Wife and I are looking at building a lodge/venue type place on the water in east Texas area. Of course, my pick is mother fork. Great fishery, beautiful scenery, and far enough away from the metro or any other major towns.
Goal is to be able to sleep roughly 8-10 at a time possibly 12. Have enough covered parking to withstand 4 boats comfortably and Of course chargers. Think lodge for the living area with good kitchen. Water front, with boat slips also. Kid play area, big back porch with grill, washers, corn hole, bid screen tv, etc etc. this would be a place where fisherman can come, fish, relax and get away. Also nice enough for country wedding or birthday, retirement, company party, or family reunion. I could offer dinner menu for large events.

So, I want some of y’alls honest, no b.s opinions on this. Do y’all think this is a good lake choice? I mean, her and I would be investing a lot of time and money on this and looking for a small return. More or less for it to pay for itself if anything. Let’s hear it..... all the good and bad. Give me ideas

There are some closed down or for sale at Fork now. Might not be the best investment at the moment in tbat area. We went to one of the best and busiest marinas last night for dinner there around 6:30PM. Literally 3 other people in whole place.

first off, have you done your own homework on the history and present of businesses like this around Fork?

No sir, we’re in the process now of it. One reasoning for asking here. My feelings wouldn’t be hurt at all if everyone steered me away from fork. It’s just a dream of ours, just fork was the first water that popped up

its a legitimate business question for anyone wanting to invest in a business. fork area has decades of history, most public info. I would highly recommend researching it so you can even start to comprehend some of the replies you will get on here before thinking about spending a penny.

In my opinion, Fork is a bad investment for what you are looking to do. If I were you, I would for a lake that had plenty of tournaments for large groups of fisherman, but also something that will attract the multi-family vacation groups, and Fork just doesn't have the recreation atmosphere for that last group (plus the tournaments suck because of the slot). Unfortunately the best alakes for what you are looking for are likely Corp lakes which eliminates boat slips.

I would think more recreational for the size lodge you are talking about. If you are looking more towards single family house then Fork is probably ok, but still not where I would put my investment. Check out AirBNB/VRBO for various lakes you are looking at and see which lake has the fewest options and highest booking rates.

Best business you can have at Fork is boat stalls. Secured gate nice location.

I’ve herd this more than once for sure. Something I may look into. Thanks you for the input

Great idea, the wife was just looking at fork. Seems a few are making it and then others are..... you know. Definitely going to check other locations. We’re just not wanting to travel to far.

the storage units next to the Skeeter dealer on SH 154 behind the carwash is for sale. It has a good payback. Then buy some land nearby and put in your bigger facility.

Lake Fork Lodge on 515 was for sale a while back. https://lakeforklodge.com/rates/ Basically the concept you are proposing you may want to reach out to them......I stayed there once back in the 90s. Super nice folks and it was a great stay. Not sure why I didn’t stay there more reflecting back. Edit - pricing was why and wanted more of a private cabin option than hotel. Also, I had friends move/retire at the lake in addition to other reasonably priced stay options. For instance there are now tons of park home options for the week enders and a number of cabin options for extended stays like the ones at popes.

I think your idea is contingent on how the lake fishes. It would need to start cranking out the numbers of 13+ lb fish it used to to bring back the out of towners.........however I have always thought a family based cabin/s with main lodge option would be nice......throw in a a swimming pool and offer a product slanted to affordable family stays. The country wedding is also in vogue now but there are a number of those options solely wedding focused around the fork area...ex brother in law opened a wedding venue in Cooper area and it is doing well..good luck!!!

Fork being a Bass lake with lots of water hazards is not the best location for all of that. Try a more recreation-friendly lake...

In the area, Tawakoni is lacking good facilities!

Another areas to consider - Cedar Creek

Check with the Corps about expanding venues at lakes in the DFW are like LAVON and RayBob… Could be options, and more likely to be productive for the long-haul!

texoma for what you want to do.

at fork, you would for sure fill during the big tournaments then it becomes marketing and service to keep bookings coming in.

if fork then you should find somewhere close to the golf course, this could add to bookings other than fishermen. check with the sra and find out what the chances of a dock system is, they have final say and permit them.

Fork is too seasonal

I remember when I bought my lot up there in the early 90's, Burning Stump was for sale back then.

I have sent sold and decided not to move to Lake Fork years ago.

Anyone buying a business around Fork for an investment/profit, has not done their homework....plain & simple.