Boating, Hunting & Fishing
Public Boat Ramps
Three public boat ramps offer a total of seven boat launch ramps, day-use picnic areas and restrooms.
Boating
Bois d’Arc Lake offers boating of all kinds including sail boating, motor boating, kayaking and paddle-boarding. Boaters must follow Texas Parks and Wildlife boating safety guidelines at all times.
Additional Resources
– Texas Parks & Wildlife boating safety information
Fishing
Fishing with a license is allowed. The lake is stocked with thousands of selectively-bred “Lonestar” largemouth trophy bass as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Toyota Sharelunker Program. The lake is also stocked with Bluegill Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Threadfin Shad and home to other local fish species including crappie and White Bass. Texas Parks and Wildlife has additional information on fishing regulations and how to purchase a license online or through a retailer.
Additional Resources
– Texas Parks & Wildlife fishing regulations for Bois d’Arc Lake
Hunting
Hunting of waterfowl and all other permitted bird species will only be allowed on the surface of Bois d’Arc Lake in identified areas. All hunting will be prohibited within 200 yards of occupied structures, boat ramps and NTMWD office areas. Hunters must be appropriately permitted, follow proper safety procedures and meet the requirements that will be laid out by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Additional resources
Disclaimer
While NTMWD owns and operates the lake, Fannin County Sherrif and Texas Parks and Wildlife are responsible for boating, fishing and hunting regulations and public safety.
Additional Resources
FAQs
What public recreational amenities does NTMWD offer around Bois d'Arc Lake?
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.
Is there a fee to launch my boat at Bois d'Arc Lake?
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.
Do the public access areas have hours of operation?
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.
Has Bois d'Arc Lake been stocked with fish and, if so, what kind?
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.
Is fishing allowed from the banks at NTMWD's public access areas?
Fishing from the banks at our public access areas is allowed. We encourage anglers to be cautious of boat traffic at all times.
Is there a map of Bois d'Arc Lake I can download?
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.
Is fishing allowed at the dam or spillway?
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.
Are there camping sites?
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.
Are there lodging accommodations nearby?
We recommend reaching out to the Bonham Chamber of Commerce for a listing of lodging, dining and other businesses in the area.
Is swimming allowed at Bois d’Arc Lake? Are there designated swimming areas or beaches?
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.
Are there hiking trails?
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.
Can I ski in the boat lanes west of the bridge?
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.