Everything is bigger in Texas, as the saying goes, and if you want proof, take a look at Lake Fork. About 70 miles east of Dallas, Lake Fork is one of the biggest lakes in the biggest state, covering almost 30,000 acres and creating 315 miles of shoreline. If you are serious about playing, the lake offers big opportunities for fishing, golfing, and other outdoor sports. Just find a place to live on the lakefront among a big collection of beautiful lake homes for sale.

Lake Fork is renowned for its “trophy waters.” Originally instituted as a fishery reservoir, it now continues as possibly the top premiere fishing destination in Texas. Many bass record holders have come from this lake, including a largemouth bass weighing over 18 pounds caught in 1992. In order to preserve the lake's phenomenal opportunities for trophy fish, the Sabine River Authority of Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department work hard to maintain the lake's reputation. They have instituted a slot limit on largemouth bass larger than 24 inches, and the Parks Department continues to ensure a good crop of fish by stocking the lake with Florida bass.

Anglers, prepare for big rewards at Lake Fork. Many of the fish in the lake love to hang out because of the variety of its underwater structure, which consists of roadbeds, fallen trees, ridges, humps, and creeks. The lake also welcomes fishers interested in deeper waters. Several marinas near Lake Fork's lakefront cabins, including the Minnow Bucket Marina and Pope’s Landing Marina, offer a place to lodge your boat or rent one. And those new to the lake can rent out a professional fishing guide service for their first fishing expedition.

In addition to fishing, lake-view homes provide access to great golfing for golfers of all skill levels. The first of two main golf courses surrounding the reservoir, Lake Fork Golf Course, offers 18 holes of less challenging ranges for those who don’t consider themselves professionals. The second, The Links at Land’s End, features an 18-hole course set on more challenging terrain and has been rated highly among Texas golf courses. If you are serious about golf, consider residing on one of these courses. For more information, visit GolfHomes.com.

There is more to do at Lake Fork than fish and golf. The Lake Fork Chamber of Commerce boasts about the duck hunting available at Lake Fork. A great venue for bird watching, the lake attracts a variety of birds due to its vegetation in shallow waters. Bald eagles are just one of many interesting bird species that have been reported to nest and feed in the area.

In true Texas fashion, Lake Fork is a big lake with big opportunities for outdoor sports. Anyone looking to adopt a Texas-sized lifestyle should take a serious look at the lake properties for sale at Lake Fork.

On Lake Fork Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River, lake's acreage is 27,690 at conservation level, maximum depth is 70 feet. Little clearing of timber was done prior to impoundment in 1980, making for excellent fish habitat. Water Level Fluctuation: Moderate, 2-4 ft. Boat launch ramps are at Lake Fork Bridge on FM 515 and on south shore on Texas 154. Maps and information available at lake headquarters at dam on Texas 182. Accessible from Quitman (5 miles northeast) and Alba. - Texas Dept of Transportation Guide Book

Lake Fork Creek, Birch Creek and Big Caney Creek are the primary feeder streams along with numerous secondary creeks. The Reservoir is used for water supply and recreation. Lake Fork is used for water supply and recreation. Lake Fork has gained national recognition because of its trophy largemouth bass fishery.

Lake Fork has world-renowned bass fishing and is home to the Texas large mouth bass state record. Predominant Fish Species: Largemouth bass, white and black crappie, channel catfish and sunfish.

Special regulations govern the harvest of large mouth bass at Lake Fork. Currently, bass 16 inches and shorter and 24 inches and longer (16 to 24 inch slot length limit) can be harvested with a daily bag limit of 5 fish, of which only 1 fish can be 24 inches or greater. Crappie harvest is also restricted by a special regulation. During the months of December, January and February, the minimum length limit is waived but harvest is regulated by a 25-fish daily bag limit. The first 25 crappie caught, regardless of size, must be retained; culling is not permitted. From March through November, harvest is controlled by a 10-inch minimum length, 25-fish daily bag limit. The harvest of all other sport fishes is controlled by statewide regulations.

