Lake Jacksonville is located three miles southwest of Jacksonville in Cherokee County, off US 79. The lake is 1,320 surface acres, with an average maximum depth of 62 feet. Aquatic vegetation in the lake is sparse. Although hydrilla was a problem in the past, the City of Jacksonville has enacted an integrated management plan using chemical, biological, and environmental intervention to combat the problem. The topography of Lake Jacksonville is steeper than most East Texas lakes and features abundant iron ore rock substrate on points and riprap along the dam. Angling success is best on deep structure, brush piles, and around lighted piers.
Jacksonville can be a difficult lake to fish, but it has produced largemouth bass in excess of 15 pounds. Spotted bass are also present in this lake. Crappie are not particularly abundant but are usually well above the 10-inch minimum length. The catfish population is limited by largemouth bass predation and catch rates can be low. Anglers need to find deep structure to catch many fish. Look for largemouth bass along the face of the dam and around patches of native vegetation in Cat Creek and Byrd Branch. Dropoffs along the island across from the marina can also be productive. Most species are managed with statewide regulations with one exception. Largemouth bass must be a minimum length of 18 inches. The daily bag limit for all 4 black bass species (largemouth, smallmouth, guadalupe and spotted bass) is five fish in any combination. A Triploid Grass Carp Permit is in effect on this lake. If a grass carp is caught, it must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
Public Ramps & Marinas
Northwest Ramp
- From Jacksonville, take US 79 west to FM 747. Go south 1 mile, turn left on paved road at Public Boat Ramp sign
- Single-lane ramp with parking for 20 vehicles
- No fee required
- Open all year, may be difficult to use at low water levels
- Operated by the City of Jacksonville (903) 586-3510
Peninsula Point Public Park & Ramp
- From US 69 in Jacksonville, go west on Commerce Street (US 79). Go 3 blocks, turn south on College Avenue and follow until it turns into Old Byrd Road.
- Two-lane ramp in protected cove, with parking for 40 vehicles
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by the City of Jacksonville (903) 586-3510
Southshore Park
- In Jacksonville, go 2 miles west on US 79. Turn left (south) on FM 747, go 2.5 miles and turn left on Southshore Drive. Ramp is at the far end near the dam.
- Two-lane paved ramp with parking for 15 vehicles
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by the City of Jacksonville (903) 586-3510