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

Slight Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 89

Thursday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 55

Friday

Mostly Cloudy

Hi: 67

Friday Night

Rain Showers

Lo: 57

Saturday

Rain Showers

Hi: 62

Saturday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 49

Sunday

Mostly Cloudy

Hi: 61

Sunday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 48


Possum Kingdom Lake Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 4/19: 998.97 (-0.03)



Possum Kingdom Lake

Fishing Report from TPWD (Apr. 17)

FAIR. Water clear; 67 degrees; 0.08 feet below pool. Striped bass are slow to fair with the most consistent bite with live bait, but some can be caught trolling. Look for fish in 30-50 feet of water. Good colors are white, chartreuse, and silver. Sand bass are fair to slow. Some fish are starting to show back up in the lake but you will definitely have to look for them. Fish in 10-20 feet of water with live shad or small slabs and jigs white, and silver are good colors. Catfish are good on cut shad in 2-10 feet of water or 40-60 feet of water. Water clarity is steady at 4-10 feet of visibility. Report by TJ Ranft, Ranft Guide Service.

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