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Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) Fishing Report & Water Level
Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) is at 434.54 ft above mean sea level and 65.4% full as of Oct 20, 2026 (TWDB daily average). That is 5.46 ft below the 440.0 ft conservation pool.
Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) water level today & trend
The lake is 5.5 ft below its conservation pool. Some shallow ramps and coves may be affected; run cautiously in unfamiliar water.
| Level (daily avg.) | 434.54 ft msl (Oct 20, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Conservation pool | 440.0 ft msl |
| Percent full | 65.4% (-1.8 pts in 7 days, -14.9 pts in 1 year) |
| Conservation storage | 169,228 of 258,723 acre-feet |
| Current surface area | 14,629 acres |
| Latest USGS gauge reading | 434.54 ft (lake elevation, NGVD29) at Oct 20, 7:00 AM CDT, USGS 07342495. Instantaneous provisional value; datum can differ slightly from TWDB. |
Percent full from 2025-10-20 (80.3%) to 2026-10-20 (65.4%). Range shown 65.4%–90.1%.
Sources: TWDB Water Data for Texas: Cooper (Chapman) Lake (CSV), USGS. Provisional data, updated daily.
Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) fishing report: recent conditions & what's biting
No recent angler reports yet: submit yours. Reports are reviewed before they're published. We never make up reports.
Seasonal pattern for October (general guide)
Fall transition. Shad migrate into creeks and coves and bass follow them, so moving baits that cover water are often effective. Fall turnover can make fishing inconsistent for a short time on deeper lakes. Schooling fish appear in open water.
This describes typical October patterns on Texas reservoirs. It is not an observed report for Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake). Water temperature, lake level (currently -0.32 ft this week) and weather move fish more than the calendar does.
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Best baits & techniques for Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) bass fishing
General, proven approaches for the species TPWD lists in Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake). These are not lake-specific hot baits.
- Largemouth bass
- Texas-rigged soft plastics (worms, creature baits), jigs, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, crankbaits (squarebills shallow, deep divers on ledges), lipless crankbaits, and topwaters in low light. Florida-strain trophies are often caught on big worms, jigs and swimbaits.
- Striped & hybrid striped bass
- Live shad, slabs/jigging spoons, swimbaits and topwaters when fish are schooling. Watch for gulls and surface activity, and use electronics to find schools in open water.
- Crappie
- Live minnows and small jigs around brush piles, standing timber, docks and bridge pilings. Spider-rigging and vertical jigging are common.
- Catfish
- Cut bait and live bait for blue and flathead catfish, prepared/stink baits and worms for channel catfish. Drift-fishing and baited holes are both popular.
Comparing gear? See our baitcasting reel and bass rod spec comparisons.
Fish species in Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake)
- White & hybrid striped bass
- Largemouth bass
- Catfish
- Crappie
| Location | On the Middle and South Forks of the Sulphur River, northwest of Sulphur Springs in Delta and Hopkins counties |
|---|---|
| Surface area (at full pool) | 19,305 acres |
| Maximum depth | 55 feet |
| Impounded | 1991 |
| Typical fluctuation | Moderate |
| Normal water clarity | Stained |
| Controlling authority | US Army Corps of Engineers Cooper Dam |
Species and lake facts from TPWD: Fishing Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) (retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Bag and size limits can be lake-specific; check the TPWD Outdoor Annual.
Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) boat ramps & public access
Status: check before you go. We don't track ramp closures. Ramps can close for low or high water, construction or flood damage, and the lake is -5.5 ft vs. conservation pool today. Confirm with the operator (US Army Corps of Engineers Cooper Dam).
Cooper State Park is divided into two units, South Sulphur and Doctors Creek. The park offers campgrounds, shelters, cabins, beaches, picnic areas, boat ramps, two lighted fishing piers, fish-cleaning tables, and opportunities for shoreline fishing. Three additional public ramps are available.
| Map | Boat ramp / access point & location | Amenities (TPWD) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Tira Boat Ramp Located near east side of dam. Turn south off County Road 4795, opposite Corps of Engineers office. Two-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 90; Park fee required; Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (903) 945-5256 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
| B | State Park, South Sulphur Unit From Texas Highway 154/19, turn west at Birthright onto FM 71. Go 4 miles to FM 3505 and turn north to park entrance. Six boat lanes at Gull's Bluff Day Use area and two lanes at Honey Creek area. Parking for up to 123 vehicles at Gull's Bluff and 63 at Honey Creek; Park fee required; Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (903) 945-5256 | restrooms, cleaning stations, parking, courtesy docks, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| C | John's Creek Located near west side of dam. From Cooper, go east on Texas 154 and turn south on FM 1529 to park entrance. You can also approach the park from the east by driving across the dam. Three-lane concrete ramp with maximum parking capacity of 95; Park fee required; Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (903) 395-3100 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
| D | State Park, Doctor's Creek Unit Located near west side of dam. From Cooper, go east on Texas 154 and turn south on FM 1529 to park entrance. You can also approach the park from the east by driving across the dam. Three-lane concrete ramp with maximum parking capacity of 95; Park fee required; Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (903) 395-3100 | restrooms, cleaning stations, parking, courtesy docks, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| E | Tailrace Access is from the west side of the tailrace. Good bank access; No fee required; Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (903) 945-2108 | restrooms, ADA Accessible, parking | Check before you go |
Access list from TPWD: Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) public access facilities (map and locations on TPWD; retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Includes some privately owned facilities that may charge fees.
Texas law requires draining all water from your boat and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh water (zebra mussel prevention). Clean, drain and dry.
Local guides & marinas at Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake)
Run a guide service, marina or bait shop on Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake)? Get listed free.
Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) weather forecast
- Today
79°F, Sunny
Wind E 5 mph - Tonight
52°F, Mostly Clear
Wind E 0 to 5 mph - Wednesday
80°F, Sunny
Wind E 0 to 5 mph - Wednesday Night
53°F, Clear
Wind 0 mph - Thursday
82°F, Sunny
Wind E 0 to 5 mph - Thursday Night
56°F, Mostly Clear
Wind 0 mph
National Weather Service point forecast for 33.333, -95.625 (NWS FWD), issued Oct 20, 6:06 AM CDT. Full forecast at weather.gov.
Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) FAQ
What is the water level at Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) today?
On Oct 20, 2026, Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake) was at 434.54 ft above mean sea level and 65.4% full, according to the Texas Water Development Board. That is 5.46 ft below the 440.0 ft conservation pool.
What fish are in Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake)?
TPWD lists these predominant species for Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake): White & hybrid striped bass, Largemouth bass, Catfish, Crappie.
Who manages Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake)?
US Army Corps of Engineers Cooper Dam is the controlling authority, according to TPWD.
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