Lake Ray Roberts is a 29,350-acre Corps of Engineers reservoir in Denton County, Texas, 7.6 miles east of Waggin' Tail Ranch RV Resort (approximately 12 minutes via FM 2931 and FM 455). Completed in 1987, the lake was created by damming the Elm Fork of the Trinity River and provides water supply for the City of Dallas and several North Texas communities. It's also one of the most productive fishing reservoirs in the DFW area, particularly for largemouth bass, white bass, and flathead catfish, and it sees a fraction of the fishing pressure of better-known DFW-area lakes like Grapevine and Lewisville.
Lake Layout and Access
Lake Ray Roberts spans from US-377 in the south to near Gainesville in the north. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department manages two state park units on the lake: Isle du Bois Unit (east side, near Sanger) and Johnson Branch Unit (west side, near Valley View). Both have boat ramps, fishing piers, and camping.
From Waggin' Tail Ranch in Pilot Point: Take FM 2931 east to FM 455, then north to the Isle du Bois Unit (approximately 7.6 miles, 12 minutes). If you're basing at the resort, this is your easiest and most productive access point.
Largemouth Bass
Ray Roberts has a solid largemouth bass population and a reputation for producing quality fish in the 3-5 lb range, with bigger fish caught regularly. The lake has significant structure (submerged creek channels, timber, and rocky points) that holds bass year-round.
Best times: March through May (spawning season brings bass shallow and aggressive), and again in October-November (fall feeding before winter). Summer bass fishing is early-morning or deep-water only during the hottest months.
Best spots: Creek channel edges near the Isle du Bois day-use area, rocky points on the east bank, submerged timber in the upper lake arms.
Best tackle: Texas-rigged soft plastics (Zoom Trick Worm, Senko-style baits) in natural colors for clear water. Crankbaits in shad colors for feeding fish. Topwater (Zara Spook, poppers) in early morning during warm months.
White Bass
The white bass run at Ray Roberts is one of the more reliable spring fishing events in North Texas. In late February and March, white bass (sand bass) move from the main lake into the Elm Fork channel and tributary creeks to spawn. They stack up in numbers and feed aggressively, making them easy to find and very willing to bite.
Best time: Mid-February through late March. Best action in afternoon when water warms slightly.
Best access: Below the Ray Roberts Dam on the tailwaters (outside the lake proper) for the densest concentrations. The Isle du Bois area creek mouth also holds white bass during the run.
Best tackle: White curly-tail grubs on 1/4 oz jigheads, inline spinners (Rooster Tail), small spoons. Light spinning tackle with 6-8 lb test.
Catfish
Ray Roberts is excellent catfish water. The lake holds substantial populations of blue catfish and flathead catfish, with many fish in the 5-20 lb range and trophy-class flatheads reported regularly. Channel catfish are also common and make for great table fare.
Best time: May through September, when catfish are most active in warm water. Night fishing is particularly productive for flatheads.
Best spots: Deep channel bends, underwater points, and areas with timber or brush. The dam face at night holds flatheads.
Best tackle: For flatheads: live bream or large shiners on a heavy bottom rig. For blue and channel cats: prepared stinkbait, chicken liver, or cut shad on circle hooks.
Crappie
Ray Roberts has a decent crappie population, with fish concentrated around brush piles, docks, and submerged timber. Spring (March-April) and fall (October-November) are peak seasons. The fishing pier at Isle du Bois State Park produces crappie regularly for bank anglers using small jigs or live minnows.
Facilities and Licenses
Boat ramps: Available at Isle du Bois Unit, Johnson Branch Unit, and several Corps of Engineers access points. State park entry fee applies; boat launches at state parks require a Texas Launch Permit or a State Parks Pass.
Texas fishing license: Required for all anglers 17+. Purchase online at tpwd.texas.gov or at sporting goods stores in Denton or Gainesville. A freshwater combination license covers Ray Roberts.
Fishing pier: The Isle du Bois Unit has a lighted fishing pier open to bank anglers with a valid Texas fishing license. No boat required.