Striper numbers high at Possum Kingdom




According to surveys from Texas Parks and Wildlife fisheries biologists, the striped bass population at Possum Kingdom Reservoir is at its highest level in 14 years.
The abundance of stripers at PK is the highest since the golden algae fish kills of 2001 and 2003. One year-class of fish have spawned naturally, an uncommon occurrence in Texas lakes other than Lake Texoma.

"We did not stock striped bass in 2016, it was a surprise to find quite a few stripers belonging to that year-class," said biologist Robert Mauk. "We've seen evidence of natural reproduction in the past but not to the extent we've seen in 2016."

Conditions were right for spawning to occur with a high, unimpeded flowing Brazos River. Many of the sampled stripers were of legal length, 18 inches and above. Largemouth bass and blue catfish numbers were higher than usual, while bluegill, white bass and channel catfish were at their average historical populations.

Mauk said all the game fish appeared healthy, and the scenic lake northwest of Fort Worth has an average supply of baitfish to support them. GPS coordinates for artificial fishing structures at PK are online at tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/possum_kingdom/




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Possum Kingdom Lake Current Weather Alerts

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories.

 

Possum Kingdom Lake Weather Forecast

Thursday

Mostly Cloudy

Hi: 73

Thursday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 57

Friday

Slight Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 73

Friday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 53

Saturday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 75

Saturday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 50

Sunday

Sunny

Hi: 75

Sunday Night

Clear

Lo: 53


Possum Kingdom Lake Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 5/8: 998.11 (-0.89)



Possum Kingdom Lake

Fishing Report from TPWD (May 7)

FAIR. Water stained; 72 degrees; 0.84 feet below pool. Expect a slow striped bass bite until the water settles. Sand bass are slow to fair when you can find clear water. Use live shad or small white, silver or chrome slabs in 15-25 feet of water. Catfish are good fishing cut shad off the bottom in 2-10 feet of water. Baited holes are your best bet to catch numbers on punch bait. Bait with cattle cubes and wait 2-3 hours before fishing. The water temperature is steady at 70-74 degrees, and will continue to rise with warmer weather. Water clarity has dropped tremendously to 1 foot of visibility, and almost zero on the north end of the lake. Mud line has made it over all the way down the lake to the dam. Report by TJ Ranft, Ranft Guide Service.

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