If you’re looking for your next big catch, head on down to Lake Lewisville for some unmatched angling action. As one of the largest lakes in North Texas, Lake Lewisville presents numerous angling opportunities for newbies and seasoned pros alike.
Grab the chance to reel in some of the most sought-after freshwater species that inhabit the lake. Whether you’re looking to catch largemouth bass or some catfish, the lake’s diverse ecosystem ensures a thrilling experience for you — and we’re here to help you make that happen.
Below, you’ll find all the information you need to know about fishing in Lake Lewisville, from the lake’s topography and fishing population to where to find the best fishing spots and how to make the most of them with fishing techniques and baits to use.
Lake Lewisville Overview
Lake Lewisville is an expansive lake sits on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River in Denton County, North Texas. This picturesque lake covers 29,592 acres and has an impressive 233 miles of shoreline, with an average depth of 25 feet. It is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and is a popular destination for families and visitors to Denton County.
Formerly known as Lake Dallas, Lake Lewisville has a rich history that dates back to the completion of Garza Dam in 1927. The dam was over ten thousand feet long, creating a lake with shorelines extending over forty miles. The construction of Garza-Little Elm dam followed, combining Lake Dallas with Little Elm Creek and Hickory Creek to increase water storage. In 1957, Lake Dallas was renamed Lewisville Lake.
The lake is conveniently located twenty miles away from Dallas and Arlington, Texas, and thirty miles from Fort Worth, making it easily accessible to visitors from these major cities.
Lake Lewisville is a popular destination year-round as it offers exceptional fishing opportunities and a range of recreational activities. Its diverse ecosystem and stunning surroundings make it an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of North Texas.
Size and Topography
Lake Lewisville is a man-made reservoir that boasts a surface area of 29,592 acres (46.2 mi²), which is roughly the size of San Francisco (46.87 mi²). Its maximum length of 11 miles and maximum width of 4.24 miles provide ample space for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and water sports.
The depth of Lake Lewisville is equally noteworthy, with a maximum depth of 67 feet, which is equivalent to the height of a six-story building. Additionally, it has a water volume of 555,000 acre-feet, which translates to a staggering 723 billion gallons of water.
With a surface elevation of 522 feet above sea level, Lake Lewisville offers a picturesque setting that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is an attractive destination for those seeking natural beauty or outdoor adventures.
Here’s a short summary of the lake according to its capacity:
Water Surface Area: 29,592 acres
Max. Depth: 67 ft
Ave. Depth: 25 ft
Water Volume: 555,000 acre-ft
Shore Length: 233 mi
Surface Elevation: 522 ft
Climate
Air Temperature
The climate of Lake Lewisville is known to be humid subtropical, characterized by hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters. The hot season spans about 3.4 months, from June 2 to September 16, with temperatures averaging over 88°F. August is the hottest month, with an average high of 95°F and a low of 76°F.
In contrast, the cool season lasts around 3.0 months, starting from November 24 to February 24, when average daily high temperatures remain below 64°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 38°F and a high of 57°F. This data is summarized in Table 1.
Table 1. Water temperatures at Lake Lewisville based on historical data (Source: Weather Spark).
|
High (°F) |
Low (°F) |
|
|---|---|---|
|
January |
57 |
38 |
|
February |
61 |
42 |
|
March |
69 |
49 |
|
April |
76 |
57 |
|
May |
84 |
66 |
|
June |
91 |
73 |
|
July |
95 |
77 |
|
August |
95 |
76 |
|
September |
88 |
69 |
|
October |
78 |
58 |
|
November |
67 |
48 |
|
December |
58 |
40 |
Precipitation
Lewisville experiences both wet and dry seasons, with variations in the likelihood of wet days and types of precipitation. The wetter season lasts around 6.2 months, spanning from April 14 to October 21, with a greater than 26% chance of a given day being a wet day.
May is the wettest month, with an average of 11.0 days experiencing at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. On the other hand, the drier season lasts for 5.8 months, from October 21 to April 14, with January being the driest month, averaging 5.0 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
Figure 1. Graph of precipitation data in Lake Lewisville. Image Courtesy: WeatherSpark
Cloud Cover
The cloud cover in Lewisville shows mild seasonality, with a clear period that lasts for about 5.5 months, spanning from May 28 to November 12. October has the clearest sky, with approximately 71% of clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy days. The cloudier season starts around November 12, continuing for 6.5 months until May 28. February is the cloudiest month, with the sky being overcast or mostly cloudy around 45% of the time.