Largemouth bass anglers are most successful on this reservoir during the spring, fall, and winter months. Spinnerbaits, plastic worms and lizards, jigs and jerk baits are all popular baits during peak fishing in the spring (mid-February to April) when fishing is concentrated along the shoreline for spawning fish. Nightime fishing during the hot summer months can be very productive and a good way to beat the Texas heat. At this time, plastic worms, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwaters are often used. During late summer and early fall, when fish are schooling, crankbaits and topwater lures can be very effective. In winter jigging spoons, jigs and crankbaits are most productive.

Crappie anglers concentrate their efforts in deep water near the dam during the winter months. In late spring and early fall, most angler fish for crappie under the bridges (Highway 154, Highway 515, CR 2946 and CR 514). Live minnows and crappie jigs are among the most popular baits used. The catfish population is dominated by channel catfish, but also includes flathead catfish. Stinkbait and cutbait work well for channel cats, while live bait is preferred for flatheads. Anglers occasionally catch large blue catfish.

Sunfish such as bluegill and redear can be caught in early summer, in shallow water, using crickets, earthworms and small spinners. During the remainder of the year they can be caught using the same baits around piers, boathouses and submerged humps.

Lake Fork Texas is the premier trophy bass lake in the state. Throughout the 90's Lake Fork has produced an unchallenged numbers of 13+ pound bass, leaving no doubt that Lake Fork is still the #1 trophy bass lake in the state of Texas. Prior to impoundment, the ponds that would eventually be inundated were stocked with Florida strain largemouth bass up to 8.5 pounds. The fish grew in these ponds until the ponds were inundated and became part of Fork. The Lake achieved national recognition in 1986 when a 17 pound 10 ounce bass was boated. In the following five years, more 13+ pound bass were caught out of Fork than any other lake in the southeast U.S. bringing national and world recognition to the lake.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Fishing Report www.tpwd.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/fishrept.pl?curr#Fork

Get your fishing license here: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/fish/fishlicense.phtml

J&H Lodge - www.j-hlodge.com 310 County Road 1973, Yantis, TX, (903)383-2631 email: Helen Johnson (reservations@j-hlodge.com)

Fisherman's One Stop 903-383-7121, Highway 515 & FM 1970, Yantis, TX 75497

Lockhart Lures 903-383-7663, 9 Taylor Dr, Yantis, TX 75497-9413

Bassin' With Bennett 903-383-7550, 1950 Highway 154, Yantis, TX 75497

Lake Fork Pro Shop 903-473-8072, Highway 515 W, Alba, TX 75410

Anglers Anchor - 903 878-7171

C Cs Fishing Guide Service - 903 878-2799

Charlie Foreman's Lake Fork Guide Service - 903 383-2198

J & J Lake Fork Guide Service - 903 383-7989

Click here for boat access points and more info from the Texas Parks and Wildlife website:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/fork/access.phtml

Ricky's Lake Fork Boat Rental 8394 West FM 515. Yantis, TX, 75497, 903.383.2814 Rickys Boat Rental

Boat Propellers Sales, Custom Props and Propeller Repairs - Steve's Custom Props offers a certified propeller technician with the experience you can count on.

Brey Dock and Dredge Ron Brey, rbrey24921@aol.com P.O. Box 146, Grand Saline, Texas (903)963-8231

Lake Fork Boat Storage 903-383-2879, RR 2 Box 196, Yantis, TX

Fishermen's Camp - 903 765-3107

Martin R V - 903 765-2688

Fisherman's Cove Marina - 903 765-2943

Lake Fork Boat Rental - 903 765-3209

Lake Fork Fisherman's Cove Marina - 903 765-2943

Bens Marina Lake Quitman - 903 878-2234

For a list of boat ramps and commercial marinas, call (903) 878-2262.

J&H Lodge - www.j-hlodge.com 310 County Road 1973, Yantis, TX, (903)383-2631 email: Helen Johnson (reservations@j-hlodge.com)

Chaney Point RV Park - 903 765-2264 <

Lake Fork Marina - 903 765-2764

Marina Estates - 903 765-2764

Popes Landing - 903 765-2385

Lake Fork Camp - 903 878-2506

Oak Ridge Motel & RV Park - 903 878-2529

Fisherman's Hideaway - 903 383-2056

Gateway Inn - 903 383-7959

Hideaway Harbor Campground - 903 383-2733

Quail Hollow Motel & RV Campground-Lake - 903 383-7925

Lake Fork Chamber of Commerce www.lakeforkchamber.org.