Pine Crest Lake near Jacksonville: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Out in Cherokee County, Texas, sits Pine Crest Lake. The surface lies 348 feet up. With some 76 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. It is among the larger waters listed here for Cherokee County. The town to know is Jacksonville, 4.4 miles out. New Summerfield follows at 6.3 miles, then Rusk at 11 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Pine Crest Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Public wildlife records from this area list bluegill, redfin pickerel, bluntnose darter, largemouth bass and redear sunfish. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. The shape of Pine Crest Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 46°F and July at about 83°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year never really closes; it just gets uncomfortable in summer. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. The season on Pine Crest Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Public mapping marks it as seasonal water rather than permanent. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Turnbow Lake, 3 miles out. Nothing on Pine Crest Lake should be assumed from this page alone.