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

Wednesday

Slight Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 83

Wednesday Night

Thunderstorms Likely

Lo: 66

Thursday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 86

Thursday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 66

Friday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 81

Friday Night

Slight Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 63

Saturday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 79

Saturday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 64


Possum Kingdom Lake Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 5/1: 998.38 (-0.62)



Possum Kingdom Lake

Fishing Report from TPWD (May 1)

FAIR. Water clear; 70 degrees; 0.02 feet below pool. Stripers fair to good. Live bait is the most consistent way to put fish in the boat but some can be caught trolling lures. Look for them in 30-50 feet. Good colors are white, chartreuse, and silver. Sand bass are fair to slow, and you will definitely have to look for them. They are scattered in 10-20 feet of water using live shad or small slabs and jigs in white or silver. Catfish are good. Cut shad is producing good numbers of fish in 2-10 feet and 40-60 feet of water. Water clarity is steady at 4-10 feet of visibility. Report by TJ Ranft, Ranft Guide Service. Bass are good on topwaters in the mornings, then using worms later in the day in 8-15 feet of water. Report by JK Outdoors Bass Fishing Guide Service.

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