Fishing Lake O' the Pines
Popular Fish Species Lake O' the Pines, TX
Black Crappie Fishing
Lake O' the Pines holds a very healthy population of black crappie, which are fat and willing to bite this year. White crappie also make this lake their home, however black crappie are the dominant species. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake O' the Pines is has long been known as a good bass fishing lake. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. Thoughtful fisheries management by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Lake O' the Pines, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Blue Catfish Fishing
Again this year, blue catfish are running in the big to monster size in Lake O' the Pines. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. Channel, white and flathead catfish are also available here for anglers to pursue. The Texas state record blue catfish is over 120 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. Blue catfish are primarily found in large rivers, along the main channels, in and around tributaries flowing into impoundments of major river systems. They tend to move upstream in the summer in search of cooler temperatures, and downstream in the winter in order to find warmer water.The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, yellow bass, hybrid striped bass and bowfin at Lake O' the Pines in East Texas.
Lake O' the Pines Fishing Video
Offering a wide diversity of fishing options, Lake O' the Pines is a 17,000-acre lake in the east-central part of Texas, at Ore City. Over 150 miles of shoreline await anglers fishing from the bank or from a boat. Multiple boat launch ramps are scattered around the lake - some for a fee and some at no charge.
Lake O' the Pines, situated in Northeast Texas, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a rewarding angling experience. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers of all skill levels. Largemouth bass is the prized target for many fishermen at Lake O' the Pines. With its submerged structure, boat docks, and abundant vegetation, the lake provides an ideal habitat for bass, making it a favored spot for bass fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can also target other popular species such as catfish, crappie, and sunfish, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing adventure.
Boats are available for rent, or bring your own pleasure, watersport, pontoon or fishing boat. Kayaks and canoes are popular here and provide access to some of the upper, shallow regions of the lake. This massive lake, with significant aquatic vegetation - including hydrilla, is home to multiple fish species. Bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, hybrid stripers, bowfin and numerous sunfish all populate these waters. Marinas on the water, parks and campgrounds around the lake offer products for boating, fishing, camping and picnicking. Restaurants, motels and convenience stores are also located around the lake. Use the map below to locate fishing areas and amenities.
Primary fish species residing in Lake O' the Pines
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake O' the Pines Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favored activity on Lake O' the Pines, as the lake's expansive waters and picturesque surroundings make it an ideal setting for water-based fun. Whether it's leisurely cruising, water skiing, or simply enjoying a boat ride, there is ample space for boaters to indulge in their favorite activities. Lake O' the Pines features multiple boat ramps and marinas, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. The calm waters and scenic beauty of the lake create a delightful environment for boating adventures.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Bullfrog Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
903 755-2712
Happy Travelers Kayak and Boat Rental
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
903 755-2712
Camping is a popular pastime at Lake O' the Pines, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area and enjoy a peaceful retreat. The lake provides several campgrounds, accommodating both tent and RV campers. Campers can relax amidst the serene ambiance, enjoy nature walks, and spend evenings by campfires beneath the starry sky. Camping at Lake O' the Pines allows visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the tranquility of the outdoors.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Alley Creek Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Alley Creek Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Alley Creek Boat Ramp #2
Located mid lake, east side, off Lock Mountain Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Bullfrog Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Bullfrog Marina Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Big Cypress Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Big Cypress Marina Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Cedar Springs Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Upshur County Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Copeland Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Copeland Creek Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Hurricane Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Johnson Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Crestwood Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Johnson Creek Boat Ramp #2
Located in the southwest section of the lake, in Johnson Creek Recreation Area, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Lakeside Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Lakeside Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Mims Chapel Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Mims Chapel Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Oak Hill Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Big Oaks Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Overlook Point Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, at the east end of the dam, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Pine Hill Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Pine Hills Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
South Dam Boat Ramp
Located in the southern section of the lake, at the west end of the dam, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Tejas Village Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Tejas Loop, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Big Cypress Marina
1500 Big Cypress Marina Road
Jefferson, TX 75657
903 665-8582
Bullfrog Marina
469 James Rd
Avinger, TX 75630
903 755-2712
Lake O' Pines RV Marina & Inn, Bait Shop
16851 State Hwy 155 N
Ore City, TX 75683
903 968-3183
Fishing Guides On Lake O' the Pines
The Pines Guide - bass, crappie
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Texas Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake O' Pines RV Marina & Inn Campground - 903 968-3183
Marley's Bullfrog Marina Campground - 903 755-2712
Alley Creek Campground - 903 755-2637
Johnson Creek Campground - 903 755-2435
Scenic View RV Park - 903 656-2272
Island View Landing Campground - 903 777-4161
Buckhorn Creek Campground - 903 665-8261
Bushy Creek Campground - 903 777-3491
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campground - 903 665-2336
Jefferson Ice Express & RV Park - 903 431-0043
Lake O' the Pines TX Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake O' the Pines
Lake O' Pines RV Marina
16851 Hwy 155 North
Ore City, TX 75683
903 968-3183
Fishing lakes in each state.
080424
Lake O' the Pines in East Texas.
TEXAS
Information about fishing lakes in East Texas
Lake O' the Pines offers fishing for a diverse list of fish species in East TX.