Pat Mayse Lake Is the County's Largest Public Fishing Spot

Pat Mayse Lake sits about 12 miles north of Paris. The US Army Corps of Engineers impounded it in 1967 on Sanders Creek, a tributary of the Red River. It covers 5,940 acres with a maximum depth of 55 feet. No APH or lake use permit is required to fish there.

TPWD reports good fishing for catfish, crappie, and white bass. Largemouth and spotted bass are also present but rated fair. The upper lake has heavy timber and coves that hold bass and crappie. Public boat ramps are available. The ramps off FM 197 (Pat Mayse West and Pat Mayse East) are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. A Lamar County-operated ramp is at Clay Bluff, off CR 34770. For current conditions and access details, check the TPWD lake page or contact the Corps of Engineers at (903) 732-3020.