Ray Roberts Lake Fishing Report Guide
Ray Roberts Lake Fishing Report Guide – Texas
Howdy, fellow fishing enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the serene and stunning Ray Roberts Lake in Texas. This gem of a lake is a prime destination for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish while enjoying the beauty of nature. Ray Roberts Lake, also known as Lake Ray Roberts, is a reservoir located just an hour north of the bustling city of Dallas. It’s the perfect getaway for both seasoned anglers and beginners looking to try their luck. With its clear waters, abundant fish populations, and numerous recreational amenities, Ray Roberts Lake offers a fantastic fishing experience for everyone.
Ray Roberts Lake Fishing Details
Let’s break down the essential details about Ray Roberts Lake to help you get a better understanding of what makes this lake so special:
- Water Surface: 29,350 acres
- Shoreline: 188 miles
- Average Depth: 28 feet
- Max Depth: 106 feet
- Surface Elevation: 632 feet
- Location: Denton, Cooke, and Grayson Counties, Texas
- Coordinates: 33.3943° N, 97.0164° W
- Accessibility: Easily accessible via multiple entry points, including parks and boat ramps.
- Type of Lake: Reservoir
- Lake Amenities: Boat ramps, fishing piers, picnic areas, hiking trails, camping grounds, and more.
Ray Roberts Lake is part of the Ray Roberts Lake State Park, which includes two main units: the Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch. These areas offer excellent facilities for anglers, including boat rentals, bait shops, and cleaning stations. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, you’ll find everything you need to make your fishing adventure comfortable and enjoyable.
Types of Fish in Ray Roberts Lake
Ray Roberts Lake is home to a diverse range of fish species, making it a popular spot for anglers. Here’s a rundown of the types of fish you can expect to find and where they’re usually located:
- Largemouth Bass: These are the stars of Ray Roberts Lake. You’ll find them near submerged structures, such as fallen trees, stumps, and rock piles. Look for them in shallow waters during the spring and deeper waters during the summer.
- White Bass: Often found in open water and near points and humps. They tend to school, so once you find one, you’re likely to find more.
- Crappie: These tasty fish are usually found around brush piles, submerged timber, and boat docks. They’re more active in cooler temperatures, especially in spring and fall.
- Catfish: Both channel and blue catfish are abundant in Ray Roberts Lake. Look for them in deeper waters, especially near the lake’s dam and river channels.
- Sunfish: You’ll find these smaller fish near the shorelines, especially around aquatic vegetation and structures.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle for Ray Roberts Lake Fishing
Now that you know what types of fish are in Ray Roberts Lake, let’s talk about the best baits, lures, and tackle to use for a successful fishing trip:
- Largemouth Bass: Use plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. During the spawn, try using soft plastic lures in natural colors.
- White Bass: Jigging spoons, inline spinners, and live shad are effective. White or silver-colored lures work well.
- Crappie: Minnows and small jigs are your best bet. Use lighter tackle and fish around structures for the best results.
- Catfish: Stink baits, chicken liver, and cut bait are popular choices. Use heavier tackle to handle these strong fish.
- Sunfish: Worms, crickets, and small jigs are perfect for these smaller fish. Use ultralight tackle for a fun and exciting experience.
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- Unbeatable Value: This fishing lure kit contains two crankbaits that run at a depth of 9 to 14 feet and serves as a great addition to your tackle box to cover a huge range
- BERKLEY POWERBAIT POWER GRUBS FRESHWATER SOFT PLASTIC BAITS: Featuring irresistible scent and flavor, PowerBait Power Grubs baits have a bulky body for presence and easier rigging, making it an essential tool for anglers who want to catch more fish.
- DOUBLE-BLADE UNIQUE DESIGN – TRUSCEND fishing lures for bass uses a double-blade rotating tail design, which delivers a heavy sputter as it moves across the surface, create noise and commotion that fish can not ignore. It also “roll resistant” and works well at a variety of speeds. Interestingly, when the monster bass bites the top water fishing lures, its tail will close to prevent the bass from spitting it out.
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS – Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- ✅ Purpose and Size: These grubs for fishing attract a wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, panfish, bluegill, bream, roach, carp and more. Using grub fishing lures that imitate worms offers many advantages over live worms or minnows. These crappie lures are equipped with an optimal size hook and a rubber grub. The hook dimensions are 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and the length of the larva itself is 22 mm.
Best Fishing Spot Locations at Ray Roberts Lake Fishing
Ray Roberts Lake offers numerous excellent fishing spots. Here are some top locations to check out:
- Buck Creek: This area is known for its abundant largemouth bass and crappie. Fish around the submerged vegetation and brush piles.
- Jordan Park: A great spot for catfish and sunfish. The park has a fishing pier that’s perfect for families.
- Isle du Bois Unit: Offers access to some of the best bass fishing spots in the lake. Fish around the coves and rocky points.
