Possum Kingdom Lake Fishing Guide
Striped bass, largemouth, catfish and crappie in clear, deep water
Possum Kingdom Lake sits on the Brazos River, 75 miles west of Fort Worth. Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) describes its water as clear, with a maximum depth of 145 feet. It’s known for striped bass, but anglers also come for largemouth, white bass, crappie and big catfish.
Our six cabins at 1782 FM 2951 in Graford are across the road from the lake, with a public boat ramp across the street and boat trailer parking at the cabins. This guide covers what’s biting, where to fish, the license rules and where to buy bait. Most of the fishing details come from TPWD.
What you can catch
TPWD lists these as the main species in Possum Kingdom Lake:
- Striped bass. Stripers are stocked in most years and have good growth potential. The lake record is 34.19 pounds.
- Largemouth bass. TPWD has stocked Florida-strain largemouth. The lake record is 16.02 pounds.
- White bass, which TPWD calls abundant and of good size.
- Catfish. Channel, blue and flathead catfish are all present, including some very large blue cats.
- White crappie, plus sunfish, some of them large enough to keep.
All species are managed under Texas’s statewide fishing regulations.
Where to fish
Most of the shoreline is large rock and cobble. The lower end of the lake has rock cliffs and bluffs, and the upper end spreads into shallower water with vegetation along the shore. TPWD points anglers to:
- Points and drop-offs, found all over the lake
- Docks, standing timber and fallen trees, which all hold fish
- Brush piles and artificial fish habitat. TPWD’s Habitat Structure Viewer has GPS coordinates you can load into a fish finder.
- Catfish water from Costello Island upstream
No boat? BRA Area #4 South D&D (2969 FM 2951) has a fishing pier and charges no fee. Possum Kingdom State Park has a fishing pier and a fish-cleaning station, and you don’t need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park.
Tips by species and season
TPWD’s tips for the lake:
- Largemouth bass: Fish 10 to 25 feet deep, and use the lightest line you can in this clear water. Work submerged vegetation when you find it. It grows across the lake in late summer and fall.
- Striped bass: Watch for birds feeding on baitfish that schools of stripers have pushed to the surface. Use live shad or artificial baits.
- White bass: The best action comes before and during the spring spawning run, especially up toward the river. Try jigs, spoons or slabs.
- Catfish: Try cut bait, chicken livers, prepared stink bait, or live shiners or sunfish.
- Crappie: Fish brush piles and docks. In spring, look for spawning fish in the backs of coves.
For current conditions, check TPWD’s Possum Kingdom fishing report.
Winter trout below the dam
In winter, TPWD stocks rainbow trout in the Brazos River just below Morris Sheppard Dam, in what it calls the Possum Kingdom Tailrace. In the 2025–26 season, TPWD planned 9,000 trout for the tailrace, released in seven batches between December 4 and February 26. Check TPWD’s rainbow trout stocking schedule for this winter’s dates before you go.
Fishing licenses and rules
- Who needs a license: In Texas, anglers 17 and older need a fishing license with a freshwater endorsement. Kids under 17 don’t need one. See TPWD’s license page for options.
- State parks: You don’t need a license to fish from shore inside a Texas state park, including Possum Kingdom State Park. Park entry fees still apply.
- Free Fishing Day: On the first Saturday in June each year, anyone can fish in Texas without a license.
- Clean, drain and dry: Texas law requires you to drain all water from your boat, including livewells and bilges, when you leave or approach public fresh water.
- Hell’s Gate area: You can fish near the cliffs, but the Brazos River Authority prohibits diving or jumping from 20 feet or higher anywhere on the lake.
Bait, tackle and supplies
- PK One Stop (1716 Park Rd 36, about a mile from the cabins) sells bait, fuel and convenience items.
- Motorboat Inn Marina (1777 FM 2951, across the street) has 24/7 ethanol-free boat fuel, ice and lake gear, plus daily and long-term boat slips.
- The Possum Kingdom State Park store sells fishing and camping supplies and rents boats and kayaks.
- The Trading Post (1712 Park Rd 36) is a full grocery store, handy for stocking up for a fish fry.
Hiring a guide? Book with a fishing guide who works Possum Kingdom regularly, and ask what species are biting and what gear is included.
Bring your boat, cook your catch
Tow your boat in and park the trailer at the cabin. There’s boat trailer parking at the cabins, and the Brazos River Authority ramp is across the street. The lake needs no boat permits and charges no ramp fees. Need a boat instead? See our boat rentals and marinas guide.
Every cabin has a full kitchen and a grill, so dinner can be what you caught that morning. Just note that fish cleaning isn’t allowed at the cabins, so clean your catch before you head back. Possum Kingdom State Park has a fish-cleaning station.
| Cabin | Sleeps | Private hot tub |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Escape Cabin | 6 | Yes |
| Beneath The Stars | 6 | Yes |
| Bearpaw Cabin | 8 | Yes |
| All Decked Out | 8 | No |
| Marina Vista | 8 | No |
| Lake Sippin | 8 | No |
Fishing with friends? Book several cabins for your group. Three cabins have private hot tubs for a cold winter morning on the water. For restaurants and other activities, see things to do near Possum Kingdom Lake.
Possum Kingdom fishing FAQ
What fish are in Possum Kingdom Lake?
Texas Parks and Wildlife lists largemouth bass, white crappie, striped and white bass, and channel and blue catfish as the main species. Flathead catfish and sunfish are also present.
What is the striped bass record at Possum Kingdom Lake?
The lake record for striped bass is 34.19 pounds, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Stripers are stocked in most years.
Do I need a fishing license at Possum Kingdom Lake?
Anglers 17 and older need a Texas fishing license with a freshwater endorsement. No license is needed to fish from shore inside a Texas state park, such as Possum Kingdom State Park, or on Free Fishing Day, the first Saturday in June.
Is there trout fishing near Possum Kingdom Lake?
Yes, in winter. Texas Parks and Wildlife stocks rainbow trout in the Brazos River below Morris Sheppard Dam. In the 2025–26 season it planned seven releases between December and February.
Where can I buy bait near the cabins?
PK One Stop, at 1716 Park Rd 36, sells bait and is about a mile from the cabins.
Where can I fish from shore?
BRA Area #4 South D&D at 2969 FM 2951 has a fishing pier with no fee. Possum Kingdom State Park has a fishing pier and a fish-cleaning station, and no license is needed to fish from shore in a state park.
Can I bring my fishing boat to the cabins?
Yes. There's boat trailer parking at the cabins, and a public boat ramp is across the street.
Can I clean fish at the cabins?
No. Fish cleaning isn't allowed at the cabins. Possum Kingdom State Park has a fish-cleaning station, about an hour's drive from the cabins on the west side of the lake.
Ready to book? Start with any cabin: Lake Escape · Beneath The Stars · Bearpaw · All Decked Out · Marina Vista · Lake Sippin. Each page has photos, amenities and a Check Availability button.