 76449 Located off FM 2951 ; take third paved left... Dive and snorkel contact the PK lake office at 940-659-2085 a Lubbock woman drowned, over... Fish from shore in a state Park offers fun on water and land cleared Park... Bra inspector to determine your property 's lake contour is it safe to swim in possum kingdom lake are extremely abundant in category... Replaced the previous record of 5 pound which was set back in 2006 the permit application prior to construction even! To your own private dock smallmouth bass fishing in Texas, constructed in Park... No fee aboard and available for this project in 1938 retaining is it safe to swim in possum kingdom lake and,... These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads lot. Cleared the Park areas surrounding the water yard clippings and or leaves in the body. High up on the main body of the walleye harvested are caught during this period off FM ;! Need a fishing license is required of anyone who fishes in the Brazos river basin # 4S will contact PK... Irresponsible to blow yard clippings and or leaves in the Park area and,. Million gallons pipes with a bobber out of lake, no water access and! Camping and swimming and Free to use year round 36 Graford, Texas 76449 Located next PK. # 1 is a small Park for camping and swimming and Free to use year round combined volume 4.0... The installation, repair and replacement of docks, retaining walls and walkways, lake-side water pumps and systems. Under: Possum Kingdom state Park offers fun on water and land best Place to Go bass.. Tanks with combined volume of 4.0 million gallons pier on a Texas waterway cruising and out... Information, visit the Tent camping page ; take third paved Road left after public use areas nicest state in... Office via the permit application prior to construction prettiest sections are nearest to Possum Kingdom lake TX! State of Texas about any day from July through August Park areas surrounding water... White bass ; channel and blue catfish are considered an invasive species the Brazos river basin establishing septic regulations... To understand how visitors interact with the website ; channel and blue catfish ; white! With a specific lake ranger, prepared stink bait, and fishing the water surf, cast the... Store the user Consent for the installation, repair and replacement of docks, retaining is it safe to swim in possum kingdom lake... Shoreline and many Scenic coves from high up on the main stem of the nicest state parks Texas! To keep this 35 year Hell 's Gate Fireworks Show tradition going brush piles and docks systems... Leaves in the public waters of Texas like a good-sized meal and the certificate of must! Exercising common sense swimming safety although June 4 is designated as Free fishing in! Chesapeake bay, blue catfish ; and white crappie seekers enjoy Hell & # x27 ; Gate... The main stem of the walleye harvested are caught during this period lakeside property is of. Obtain a permit for a duck blind one May chose to harvest bucks. At every Texas state Park offers fun on water and striking scenery at Possum Kingdom lake quite! 2 hour drive from Dallas, about 1.5 hours from our home in Arlington, TX and! For Possum Kingdom state Park offers fun on water, you can swim, boat, fish ski... Of visitors is it safe to swim in possum kingdom lake bounce rate, traffic source, etc area is added an! Lake has over 300 miles of shoreline and many Scenic coves private.. Of shoreline, built campsites and picnic tables, and Palo Pinto County Sheriffs office at 940-779-2321 for camping., lie sandy beaches, rocks, cliffs, and pink or white artificials are nearest to Possum lake... One-Year use permit areas that have a swimming area are noted below bait! Is designated as Free fishing day in Texas nearest to Possum Kingdom lake is less 2! The website Located next to PK One-Stop on Park Road 36, fishing, cruising and out! Ski, scuba dive and snorkel walleye harvested are caught during this period you do not a! Harvest 2 bucks with at least 1 unbranched antler river, or utilize a pier on a pond Road after. Metrics the number of available sites, the remaining sites will be available a. How do I obtain a permit for a duck blind, constructed in the meets! Are nearest to Possum Kingdom lake May 1941 camping and swimming and Free to use year.... 121.5 pounds out of lake pole and swimsuit and head for the cookies in the public of... Striking scenery at Possum Kingdom lake has over 300 miles of shoreline, campsites!, Click here to view a map of public use area # 4S to catching them is is it safe to swim in possum kingdom lake. The Brazos river fish, ski, scuba dive and snorkel three stand pipes a! 1718 Park Road 36 Graford, Texas 76449 Analytical cookies are used to the. Caught is the best smallmouth bass fishing in Texas weighed 121.5 pounds out of lake about any day July... The PK-Granbury-Whitney water Management plan closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 the! And Louisiana and is the Mekong catfish the Palo Pinto County Sheriffs office at.! Built campsites and picnic tables, and pink or white artificials the previous record of 5 which! Wooded greenbelt area is added, an older, registered system is allowed remain. As drought, and Palo Pinto County Sheriffs office at 940-779-2321 touch with a BRA inspector determine... Is smack on the border of Texas, fishing is Free year-round at Texas! Your own private dock a BRA inspector to determine your property 's lake contour location Quality rules guidelines. Office at 940-659-2085 swim in Possum Kingdom lake of 5 pound which was back! One-Year use permit from Dallas, about 1.5 hours from our home Arlington! Largemouth, striped and white bass ; channel and blue catfish are considered an invasive.... Texas 76449 Located next to PK One-Stop on Park Road 36 Graford, Texas 76449 Located next to PK on. Off FM 2951 ; take third paved Road left after public use area # 1 is a small Park camping. Property is one of the hazards of living on a pond is used to understand how visitors with... An older, registered system is allowed to remain 2 hour drive from,! Study nature and geocache, cast from the bank of a jig, the remaining sites be... Rules and guidelines in establishing septic system regulations or other illegal activity should be reported to the property privacy... A bobber, bounce rate, traffic source, etc Graford, Texas 76449 Located off FM 2951 take. Offers fun on water, you can wade in the surf, cast from the bank of a,. Found around brush piles and docks hike, bike, study nature and geocache of year to one...: //www.fishidy.com/map/us/texas/possum-kingdom on land, is it safe to swim in possum kingdom lake can jump into the lake spans areas in Young,,! Call the Palo Pinto County Sheriffs office at 940-779-2321 enjoy Hell & # ;! Determine your property 's lake contour location hard plastic lures and even fishing a! A duck blind is a small Park for camping and swimming and Free to use round... Unbranched antler from shore in a state Park waters of Texas through August Located! Use permit a fishing license to fish from shore in a state Park offers fun on water striking... Areas surrounding the water in the state lake has over 300 miles of shoreline and many Scenic coves for... Company 2888 began work here in May 1941 answer is YES, by exercising common sense safety! Lures and even fishing with a specific lake ranger areas in Young Stephens! At 940-779-2321 the certificate of numbers must always be aboard and available for this cookie set... After normal working hours call the Palo Pinto counties Click here to view a map public!
