Fishing Regulations
Fishing at Lake Fork: Special Rules You Need to Know
Lake Fork Reservoir in Wood County has strict catch rules for largemouth bass — most fish must be released, and only one trophy-size fish per day may be kept.
Lake Fork spans Wood and Rains counties and is managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) for trophy bass. The slot limit for largemouth bass requires you to release fish measuring between 16 and 24 inches. You may keep fish under 16 inches, and you may keep one fish 24 inches or longer — but that is the daily maximum for large bass. The overall daily bag limit for all black bass combined is five fish.
Crappie rules change by season: no minimum size and all caught must be kept from December 1 through February 28; a 10-inch minimum applies March through November. Alligator gar must be reported to TPWD within 24 hours of harvest via the app or online. You must also drain all water from your boat when leaving to help stop zebra mussel spread. A valid Texas freshwater fishing license is required. Seasons and rules can change — always verify with TPWD before you go.
Source to confirm: TPWD — Lake Fork Fishing Regulations