Figure 2. Graph of cloud cover categories in Lake Lewisville throughout the year. Image Courtesy: WeatherSpark
Vegetation and Fishing Cover
Lake Lewisville boasts a variety of fish habitats, including standing timber that attracts the likes of White Bass and Hybrid Striper. Largemouth Bass, on the other hand, can often be found taking cover in small stands of pondweed. It is also surrounded by natural and rocky shorelines, along with standing timber, which provide ample cover for the lake's diverse fish species.
Lake Lewisville Fish Population
Lake Lewisville is a top-quality metropolitan fishing destination that offers an exciting and diverse fishing experience for neophytes and seasoned anglers alike. According to the latest available reservoir survey report (2019), the lake remains home to an abundance of various sport and prey fish.
The reservoir is home to numerous fish species, including:
- Blue and Channel Catfish
- Spotted and White Bass
- White Crappie
- Hybrid Striped Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Prey species like bluegill, longear sunfish, and gizzard and threadfin shad
The lake’s diverse fish population that includes both sport and prey fish ensures a robust, self-supporting ecosystem. This presents numerous angling opportunities for a rewarding and exciting fishing adventure at Lake Lewisville. You can find more information on these fish species below:
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
The Largemouth Bass is highly sought after by anglers in the United States due to its exciting fight and potential to grow to impressive sizes. These fish can grow up to 4-8 inches in their first year, 14 inches in their second, and potentially reach over 18 inches in just three years.
A distinctive feature of this species is its green coloration, with dark spots arranged in a horizontal line on both sides of the fish, while the underbelly is usually light green or white. Their dorsal fin is divided into two sections, with the anterior portion having nine spines and the posterior portion containing 12-13 soft rays. Additionally, their upper jaw extends beyond the rear margin of their eye.
Habitat: Largemouth bass have a natural ability to find secure hiding spots, including logs, rock ledges, standing timber, and man-made structures. They are also able to adapt well to a variety of environments. During the spawning season, they search for areas with a solid bottom made of sand, mud, or gravel. Adult largemouth bass use submerged aquatic vegetation to catch their prey, whereas younger fish tend to find cover in underwater weeds, tree branches, submerged logs, and standing timber.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: Largemouth bass prefer to breed in water between 55 and 65°F. They typically spawn in shallow waters during spawning periods to guarantee a warm environment for their eggs.
Movement Patterns: During the spring season, it's common for Largemouth bass to migrate towards shallow waters to spawn. As the summer season arrives, they tend to head towards deeper and cooler areas throughout the day but return to shallow waters during dawn or dusk for feeding purposes. In the fall season, Largemouth bass become more active and can be found at different depths. During the winter season, they tend to prefer deeper waters to maintain their body temperature but may swim towards shallower waters if the temperature outside is warm enough.
Recommended Fishing Strategy: Consider using a green pumpkin shad Strike King Thunder Cricket bladed jig around boat docks and chunk rock when temperatures are within the 70-80°F. This can help you entice bites in a subtle way. Another approach is to explore rip rap near the dam in 10-20 feet using a Spro Rock Crawler crankbait, which can mimic bass chasing shad. If you're fishing near marinas, try using a head hunter medium diving crankbait in boogey man color. During high water levels when the temperature is cooler, transition to using deep-diving crankbaits and Bass Assets football jigs for better results. For optimal outcomes, use a medium-heavy rod with 12-15-pound test line.
Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus)
The spotted bass has a long, elongated body and a big mouth. Its upper jaw extends to or just beyond the rear margin of its eye in adults. The fish has a predominantly green color with a distinct dark horizontal stripe. The upper parts are green with darker spots while the lower parts are whitish with dark spots arranged in streaks. A dark stripe runs along the midside of the fish, and its unique appearance is further enhanced by smaller cheek scales. Interestingly, the tongue of the spotted bass has a rough patch, which adds to its distinctive features.
Habitat: The spotted bass is a type of black bass that prefers warmer, slightly murky, and continuously flowing waters. It often dominates the main channels of large rivers, pushing out other species of black bass.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: The spawning season for Spotted Bass begins when the water temperature reached 63-78°F. This typically occurs between March and April in southern states, and later between May and June in northern states. Once the spawning season begins, river populations of this fish species show migrations, with the fish moving to tributaries and then returning to their home ranges during summer.
