Local Fishing

Lake Crook Is a Smaller City-Owned Reservoir Near Paris

Lake Crook sits 5 miles north of Paris and is known for catfish, though the lake is managed by the City of Paris.

Lake Crook covers 1,060 acres on Pine Creek, a tributary of the Red River, about 5 miles north of Paris. The City of Paris impounded it in 1923. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 24 feet and tends to be turbid most of the year.

TPWD reports channel and blue catfish as the main draw. Largemouth bass are present but catch rates are low. Crappie lean toward smaller sizes. Bulrush and cutgrass line the shorelines. Because the City of Paris controls the reservoir, contact them at (903) 784-9299 for current access rules and any permits required.

Source to confirm: TPWD — Fishing Lake Crook

More Lamar County notes

Property Tax Basics

Who Appraises and Who Collects Your Property Taxes

Two separate offices handle your property taxes in Lamar County — one sets the value, the other handles payment.

Read note ->

Homestead Exemption

The Homestead Exemption Lowers Your School Tax Bill

Texas law requires school districts to take $140,000 off the appraised value of your primary home before calculating your school tax.

Read note ->

Agricultural Valuation

Farmland Can Be Taxed on Its Farming Value, Not Market Value

If land in Lamar County is actively used for farming or ranching, it may qualify for a special valuation that can sharply lower the tax bill.

Read note ->

Septic Systems

Building Outside City Limits Requires a Septic Permit

Most rural property in Lamar County has no sewer service, so any new home or addition needs a permitted on-site sewage system.

Read note ->