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Catfishes
Crappie
Largemouth Bass Sunfishes
Tailrace Fishing
General Information
Largemouth bass fishing is the main attraction on this
lake. Florida largemouth bass were stocked in the reservoir when it was
impounded and have produced an excellent trophy bass fishery that produced
one state record bass (16.90 pounds) in 1986. The lake regularly produces
bass over 10 pounds in addition to excellent fishing for bass in the 2
to 5 pound range. As with most lakes, the best fishing is usually from
February through May during the spawning season. However, night fishing
during the summer can be quite productive and although winter fishing
can be slow, deepwater structure can produce some excellent fish. Habitat
in the reservoir includes not only the flooded timber, but also large
areas of submerged aquatic vegetation. During the summer and early fall,
the lake stratifies and a strong thermocline is present between 12 and
15 feet so fishing should be restricted to water less than 15 feet deep.
Best lures include plastic worms, jigs, spinner baits, and crank baits.
During the winter, spoons jigged over deep water structure produce good
catches.
Crappie fishing is best during March through May following
the spawning season. Good areas for crappie include the outside edge of
the submerged vegetation beds in 10 to 12 feet of water. December and
January are also good months to fish for crappie when they are congregated
in large schools along the creek channels in water from 20 to 30 feet
deep. Both black and white crappie are found in Lake Pinkston. Black crappie
are the most abundant, but the white crappie are larger, reaching weights
of 2+ pounds. Most fishermen use minnows for bait, but small jigs and
spinners also work very well.
The most overlooked fishery in the lake is for bluegill
and redear sunfishes. The high density population of largemouth bass keeps
the sunfish population from becoming stunted and allows these fish to
reach quality sizes often exceeding one pound. Other sunfishes present
include longear, redbreast, and warmouth. Best areas for these fish are
the outside edges of submerged vegetation beds and along creek channels
in 10 to 12 feet of water. Popular baits include earthworms, crickets,
smalljigs, and spinners. The larger specimens of sunfishes are usually
caught in deeper water. Redear sunfishes can be caught during April and
May when they are congregated in spawning areas in water about 3 to 4
feet deep. Small crawfish are excellent baits for redear sunfish. During
the summer, anglers should fish their baits on or near the bottom in 10
to 12 feet of water. If no fish are caught within 15 minutes, move to
another area until the fish are located.
Channel catfish and flathead catfish are present, but
only in small numbers. Since no trotlines are allowed in Lake Pinkston,
fishing methods are restricted to rod and reel, throwlines, and jug lines.
Flathead catfish are best taken using live baits, such as sunfishes or
bullhead catfish. Channel catfish can be taken on a wide variety of baits
including shad, minnows, worms, cut bait, shrimp, stink baits, or any
number of other baits. Best areas to fish for channel catfish are areas
clear of submerged aquatic vegetation in 12 to 1S feet ofwater. Flathead
catfish can usually be found along creek channels in 12 to 15 feet ofwater.
During periods of high water levels, overflow into the
tailrace stream attracts good numbers of crappie and largemouth bass.
This tailrace is very small and has limited access, but excellent bank
fishing is available for the angler willing to take the trouble to try
this area.
Information on fishing Lake Pinkston can be obtained from
bait and tackle shops or taxidermists in Center or Nacogdoches. Additional
information can be obtained from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,
Inland Fisheries office in Jasper. Consult your Texas Recreational Fishing
Guide for current fishing regulations. Remember to handle your fish carefully
and practice catch and release, particularly with larger fish. If you
do not plan to mount a trophy bass, release it quickly and gentiy. If
you want to take fish home to eat, then take the smaller fish and release
the larger ones for someone else to enjoy. It takes the care and assistance
of all fishermen to maintain the high quality of fishing in Lake Pinkston.
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