Fishing Cooper Lake

AKA: Jim Chapman Lake and Cooper Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Cooper Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Cooper/Chapman Lake, TX

Popular Fish Species Cooper Lake, TX

Cooper/Chapman Lake Popular Fish - White Bass

White Bass Fishing

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has managed a good white bass fishery at Cooper Lake, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Cooper/Chapman Lake Popular Fish - Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing

Wipers are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Cooper Lake, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.

Cooper/Chapman Lake Popular Fish - Crappie

Crappie Fishing

Crappie anglers can catch both black crappie and white crappie here at Cooper Lake. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. Cooper Lake is a good place to catch good quantities of nice, fat slabs. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, white bass, hybrid striped bass and bowfin at Jim Chapman Lake in East Texas.

Cooper Lake Fishing Video

Known for dandy white bass and hybrid striped bass fishing, Cooper Lake (Jim Chapman Lake) is a 19,000-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, at Cooper, TX. Crappie, catfish, big bluegill, largemouth bass and bowfin also reside in these waters. Fall and summer are good times to pursue schooling white bass and hybrid stripers, as they chase schools of bait fish around points and submerged structure.

Cooper Lake, located in Northeast Texas, is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable angling experience. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers of all levels. Largemouth bass is the prized target for many fishermen at Cooper Lake. With its submerged vegetation, boat docks, and rocky structures, the lake provides an ideal habitat for bass, making it an appealing spot for bass fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can also find other popular species such as catfish, crappie, white bass, and sunfish, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing adventure.

In both warmer and cooler weather the baitfish moves deeper and the predator fish follow. Boat launch ramps on the northeast and southeast corners of the lake facilitate launching pleasure boats, pontoon boats, fishing boats and kayaks or canoes. Numerous areas around the lake provide access to sections of the 31 miles of shoreline available for fishing from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Cooper Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Jim Chapman Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is also a favored activity on Cooper Lake, as the lake's vast surface area and calm waters make it an ideal setting for water-based fun. Whether it's leisurely cruising, water skiing, or fishing from a boat, there is plenty of room for boaters to enjoy their preferred activities. Cooper Lake features boat ramps and marinas, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. The scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the lake create a delightful environment for boating adventures.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Gull's Bluff Boat Ramp - South
Located mid lake, south side, in Cooper Lake State Park South, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Honey Creek Boat Ramp South
Located mid lake, south side, off Honey Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

John's Creek Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off County Road 1528, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lone Pine Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, in Cooper Lake State Park North, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Tira Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off County Road 4779, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Cooper Lake

River Bottom Boys Guide Service - crappie

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Texas Fishing License.

Camping is a popular pastime at Cooper Lake, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat. The lake offers several campgrounds, providing options for both tent and RV camping. Campers can relax amidst the serene ambiance, enjoy hiking and biking trails, and spend evenings by campfires beneath the starry sky. Camping at Cooper Lake allows visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the tranquility of the outdoors.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit Campground - 903 395-3100

Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit Campground - 903 945-5256