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Z-Nugget *What is Possum Kingdom?*
For centuries the raging Brazos River has cut its way through the Palo
Pinto Mountains. In the 1940's the river was dammed up to form a huge
lake nestled within the dramatic North Texas hill country. The natural
views are absolutely spectacular! Our lake is one of the clearest lakes
in all of Texas. As a result we are a favorite
spot for inland scuba diving and boating. Year around activities include
fishing, camping, hiking, golf, mountain bikes and horseback riding. Our
lake is only a short drive from Dallas, Ft. Worth, Wichita Falls and Abilene,
Texas.
About the Lake
Possum Kingdom Lake is a favorite spot for boating, skiing, fishing, scuba diving and swimming.
The dam at Possum Kingdom Lake, was built across the Brazos River in Palo Pinto County in the same area where Oliver Loving lived in the 1800's (one of the characters in the movie Lonesome Dove) Rumor has it, that it took only a few months to get full, after heavy spring rains, submerged some of the equipment used to build Possum Kingdom Lake. The lake pool elevation is 1000 feet. The Dam at Possum Kingdom Lake is about 2000 feet long and as high as a 19 story building. Hydroelectric power is produced by generators that are located below the dam.
Possum Kingdom Lake covers approx. 310 miles of shoreline which includes sandy beaches, rock cliffs and mountains. McAdams Peak is the highest point in North Central Texas.
Cool Shots
Lake Characteristics Location:
On the Brazos River in Palo Pinto and Young counties, 75 miles west of Fort
Worth off Texas Highway 16.
Surface area: 17,624 acres
Maximum depth: 145 feet (avg. 37)
Impounded: 1941
Water Conditions
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,000 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Moderately high
Normal Clarity: Clear
Aquatic Vegetation
Emergent rushes can be found in the mid- to upper part of the reservoir at 2-3-foot
depths. Submerged vegetation is found throughout the lake in late summer and
fall.
Predominant Fish Species
Largemouth bass
White Crappie
Striped & white bass
Channel & blue catfish
Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Lake Maps
A complimentary map of Possum Kingdom is available at the project supervisor's
office (940) 779-2321 or from the BRA public information office at information@brazos.org
Meet my friends at Possum Kingdom
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