- Johnson Branch Unit: Known for its crappie and white bass. Try fishing near the submerged timber and brush piles.
- Lantana Lodge Marina: A convenient spot with boat rentals and easy access to deep-water fishing for catfish and bass.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations for Ray Roberts Lake Fishing
To make the most of your fishing trip to Ray Roberts Lake, keep these tips in mind:
- Timing: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish, especially during the warmer months. Fish are more active during these cooler parts of the day.
- Seasonal Patterns: In the spring, fish move into shallow waters to spawn. During the summer, focus on deeper
waters and shaded areas. In the fall, fish are more active as they prepare for winter, and in the winter, look for them in deeper, warmer waters.
- Weather: Pay attention to the weather. Overcast days can be excellent for fishing as fish are more likely to be near the surface and more active.
- Water Temperature: Fish tend to be more active when the water temperature is between 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to check the water temperature if possible.
- Local Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask local anglers or bait shops for advice. They can provide insights into current fish behaviors and effective baits.
Ray Roberts Lake Fishing Reviews
Here are some glowing reviews from anglers who have had successful trips to Ray Roberts Lake:
- John D.: “Ray Roberts Lake is my go-to spot for bass fishing. I’ve never been disappointed. The variety and size of the fish here are impressive. The facilities are top-notch, making it a great spot for a weekend getaway.”
- Linda S.: “I love fishing for crappie at Ray Roberts Lake. The brush piles and submerged timber provide perfect hiding spots for these fish. Plus, the lake is beautiful and serene, offering a great escape from the city.”
- Mike R.: “I had an amazing catfishing trip here last summer. The channels near the dam are perfect for finding big catfish. We caught a cooler full and had a blast doing it!”
- Samantha P.: “Great lake for family fishing trips. My kids had a fantastic time catching sunfish near the shorelines. The park amenities made our stay comfortable and fun.”
- Alex K.: “Ray Roberts Lake offers some of the best white bass fishing around. Once you find a school, the action is non-stop. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a productive and exciting fishing experience.”
Top-Rated Closest RV Parks, RV Resorts, and Campgrounds for Ray Roberts Lake Fishing
For those planning an extended stay, here are five top-rated RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds near Ray Roberts Lake:
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Isle du Bois Unit
- Features/Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, fishing pier, boat ramps, hiking trails.
- Distance to Lake: Located within the park, right on the lake’s edge.
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Johnson Branch Unit
- Features/Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, fishing pier, boat ramps, hiking trails.
- Distance to Lake: Located within the park, with easy access to the lake.
- Sanger/Denton North KOA
- Features/Amenities: Full hookups, Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, playground, swimming pool.
- Distance to Lake: Approximately 10 miles from Ray Roberts Lake.
- Lake Ray Roberts Marina Lodge
- Features/Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, boat rentals, bait shop, picnic areas.
- Distance to Lake: Located at the marina, right on the lake.
- Willow Grove Park
- Features/Amenities: Water and electric hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, fishing pier, boat ramp.
- Distance to Lake: Approximately 12 miles from Ray Roberts Lake.
Ray Roberts Lake Fishing Summary
Ray Roberts Lake is a fantastic destination for anglers of all skill levels. With its clear waters, abundant fish populations, and excellent facilities, it’s a place where you can create lasting fishing memories. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, or sunfish, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to reel in a great catch. The lake’s beautiful surroundings and top-notch amenities make it a perfect spot for a family fishing trip or a solo angling adventure. So pack your gear, grab your fishing buddies, and head to Ray Roberts Lake for an unforgettable fishing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Ray Roberts Lake Fishing
1. What is the best time of year to fish at Ray Roberts Lake?
- The best times to fish are during the spring and fall when fish are more active. Early morning and late afternoon are also ideal times to fish, regardless of the season.
2. Are there any fishing regulations at Ray Roberts Lake?
- Yes, there are specific regulations regarding fish size and bag limits. Be sure to check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website for the most current regulations before you go fishing.
3. Do I need a fishing license to fish at Ray Roberts Lake?
- Yes, a valid Texas fishing license is required for all anglers aged 17 and older. You can purchase a license online or at local bait shops and sporting goods stores.
4. Can I rent a boat at Ray Roberts Lake?
- Yes, boat rentals are available at the Lake Ray Roberts Marina. They offer a variety of boats for rent, including fishing boats, pontoon boats, and kayaks.
5. Are there any guided fishing tours available at Ray Roberts Lake?
- Yes, there are several local guides who offer fishing tours on Ray Roberts Lake. These guided trips can provide valuable insights and increase your chances of a successful fishing experience.
Ray Roberts Lake is a treasure trove for anglers, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its variety of fish species, beautiful scenery, and excellent amenities, it’s no wonder that this lake is a favorite among fishing enthusiasts. So, whether you’re planning a weekend trip or an extended stay, Ray Roberts Lake has everything you need for a memorable fishing adventure. Happy fishing!
