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Lake Info: Possum Kingdom, Texas
Possum Kingdom Lake (popularly known as P.K.), located primarily in Palo Pinto County Texas, is a 20,000 acre (81 km²) lake on the Brazos River in the Palo Pinto Mountains, known for its clear blue waters. It has a 310 mile (499 km) shore line.
It is impounded by the Morris Sheppard Dam which was built primarily for water conservation and flood control although it does have two 11,250 kilowatt generators. The dam is 2,740 feet (835 m) long and stands 190 feet (58 m) high. The construction is unique with buttressed arched wings on either side of the nine spillway gates rather than the usual filled concrete.[1]
The dam was named for United States Senator Morris Sheppard of Texas. Construction of the dam started on May 28, 1938 under the authority of the Brazos River Conservation and Reclamation District (now known as the Brazos River Authority).[2] The dam was completed on March 20, 1941 at a cost of $9,000,000 by the Works Progress Administration, a New Deal recovery agency.
It is the lake mentioned in the popular nineties song "Possum Kingdom" by The Toadies.
Location: On the Brazos River in Palo Pinto and Young counties, 75 miles west of Fort Worth off Texas Highway 16
Impounded: 1941
Water Conditions
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,000 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderately high
Normal Clarity: Clear
Reservoir Controlling Authority
Brazos River Authority
Star Route
Graford, Texas 76025
(940) 779-2321
Aquatic Vegetation
Emergent rushes can be found in the mid- to upper part of the reservoir at 2-3-foot depths. Submerged vegetation is found throughout the lake in late summer and fall.
As of January 1, 2006 all registered boats on Possum Kingdom are required to have a Water Recreational User Permit from the Brazos River Authority. The revenue is intended to offset costs and enhance outdoor recreation. Permits are sold by local vendors, the BRA lake office or ticket dispensers at the Public Boat Ramp, South D&D Public Use Area and Westside Park.
* Annual permit $50
* Discount annual permit (over 65 or active duty/retired military) $35
* Single-day $5
* 3-day $12
* 5-day $20
Public ramps are located in BRA recreation areas and Possum Kingdom State Park. At least 15 private ramps are also available; many sell boat gas, and most charge nominal launch fees. Fishing piers are located in the state park and at BRA Public Use Area #4S.
Public Ramp
* Located on FM 2951, 1/3 mile after junction with Park Road 36
* Ramp will accommodate all boat types, accessible at various water levels
* No fee required
* Open all year
* Operated by Brazos River Authority (940) 779-2321
BRA Area #4 North
* Located on FM 2951, on north side of road 1-1/3 miles after junction with Park Road 36
* Ramp will accommodate all boat types, accessible at higher lake levels
* $3/person day use fee on weekends and holidays from mid-May to mid-September, children under 13 free
* No fee on weekdays or during winter months
* Open all year
* Operated by Brazos River Authority (940) 779-2321
BRA Area #6
* Located at the west end of FM 2951
* Ramp will accommodate all boat types, accessible at higher lake levels
* $3/person day use fee on weekends and holidays from mid-May to mid-September, children under 13 free
* No fee weekdays or during winter months
* Open all year
* Operated by Brazos River Authority (940) 779-2321
BRA Area #5
* Located off FM 2951; take third paved road left after Public Use Area #4S
* Ramp will accommodate all boat types, accessible at higher lake levels
* No fee required
* Open all year
* Operated by Brazos River Authority (940) 779-2321
BRA Area #4 South
* Located off FM 2951on south side of road, 1-1/3 miles after junction with Park Road 36
* Ramp will accommodate all boat types, accessible at various lake levels
* No fee required
* Open all year
* Operated by Brazos River Authority (940) 779-2321
BRA Area #1
* Located off Park Road 36, 1.5 miles from FM 2353
* Ramp will accommodate all boat types, accessible at higher lake levels
* No fee required
* Open all year
* Operated by Brazos River Authority (940) 779-2321
State Park
* Located on the southwest side of the lake. Take Park Road 33 off FM 3253.
* Ramp will accommodate all boat types, accessible at higher lake levels
* Park entry fee required
* Open all year
* Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (940) 549-1803
Possum Hollow Camp
* Located off FM 1148, 2.5 miles after intersection with FM 1287
* Ramp will accommodate all boat types
* No fee required
* Open all year
* Operated by Possum Hollow Camp (940) 549-1873
Westside Public Ramp
* Located at the end of FM 1148
* Ramp will accommodate all boat types, accessible at higher lake levels
* No fee required
* Open all year
* Operated by Brazos River Authority (940) 779-232
Fishing Regulations
Largemouth bass are subject to a special 16-inch minimum length. The daily bag for all species of black bass is 5 in any combination. For striped and hybrid striped bass, the minimum length is 18 inches and daily bag is 2. Other species are currently managed under statewide regulations.
Angling Opportunities
The reservoir has been affected by golden alga blooms, especially in 2001 and 2003, but it appears many species are recovering. Striped bass provide a fair fishery with good growth potential and strong fighting characteristics. The lake record is 34.19 pounds. An annual TPWD stocking program maintains the fishery. White bass are abundant and of good size. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are found in this reservoir, though only largemouth bass are abundant at this time. The Florida largemouth strain has been stocked and helps provide trophy potential, as evidenced by the lake record of 16.02 pounds. Crappie are fair, and sunfish are present with some large individuals available for harvest. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are all present, with some especially large blue cats.
Fishing Cover/Structure
Most of the lake shore is made of large to cobble-size rock. The lower end has scenic rock cliffs and bluffs, while the upper end spreads into shallower areas with shoreline vegetations. Points and dropoffs can be found throughout the lake. Many docks provide habitat for fish, and so do standing timber and laydowns. At certain times of the year, aquatic vegetation is also found.
Largemouth bass can be found throughout the lake and can be caught on any of the typical bass baits. Be prepared to fish 10- to 25-foot depths. In this clear water, try using as light a line as possible. Concentrate on submerged vegetation when you find it. Striped bass anglers look for birds feeding on bait driven to the surface by schools of hungry stripers. Use live shad or artificial bait. White bass action can be very good during prespawn and the spring spawning run, especially up towards the river mouth. Jigs and spoons or slabs are recommended baits. Catfish action can be good for all species. Costello Island and above are likely spots. Use cut bait, chicken livers, prepared stink bait, live shiners or sunfish. Crappie can be found around brush piles and docks. In spring, fish the backs of coves for spawning fish. Crappie will be found at different depths depending on time of year and water conditions; be prepared to search for them.
Take US Highway 180 to Caddo, then go 17 miles north on Park Road 33
Businesses Located Nearby
Boat Rental
- J & J Propeller Service
- 337 Fm-2353 - Graford, TX
- (940) 779-3743
- C & M Marine
- 350 Fm-2353 - Graford, TX
- (940) 779-2525
- Sandy Creek Marina
- 1770 Fm 2951 - Graford, TX
- (940) 779-2855
Vacation Rental
- The Cliffs Resort
- 160 Cliffs Dr - Graford, TX
- (940) 779-4040
- Lakeshore Marina-Rv Park
- 5501 Lake Shore Dr - Graham, TX
- (940) 549-2518
- Log Cabin Lodge
- 1351 Willow Beach Rd - Graford, TX
- (940) 779-3272
Bar and Restaurant
- Rocking S Bar & Grill
- 1784 Fm 2951 - Graford, TX
- (940) 779-3499
- Sonnys Barbecue
- 1010 4th St - Graham, TX
- (940) 549-0113
- Mesquite Pit
- 3915 Highway 180 E - Mineral Wells, TX
- (940) 325-5960