Movement Patterns: Although it is generally found in deeper areas compared to its counterparts, it gives way to the smallmouth bass in cool, spring-fed streams and yields to the largemouth bass in backwaters and floodplain lakes. Similar to the smallmouth bass, the spotted bass is active during dawn and dusk, especially in its preferred habitats. However, it is known to be more active than the smallmouth bass.
Recommended Fishing Strategy: Jerkbaits are very effective for reeling in Spotties throughout the year. But they are particularly useful during the winter season when the water temperature drops to the low 70s. When it comes to casting, try to aim for rock piles and offshore structures for the best results. During winter, schools of Spotted Bass have been spotted near structures at about 4 to 5 feet of water, so you should target these areas.
White Bass (Morone chrysops)
The White Bass is a highly sought-after fish species due to tits spirited fights and delicious taste, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fishing and cooking. It is known for its striking silver-white to pale green coloration with dark stripes on the belly. It has large, rough scales, two dorsal fins, and a deep, laterally compressed body with a homocercal tail. This species thrives in various aquatic environments, making it a prized catch for anglers seeking both sport and culinary delights. It is admired for its spirited fights and delicious taste, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fishing and cooking.
Habitat: Adaptable by nature, the White Bass is a versatile fish that can be found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They are often drawn to schools of baitfish and are skilled at using natural and artificial structures such as submerged ledges and rocky areas for protection. When it comes to spawning, they prefer shallow gravel or rocky bottoms to lay their eggs.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: White Bass spawns in early spring by migrating to tributary streams. Males reach maturity and move to the spawning grounds before females. The mature adults swim in schools of their own sex. Spawning takes place near the surface or midwater over a rocky or gravelly bottom, without nest preparation. After fertilization, the eggs settle to the bottom and attach to rocks. It takes about two days for the eggs to hatch, and a single large female can produce up to a million eggs in one season.
Movement Patterns: The preferred habitats of White Bass are streams' deep pools and lakes and reservoirs' open waters. They tend to avoid turbid conditions and instead prefer clear waters with a sandy or rocky bottom. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk and thrive in environments with optimal visibility and structured substrates.
Recommended Fishing Strategy: If you're looking to catch White Bass, it's best to target them in deep water locations, typically in the range of 20-35 feet where they tend to gather in large numbers. Some folks have found great success using flutter spoons. Check around river channels, deep water flats, and near deep water structures as these areas are known to be home to White Bass.
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
The channel catfish is a North American freshwater fish, popular for its unique features, hard-fighting nature, and excellent taste. They have olive-brown to slate-blue hues with black spots, and their upper jaws extend beyond their lower jaws. These omnivores thrive in various aquatic environments, consuming a diverse diet of aquatic insects, small fish, and plants.
Habitat: Channel catfish can survive in murky waters and are known to thrive in the dark depths of deep pools, particularly near dams. They are often found in areas with submerged logs, rocks, or debris, offering shelter and potential feeding opportunities.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: During spawning periods, catfish search for quiet and hidden places to construct their nests. Male catfish make use of their tails to clear away any garbage until they reach a foundation of sand or gravel. They lay their eggs between the months of May and July, when the temperature of the water is approximately 75°F. Channel catfish swim upstream in search of warmer and shallower waters.
Movement Patterns: In the summertime, channel catfish tend to move towards deeper and cooler waters in order to avoid the hot and intense sunlight. But during the night, they come back to shallow areas to look for food. This creates ample opportunity for fishermen to catch them in the shallower waters after sunset. If you're looking to catch channel catfish, consider going fishing after dark.
Recommended Fishing Strategy: For optimal success, focus on a few key baits such as cut shad, skipjack herring, nightcrawlers, chicken livers, shrimp, or commercial stink/dip baits. Try using the egg sinker slip rig to keep your bait at the bottom where the catfish can swim off with little tension. During late summer, targeting windy banks with plenty of brush is a great strategy, especially in murky waters.
Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
Blue catfish are freshwater fish known for their large size and unique blue-gray coloration. They can be found in major river systems in North America. These fish have a distinctive forked tail and smooth, scaleless skin that covers their robust bodies.
They are known for their voracious appetites and will eat various fish and other aquatic organisms. Just like other catfish species, anglers are attracted to blue catfish because they are a challenging catch and can weigh several hundred pounds.
