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

Rain Showers Likely

Hi: 80

Wednesday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 64

Thursday

Rain Showers Likely

Hi: 82

Thursday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 64

Friday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 82

Friday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 64

Saturday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 80

Saturday Night

Slight Chance Rain Showers

Lo: 64


Possum Kingdom Lake Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 4/23: 998.49 (-0.51)



Possum Kingdom Lake

Fishing Report from TPWD (Apr. 16)

FAIR. Water stained; 68 degrees; 0.37 feet below pool. Striper are slow suspending live bait 2 feet below a balloon or bobber fished in 5 feet or less water that is adjacent to the deep water. Other good places are deep ledges and main lake points. Sand bass are fair stg live shad or small white or silver slabs in 15-25 feet of water. Catfish are still fair to good. Cut shad is producing good numbers of fish in 20-30 feet and 10-15 feet of water fished on the bottom. Baited holes are your best bet to catch numbers. Bait with cattle cubes and wait 2-3 hours before fishing. Use punch bait for best results on baited holes. Water clarity is steady at 1-8 feet of visibility and slightly stained. Report by TJ Ranft, Ranft Guide Service.

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