Lake Murvaul

Natural habitat is present is present in the form of inundated timber, aquatic vegetation, and numerous creek channels. An abundance of man-made structures (rip rap, boat houses and docks) provide additional structural habitat.

Man-made PVC cubes have been used to create artificial fish habitat in this reservoir. The fish attractors were placed by TPWD in cooperation with the the Panola County Fresh Water District. Anglers may use GPS in conjunction with a fish finder to locate these structures. See online map view

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Although largemouth bass fishing is good throughout the year, the most productive months are January through March. Jig combinations, oversized crankbaits and spinner baits are the most popular lures. Fish are located in deep water along creek channels during winter months and tend to move into shallow water flats during the spring. Aquatic and terrestrial vegetation may also be productive habitat to fish during the spring through fall months. During warmer months, top-water lures can produce strikes in the early morning hours. Artificial worms are effective in deeper water off major points and secondary points at mid-day in summer months

Crappie fishing is steady throughout the year with higher success rates generally occurring in March and April. Minnows and artificial jigs are productive. Jones Branch and the creek channel near the FM 1971 bridge are popular fishing areas. Best catch rates for channel catfish occur April through October. Live baits such as night crawlers, minnows, and catalpa worms are most effective but commercial prepared dough or stink baits can also be used. The best months to fish for sunfish are May and June. Fish can be found near shorelines in 2-6 ft of water. Earthworms and crickets are good bait choices.

Although largemouth bass fishing is good throughout the year, the most productive months are January through March. Jig combinations, oversized crankbaits and spinner baits are the most popular lures. Fish are located in deep water along creek channels during winter months and tend to move into shallow water flats during the spring. Aquatic and terrestrial vegetation may also be productive habitat to fish during the spring through fall months. During warmer months, top-water lures can produce strikes in the early morning hours. Artificial worms are effective in deeper water off major points and secondary points at mid-day in summer months

Crappie fishing is steady throughout the year with higher success rates generally occurring in March and April. Minnows and artificial jigs are productive. Jones Branch and the creek channel near the FM 1971 bridge are popular fishing areas. Best catch rates for channel catfish occur April through October. Live baits such as night crawlers, minnows, and catalpa worms are most effective but commercial prepared dough or stink baits can also be used. The best months to fish for sunfish are May and June. Fish can be found near shorelines in 2-6 ft of water. Earthworms and crickets are good bait choices.

Lake Murvaul has an excellent and highly utilized largemouth bass fishery. The reservoir received national recognition in the 1960s for its trophy bass production and continues to produce bass over 8 lbs. Management strategies have been developed to take advantage of Murvaul's ability to grow large bass. During the late 1990s, a supplemental stocking program was conducted to increase the Florida bass genotype in the population and harvest regulations were modified to protect intermediate-size bass and increase fishing quality. Channel catfish are present in high numbers and provide excellent opportunities for anglers. Quality-size crappie are present with best fishing success in winter and spring. Sunfish (bluegill and redear) are present in good numbers with high numbers of fish over 6 inches available for harvest.

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