Lake O' the Pines

Lake O' the Pines is located in East Texas, primarily in Marion County, while also extending into portions of Upshur, Morris, and Camp counties. Situated along Big Cypress Bayou about twenty-five miles northeast of Longview and roughly eight miles west of historic Jefferson, this scenic reservoir covers approximately 18,680 surface acres with over 140 miles of heavily wooded shoreline.

In terms of national rankings, Lake O' the Pines is typically regarded as a strong regional gem rather than a top-ten national heavyweight like its neighbor Lake Fork. However, it consistently receives high regional praise from publications like Bassmaster and In-Fisherman for its exceptionally well-rounded multispecies fishery, frequently earning recognition as one of the finest crappie and bass waters in the Mid-South region.

The lake has a solid track record in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Toyota ShareLunker Program. To date, Lake O' the Pines has produced three official Legacy Class ShareLunkers weighing over 13 pounds, including the lake record largemouth bass of 14.29 pounds. In addition, dozens of entries weighing 8 pounds or more have been officially logged across the program's lower tiers, reflecting a healthy population of quality trophy bass.

Originally created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1958 following the construction of Ferrells Bridge Dam, the reservoir was initially named Ferrell's Bridge Reservoir before being renamed for the towering pine forests that encircle its waters. Beyond its popular largemouth bass and crappie fishing, Lake O' the Pines features extensive hydrilla and aquatic vegetation, underwater timber, submersed creek channels, and numerous public parks and campgrounds, making it one of the most scenic recreational bodies of water in East Texas..