Lake Fork Creek facts for kids

Lake Fork Creek is an important river in Texas, United States. It flows for about 78.4 miles (126.2 kilometers) through three different counties: Hunt, Rains, and Wood. This creek is a major "tributary" of the Sabine River, which means it's a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger one.

Lake Fork Creek has several smaller streams that join it along its path. These include Dry Creek, Glade Creek, Caney Creek, Little Caney Creek, Rainwater Creek, and Birch Creek. All these smaller waterways contribute their water to Lake Fork Creek.

The Story of Lake Fork Reservoir

How the Lake Was Formed

In 1980, something big happened to Lake Fork Creek. The creek was "impounded," which means a large dam was built across it. This dam stopped the flow of the water, causing it to back up and spread out, forming a large artificial lake. This new lake was named Lake Fork Reservoir.

Why Was Lake Fork Reservoir Built?

Lake Fork Reservoir was created for several important reasons. One main reason was to provide a reliable source of water for nearby communities. It also helps with flood control by holding back excess water during heavy rains. Plus, it became a very popular spot for recreation, especially for fishing.

A Home for Fish and Wildlife

Lake Fork Reservoir is famous for its excellent fishing, especially for largemouth bass. It's known as one of the best bass fishing lakes in Texas, and even in the United States! The lake and the surrounding areas of Lake Fork Creek also provide a home for many different types of wildlife, including various fish, birds, and other animals that depend on the water.