For Immediate Release Contact: Don Iles
March 8, 2023 Sabine River Authority of
Texas (409) 565‐2273
SRA Developing Sabinetown Park
“World Class” Fishing Tournament Venue on Toledo Bend
(Sabine County, Texas) The Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA) recently completed acquisition
of property at the mouth of Palo Gaucho Bayou in the mid‐lake area of Toledo Bend Reservoir
for development of a “World Class” fishing tournament venue and park. SRA plans to construct a
new park facility that can attract and host professional fishing tournaments, increase recreational
opportunities, and improve boating access. The new facility is part of SRA’s economic
development program to enhance recreational opportunities throughout the Sabine River Basin,
fulfilling SRA’s commitment to assist in the development of the basin.
Conceptual plans for the Sabinetown Park site on Toledo Bend inlude a 6‐lane boat ramp in a
deep water protected cove, parking for approximately 300 trucks and trailers, pavilions, public
restrooms, and other amenities. The facility will accommodate recreational boating and fishing,
regional tournaments, and marque professional fishing tournaments. The project will be built in
phases with the first phase focusing on the tournament venue and road access improvements.
The facility will be located at the end of Bayou Fork Road North, off FM 83 east of Hemphill. SRA
has partnered with Sabine County and the USFS to improve the road by upgrading to an asphalt
surface. Permitting and engineering are under way for phase 1, with construction planned to
begin in 2023.
Sabine County Judge Daryl Melton is excited about the planned improvements. “Sabine County
and all of East Texas are blessed to have SRA develop a project of this significance on Toledo
Bend. The new facility will enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the
area. I expect that additional private investment in the area will follow this project and is perfectly
timed to work with our economic development vision in Sabine County. We appreciate the
Sabine River Authority and their efforts to make this happen.”
David Montagne, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Sabine River Authority
of Texas noted, “In addition to being a major water supply reservoir for the East Texas area,
Toledo Bend has earned a reputation as a premier fishery. The new facility will be a first‐class
venue that will attract major tournaments and bring enhanced recognition to Toledo Bend. This
recreational improvement project, along with other planned improvements on Toledo Bend
continue to demonstrate SRA’s commitment to areas surrounding Toledo Bend.”
Created by the Legislature in 1949, the Sabine River Authority of Texas is an official agency of
the State of Texas. The Authority was created as a conservation and reclamation district with
responsibilities to control, store, preserve, and distribute the waters of the Sabine River and its
tributary streams for useful purposes.
Conceptual Design Produced by Freese and Nichols, Inc.