Boating, Hunting & Fishing
Bois d’Arc Lake offers a number of recreational opportunities including boating, fishing and hunting. The District has partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife and Fannin County Sheriff’s Office to manage recreation at the reservoir and ensure public safety. Texas Parks and Wildlife oversees hunting, fishing and boating at the lake. NTMWD is responsible for operating the lake, boat ramps, and managing the shoreline.
Three public boat ramps offer a total of seven boat launch ramps, day-use picnic areas and restrooms. See below for boat ramp locations and status:
| Ramp | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| FM 897 Boat Ramp | 740 County Road 2945, Dodd City, Texas 75438 | OPEN |
| South 1396 Boat Ramp | 1191 Old 1396 S, Windom, Texas 75492 | OPEN |
| North 1396 Boat Ramp | 1510 Old 1396 N, Telephone, Texas 75488 | OPEN |
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
– Texas Invasives boating clean, drain and dry information
– Texas Parks & Wildlife invasive species 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 requirements
– Texas Parks & Wildlife fishing license information
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
– Texas Parks & Wildlife hunting requirements
Map of Bois d'Arc Lake
