Changes are on the horizon

Some Lake Fork residents concerned about future water levels

By Matt Williams

Changes are coming at Lake Fork. Count on it.

Fork is a 27,000-acre reservoir near Quitman. It is recognized by many as one of the top big bass lakes in the nation.

The super lake has a rich history of producing scads of trophy class fish every year, and plenty of people have prospered as a result. A 1996 survey indicated the lake generated more than $26 million annually for counties surrounding it.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department angler surveys indicate the lake has cranked out more than 8,000 fish topping the seven-pound mark since October 2003. The figure includes only those fish reported to lakeside businesses that participate in the monthly survey. Odds are there are hundreds of big fish caught and released at Fork every year that go unreported.

Proof of Fork’s big bass stature also can be found in Bud ShareLunker program archives. The program solicits anglers to put big, Texas-caught bass on loan to the state for spawning and genetics research.

Not surprisingly, the program runs on strict guidelines. Fish must be caught between Oct. 1 and April 30, and weigh 13 pounds or more in order to qualify.

Fork has been a ShareLunker blood bank thus far. The program has accepted 441 bass since its inception in 1986. Fork has produced 236 of them.

The lake is well represented on the Texas’ Top 50 list, as well. The list depicts the heaviest bass ever reported in the state. Fork owns 35 spots, including seven of the top 10.

There are plenty of theories out there, but no one has ever been able to pin down the exact formula that caused Lake Fork to develop into such an amazing place. A combination of things are likely to credit. No doubt, a relatively stable water level would have to rank among them.

Therein lies the concerns that some Lake Fork area residents and business owners share in regards to the construction of a 108-inch diameter water pipeline that is scheduled to begin pumping water from the lake to the City of Dallas in 2009.

Fork has a history constant water levels dating back to when it was built in the early 1980s. The only noticeable fluctuations have occurred as the result of annual evaporation and during periods of extreme drought.

Things are sure to change once the nine-foot diameter pipeline goes into operation. But Sabine River Authority regional manager Danny Choate contends the fluctuations in water level won’t be as drastic as some have projected. Choate oversees the reservoir for the SRA.

Earlier this fall, Choate attended a meeting hosted by the Lake Fork Sportsman’s Association, Lake Fork Area Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He addressed some concerns about the pipeline and what it could mean for the future of the lake.

“We are very aware of the value of this lake not only to this community but to the nation as the best bass fishing lake in the country, and we intend to do all we can to maintain it,” Choate said.

Contractual agreements limit the amount of water the City of Dallas can pull from Lake Fork to 131,860 acre feet per calendar year. That means the water level potentially could drop as much as five feet if there were no inflow from rainfall during the year.

According to Choate, the maximum amount of water that can be piped from the lake equals about 1 1/2 feet less (6.5 feet) than the amount of water lost to evaporation each year. He added that the fluctuation would be less severe if the watershed receives average annual rainfall, which is about 44 inches.

No argument, there. But what happens during a drought year when there is no water coming in to replace the water that is going out? Worse yet, what happens if one of those weird weather patterns sticks around for consecutive years?

I’ll tell you what. Lake Fork would change. The change wouldn’t necessarily be bad for the fishery, although it could pose some temporary strains for lakeside businesses and other markets.

Prolonged droughts have happened in Texas before. They will happen again.

Folks in part of the southeastern U.S. are feeling the full force of a year-long drought right now. A lack of rain combined with water demands for large cities have caused lakes Lanier, Wylie and Santee-Cooper to drop so dangerously low. With no relief projected for the near future, some people are bracing for the worst. Earlier this fall, it was reported that Atlanta, Ga. could be without drinking water by the end of the winter unless something happens to replenish Lanier.

Serious consequences, indeed. The bright side is relief will come. And the fisheries will flourish when it does.

In many instances, fluctuations in water level can be a good thing. The benefits are most noticeable in older reservoirs that appear to be tired or run down.

Here’s what happens:

When water levels drop below normal for extended periods, the exposed soils respond with vigorous plant growth. Add water and the new growth vegetation releases tons of nutrients.

The flooded weeds and bushes serve as a nursery for little fish and a playground big ones. Improved fishing quality often follows. Fisheries scientists sometimes refer to the phenomenon as the “new lake effect.”

Several South Texas lakes are currently riding a bass fishing high as a direct result of fluctuating water levels. Choke Canyon, Falcon and Amistad are among them.

Fork has been riding a similar thigh for two decades as a constant level lake. Sticking a straw in it is certain to bring some sort of change. Among other things, it could mean the birth of new fishing patterns and the demise of old ones. Imagine Fork with buck brush and willows standing in three feet of water during the spring. Wow!

“It’s going to be different, no doubt about it,” said Phil Durocher, inland fisheries chief with TPWD. “The good thing is they (the SRA) are contractually limited in the amount of water that can be taken out each year.”

Matt Williams is a freelance writer based in Nacogdoches. He can be reached by e-mail, mattwilliams@netdot.com.

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