Boating

NTMWD built three free public access areas with boat ramps, picnic areas, and restrooms. One access point with boat ramps is located near FM 897 on the south shore of the lake. One is located on the lake’s north shore, where it intersects with FM 1396, and the other is on the south shore of FM 1396, where the road and the lake intersect.

There are approximately 50 parking spaces at each public access area.

There is no fee to launch your boat at one of the three public access areas owned and operated by NTMWD.

There are approximately 50 parking spaces at each public access area.

NTMWD’s boat ramps will be open 24/7. Picnic areas and restrooms are open and available for day use.

No overnight camping or habitation is allowed at the public access areas and long-term parking is prohibited.

Yes. We developed the lake with fishing in mind, including construction of over 40 fish habitat structures in Bois d’Arc Lake and leaving much of the standing timber in the upper reaches of the lake for water quality and fish habitat.

NTMWD worked with Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) to establish preferable game fish species. TPWD stocked the lake with largemouth bass and catfish, and also supports other local existing fish populations such as crappie.

To learn more about fish stocked in Bois d’Arc Lake, visit Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Stocking History for Bois d`Arc Lake. To see Texas Parks & Wildlife Fishing information for Bois d’Arc Lake, visit their website.

Fishing from the banks at our public access areas is allowed. We encourage anglers to be cautious of boat traffic at all times.

An overview map of Bois d’Arc Lake is available on our website.

Download map of Bois d’Arc Lake

We also have copies available at our Bois d’Arc Lake Operations center along with Visitor Guides.

NTMWD designed and constructed Bois d’Arc Lake solely as a water supply and recreation reservoir. The state and federal permits that allowed Bois d’Arc Lake to be built do not include authorization flood storage.

The dam and spillway are not accessible to the public to ensure the safety and security of this vital infrastructure. Boaters and anglers are advised to follow the posted signage and not enter areas marked by floating buoys.

There are many great fishing locations across Bois d’Arc Lake, and we recommend checking out the information provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Overnight camping or habitation at NTMWD property and the public access areas is prohibited. However, there may be campsites located nearby from other property owners in the future.

We recommend reaching out to the Bonham Chamber of Commerce for a listing of lodging, dining and other businesses in the area.

BonhamChamber.com

In addition to fishing, Bois d’Arc Lake offers many recreational opportunities, including skiing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. There are no dedicated swim locations, swim beaches or swimming zones on the lake or at the three public access areas. It’s important to follow all safety guidelines when swimming in public waters.

You can learn more about water safety on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

There are no hiking trails on NTMWD property at Bois d’Arc Lake.

Hiking is available at nearby state parks, such as the Lake Bonham State Park and the Caddo National Grasslands Wildlife Management Area.

Skiing is permitted on Bois d’Arc Lake. Much of the standing timber on the lake was left in place for fish habitat and water quality, especially in the area west of the bridge. Please use caution at all times and be aware of potential hazards.

Learn more about safe boating tips and Texas Parks & Wildlife Boating Regulations.