Lake O' the Pines

US Army Corps of Engineers (Fort Worth District) β€’ Built 1958 β€’ 19,780 surface acres β€’ 144 miles shoreline

Current Water Level

Lake O' the Pines

Normal Pool
228.30 ft MSL
-0.20 ft vs normal pool (229 ft)
β†’ Steady (0.00 ft / 24h)
Pool Elevation Gauge Normal vs Flood
Normal 228' Flood 250' 228.3'
30-Day Level Trend Full Chart β†’
30d Change: ft 7d Change: ft
Water Temp 77.2Β°F
Wind 6 mph S
Weather 81Β°F, Partly Cloudy
Water Safety Clean & Clear
Launch Usability 4 of 4 Usable
Trip Planning Rollup

Great Day on the Water

Level is right at normal conservation pool (-0.2 ft), water temp is a comfortable 77Β°f, light winds around 6 mph, no active algae or safety advisories.

Local Insider Take

What to Know About Lake O' the Pines

Nestled among towering loblolly pines in northeast Texas near historic Jefferson, Lake O' the Pines is one of the most picturesque reservoirs in the state. Its cypress-studded shorelines and tranquil coves offer outstanding shelter from heavy winds, making it a favorite for pontoon cruisers and kayak anglers. The USACE manages multiple pristine lakeside parks with pine-shaded campgrounds and concrete boat ramps.

Best For:
Piney Woods Scenic BoatingTrophy Crappie & Largemouth BassSecluded Lakeside CampingHistoric East Texas Getaways

Boat Ramps & Launches

Public concrete launches, usable lake elevations, and federal pass info
4 Ramps

🚀 Alley Creek Park Boat Ramp (USACE)

Usable (Level OK)
Fee: Free / $5 Day-Use
Lanes: 2 lanes
Min Usable Pool: 222.0 ft

Major USACE park on the north shore featuring full hookup campsites, deep ramp lanes, and lighted parking.

2 Concrete LanesRestrooms with ShowersCampgroundCourtesy DockFish Cleaning Station

🚀 Brushy Creek Park Boat Ramp (USACE)

Usable (Level OK)
Fee: $5 Day Use
Lanes: 2 lanes
Min Usable Pool: 223.0 ft

Deep cove launch facility on the northwest side of the reservoir with wooded shoreline campsites.

2 Concrete LanesCampgroundRestroomsCourtesy Dock

🚀 Johnson Creek Recreation Area Marina & Ramp

Usable (Level OK)
Fee: $5 Day Use
Lanes: 2 lanes
Min Usable Pool: 222.5 ft

Centrally located marina and recreation area with fueling facilities, boat slips, and multiple launch lanes.

Boat SlipsMarine Gas DockCamp Store2 Concrete Lanes

🚀 Lakeside Park Boat Ramp (USACE)

Usable (Level OK)
Fee: $5 Day Use
Lanes: 2 lanes
Min Usable Pool: 221.0 ft

Situated on the southern basin near the dam structure, providing quick access to open water and protected coves.

2 Concrete LanesCourtesy DockPaved ParkingPicnic Shelters

Full-Service Marinas

Fuel docks, wet slips, ship stores, and boat rentals
1 Marinas

βš“ Johnson Creek Recreation Area Marina & Ramp

Centrally located marina and recreation area with fueling facilities, boat slips, and multiple launch lanes.

Boat SlipsMarine Gas DockCamp Store2 Concrete Lanes
Daily Solunar & Feeding Forecast

Today's Fishing Outlook

Bite Activity Excellent (4/4)
πŸ”₯ Peak Solunar & Feeding Conditions β€” Primary Major Window: 10:06 AM – 12:06 PM

Favorable feeding forecast today with the Waxing Gibbous (98% illuminated). Surface water is 77Β°F with a 0.0 pool (+0.00' in 24h). Fish will feed aggressively along windblown points and main-lake humps during the primary major window.

Major Period 1 Lunar Overhead
10:06 AM – 12:06 PM
Major Period 2 Lunar Underfoot
10:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Minor Period 1 Moonrise Window
4:42 PM – 5:54 PM
Minor Period 2 Moonset Window
5:06 AM – 6:18 AM

Fishing Regulations & Species

State Wildlife Agency
Target Species:
🐟 Largemouth Bass🐟 Black & White Crappie🐟 Channel & Flathead Catfish🐟 Chain Pickerel🐟 Sunfish

Lake Rules & Boating Safety

Idle speed / no-wake required within 50 feet of any dock or ramp. Boat draining mandatory under Texas clean, drain, and dry aquatic invasive species statutes.

Crowdsourced Conditions

Recent Community Reports

Real-time water clarity, hazards, and ramp wait times shared by boaters and anglers.

🌊

No community reports submitted in the last 24 hours for Lake O' the Pines

Were you on the water today? Share water clarity, ramp conditions, or hazards to help fellow lake visitors.

Trip Preparation & Gear

Recommended Gear for Current Conditions

Algorithmically matched to today's water temperature (77Β°F), lake elevation, and weather forecast.

Amazon Partner Picks
Apparel & UV Care Sun Protection
Water Temp: 77Β°F (Comfortable)

Bassdash UPF 50+ Performance UV Sun Protection Fishing Hoodie

Ultra-breathable moisture-wicking UV shield designed to prevent all-day open water sunburn and heat fatigue without overheating.

Safety Essentials USCG Approved
Standard Navigation

Onyx A/M-24 Deluxe Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket (USCG)

Lightweight, comfortable low-profile design that automatically inflates upon immersion while allowing full arm mobility for driving and casting.

Paddle Sports Calm Water Essential
Wind: 6 mph (Glassy)

SereneLife 10'6" Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard (Complete Kit)

Calm winds (6 mph) offer pristine mirror-calm coves for touring, paddleboard fitness, and shoreline exploration.

Marine Electronics Angler Essential
Targeting: Largemouth Bass, Black & White Crappie

Garmin Striker 4 Fishfinder with CHIRP Sonar & Dual-Beam Transducer

High-frequency CHIRP sonar pinpoints submerged humps, river channel dropoffs, bait balls, and suspended gamefish with crisp target separation.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, LakeWatchers earns from qualifying purchases. Product selections are unbiased and algorithmically generated based on live hydrologic conditions, lake elevation, water temperature, and safety standards.
Lakefront Living & Property

Living on Lake O' the Pines

Licensed Partner Network

Considering buying a lake cabin, dockable waterfront home, or retirement property on Lake O' the Pines? Water levels, dock stability, and flood pool buffers are critical factors in waterfront valuation.

Water Level & Flood Considerations:

Impounded behind Ferrells Bridge Dam on Big Cypress Creek. Managed by USACE Fort Worth District with a 21-foot flood control storage pool capable of storing seasonal runoff from the Cypress River basin.

πŸ“

Jefferson, TX

Historic 19th-century riverboat port with brick streets, horse-drawn carriages, and antique district.

Pop: 1,900
πŸ“

Ore City, TX

Quiet lakeside gateway with boat supply stores and friendly lakeside cafes.

Pop: 1,200
πŸ“

Longview, TX

Regional commercial hub with healthcare, culinary scene, and airport connections.

Pop: 82,000

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