Habitat: Blue catfish are usually found in medium to large freshwater channels and pools with strong currents. They prefer to live on sandy bottoms and can often be found near rock piles where they can rest.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: Male blue catfish construct nests using their tails and jaws for breeding. They mate through pheromones, and once fertilized, the eggs attach to the nest. The male then guards the eggs until hatching, and the young ones stay close to the nest under his supervision until they are independent.
Movement Patterns: During breeding season, blue catfish seek low or non-existent water flow areas. They nest in protected and slightly secluded areas with cover. Blue catfish migrate long distances and adapt to changes in water temperature. They swim towards warmer waters in winters and cooler waters in summers.
Recommended Fishing Strategy: To increase your chances of landing a trophy Blue, the Santee Rig is an excellent choice. Add a 3” float to the rig when using a large shad chunk. Before casting, lower the rig to check if the float can suspend the bait. Use a larger float if it doesn’t. Blue Catfish are massive (current lake record is 63.12 lbs), which makes it more difficult for them to pick up food that’s sunk to the bottom. They are more likely to bite when the bait is suspended above the bottom.
White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis)
The white crappie is a fish species with a flattened and deep body shape. Also called papermouth, its name originates from the Greek word “Pomoxis,” which refers to the sharp spines on its gill covers, and the Latin word “annularis,” which describes its distinctive dark bands that resemble rings.
The white crappie features a silvery belly, a dark green back, and a dorsal fin with six spines. During the spring season, male white crappies develop a dark throat. This species has large dorsal and anal fins on a laterally compressed body, with the dorsal fin having five to six spines and 14 or 15 rays, while the anal fin has five to seven spines and 16 to 18 rays.
Habitat: Adult crappie can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats, such as lakes, reservoirs, ponds, sloughs, backwaters, pools, and streams. They usually prefer to stay in areas that provide cover, such as vegetation, fallen trees, or boulders. These fish tend to gather in schools in clear water surrounded by vegetation over mud or sand.
Breeding and Nesting Patterns: White crappie tend to thrive in larger nest beds and are known to have a high reproductive capacity, which can sometimes lead to overpopulation and stunted growth in smaller lakes. These fish usually prefer to spawn during the spring season and lay eggs when the water temperature is between 65°F to 70°F. After hatching within 3 to 5 days, the fry remain attached to the nest substrate for a short while before they start feeding on microscopic organisms.
Movement Patterns: Crappie fish are opportunistic feeders. During rising water levels, they explore newly flooded areas for better food sources. In falling water conditions, they move towards submerged structures or deeper waters for better cover and stability.
Recommended Fishing Strategy: Focus on finding schools of bait close to the bottom in depths ranging from 6 to 32 feet. Explore key structures like brush piles, standing timber, rock piles, stumps, laydowns, and bridge columns in both the main lake and creeks. Employ minnows or jigs to entice bites. Specifically, search near creeks and brush piles, and once a school is located, cast minnows or jigs for a successful White Crappie fishing excursion. This strategic approach aligns with their winter behavior, increasing your chances of a rewarding catch.
Seasonal Fishing in Lake Lewisville
Winter (December to February)
The winter is usually one of the best times to go fishing for White Crappie, Hybrid Stripers, and White Bass in Lake Lewisville. During this time, the water temperatures are cold and presentations are slow, with surface temperatures dipping below 60°F. So, you'll need to break out your cold-weather gear to keep yourself comfortable. The key to success is to search for schools of shad and use heavy jig heads and soft plastic flukes to dead stick for Hybrids. Just remember to enjoy your time with small crowds to catch the biggest Hybrid Striper of the season.
Spring (March to May)
As the warm season approaches at Lake Lewisville, it's a great time to maximize your fishing experience. One effective way to catch active White Bass and Hybrid Striper is to use live bait techniques such as drifting and soft plastic swimbaits. You can also increase your chances of success by using vertical jigging slab spoon lures.
Additionally, summer offers an exciting opportunity for rod and reel catfishing, ensuring a thrilling adventure for both spring and summer catfishing enthusiasts at Lake Lewisville. As the temperature climbs, consider focusing on structure fishing for blues and channels, which can yield impressive sizes and good numbers.
Summer (May to September)
Summer is the busiest season for catching bass. White Bass, Hybried Stripies, and Largemouths tend to form big bait-balls and push them towards the surface. This creates an excellent opportunity for top-water action, and we can catch limits of these fishes drifting a combination of live-bait and lures.
