Frequently Asked Questions

Recreation

• 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.

  Check boat ramp status

• 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.

  Check boat ramp status

• 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 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.

  BonhamChamber.com

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Property Owners and Land Acquisition

• Can I buy land from NTMWD on or around Bois d’Arc Lake to build a lake house?

  The North Texas Municipal Water District owns the shoreline and is not selling residential lots at the lake. Any available land for sale adjacent to NTMWD property on the shoreline would be done by the current property owners. We recommend checking with licensed realtors to see what may be available.

  The Bois d’Arc Lake Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) contains information regarding dock requirements and other uses of NTMWD property along the shoreline by current and future adjacent private property owners. The Shoreline Management Plan guides the use of the shoreline up to the 541-foot elevation, which is property owned by NTMWD that includes the 100-year flood level.

  Learn more about shoreline management at Bois d’Arc Lake.

• Will property owners be allowed to have boat docks and other lakeside recreational facilities?

  The District has created a Shoreline Management Plan to guide uses of the shoreline around Bois d’Arc Lake to protect water quality and ensure safe future recreation activities on the lake. This plan allows private property owners next to the lake to request permission to build certain amenities on NTMWD property or use this NTMWD property for certain activities. Adjacent landowners must follow the NTMWD process that will allow them to access and use these areas, including getting authorization for building private boat docks on Bois d’Arc Lake (where they are feasible) as well as fishing piers and placement of recreational facilities on land adjacent to the shoreline, such as picnic tables, patios, BBQ pits and more.

  Learn more about shoreline management at Bois d’Arc Lake.

• Will property owners be allowed to have boat ramps?

  Construction of boat ramps by private individuals will not be allowed on Bois d’Arc Lake. There are currently three public access areas with boat ramps located at Bois d’Arc Lake, which are free to use. As development around the lake occurs, there may be other public access access areas and a marina available to the public as well.

  Learn more about shoreline management at Bois d’Arc Lake.