However, temperatures may be too high during the day for catfishing. So, as the days get hotter, we prefer to fish early mornings, late evenings, and nights when temperatures are gradually lower. Night fishing trips are an excellent way to witness some catfish action during summers and usually produce good numbers of catfish.
Fall (October to November)
The fall season is an excellent time for reeling in prize catches. Hybrid Stripers and Largemouth Bass are particularly more active as the weather cools down. Both fish species tend to move into shallower waters during this time and increase their feeding as they prepare for the winter season.
And with little boat traffic around, you can enjoy outstanding catfishing, with Blue catfish in abundance during the fall season. A great technique you might want to try at this time is cormorant catfishing. Cormorants tend to become more active during the colder months as they take advantage of fish visiting shallower waters. Just follow the birds and they could lead you to your next prize catch.
Best Fishing Spots in Lake Lewisville
Lake Park
- Accessible via 600 Sandy Beach Road, just east of I-35
- Has an abundance of shoreline particularly suited to fishing for black bass and sand bass.
- Divided into four major areas, including a marina, athletic facilities, day-use areas, and a golf course.
The Cut at Lake Lewisville
- Located in Lake Wood Village, at a dead-end parking site of Garza Ln.
- Good location for bank fishers
- Has free parking
Stewart Creek Park
- Located at 3700 Sparks Road in The Colony
- Its shoreline hosts amenities like a swim beach area and a three-lane boat ramp
- Great spot for bank fishing during the sand bass and hybrid bass run
- Excellent location for black bass and channel catfish
Andrew Brown Park East
- Located at 260 E. Parkway Boulevard
- Has a picnic area and a playground
- Offers a pond and a stream
- Excellent spot for catching sunfish and largemouth bass
Boat Ramps Along Lake Lewisville
|
Town |
Ramp |
Address |
Available Amenities |
|
Hickory Creek |
Arrowhead Park Ramp |
I-35 and Arrowhead Leg 1 Town of Hickory Creek, TX |
|
|
Oakland Park Ramp |
East Main Street Hickory Creek, Texas |
||
|
Sycamore Bend Park Ramp |
The end of Sycamore Bend Road Town of Hickory Creek, Texas |
||
|
Westlake Park Ramp |
East Main Street Hickory Creek, Texas |
||
|
Highland Village |
Copperas Branch Park Ramp |
100Copperas Branch Road Highland Village, TX |
|
|
Pilot Knoll Park Ramp |
218A Orchid Hill Rd. Highland Village, TX 75077 |
||
|
Lewisville |
East Hill Park Ramp |
1481East Hill Park Road Lewisville, TX 75056 |
|
|
Lake Park Ramp |
600 Sandy Beach Road Lewisville, TX 75057 (972) 219-3550 |
||
|
The Colony |
Hidden Cove Park Ramp |
20400 Hackberry Creek Park Rd. The Colony, Texas (972) 294-1443 |
|
|
Stewart Creek Park Ramp |
3700 Sparks Rd The Colony, TX |
||
|
Little Elm Park Ramp |
704 W. Eldorado Parkway Little Elm, TX |
|
|
|
Willow Grove Park Ramp |
800 E. Hundley Dr. Lake Dallas, TX 75065 |
|
Lake Lewisville Fishing Regulations
Lake Lewisville is located within a state park, so no fishing license is required. However, the following rules and regulations that apply to a Community Fishing Lake will also apply:
-
Largemouth Bass: The minimum length limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass is set at 14 inches, while there is no minimum length limit for Alabama, Guadalupe, and spotted bass. The daily bag limit is set at 5 for all black bass species, which can be a combination of any of them.
-
Channel and Blue Catfish: Blue or channel catfish must be at least 14 inches long, and your total daily catch cannot exceed 15 fish. For flathead catfish, the minimum length is 18 inches, and you can catch up to 5 of them daily.
- Crappie: The minimum length limit for white and black crappie, including hybrids and subspecies, is set at 10 inches. Anglers are subject to a daily bag limit of 25 crappies in any combination.
To prevent the spread of invasive zebra mussels, the law requires all anglers to drain water from their boats and onboard receptacles when approaching and leaving public fresh waters.
Conservation Authority Information
1801 N. Mill St.
Lewisville, Texas 75057
(469) 645-9100
