Lake Ray Hubbard is a vast reservoir covering approximately 22,745 acres, located immediately east of Dallas, Texas. Impounded in 1968 on the East Fork of the Trinity River, the lake serves as a significant source of municipal water for Dallas and functions as a major recreational hub. The reservoir’s maximum depth is 40 feet, and its extensive shoreline creates a diverse aquatic environment supporting a robust fishery. Anglers are drawn to this large body of water seeking a variety of sport fish that thrive in the North Texas environment.
Primary Angling Targets
The most sought-after species in the lake are the black bass and the temperate bass, which form the foundation of the reservoir’s angling appeal. Largemouth Bass are a popular draw, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has historically stocked Florida-strain genetics to enhance the potential for trophy-sized fish. These bass are frequently targeted in areas containing aquatic vegetation like hydrilla, and around structural features such as submerged timber in the northern sections and rock riprap along roadways.
White Bass are abundant, offering fast action, especially when they school up in open water during warmer months to chase baitfish. Anglers often find these fish concentrated over deep-water humps and points, particularly in the lower half of the lake. Hybrid Striped Bass, a sterile cross between a White Bass and a Striped Bass, are stocked annually by the TPWD to maintain a strong population. These powerful hybrids are caught by vertical jigging or casting spoons on submerged structure, or when they are actively breaking the surface feeding on shad.
The catfish population provides a popular angling opportunity, primarily focused on Blue Catfish, which are one of the most abundant large sportfish in the reservoir. Lake Ray Hubbard has produced enormous specimens, including a state record for the species. Blue Catfish are found in the deeper sections of the lake and are often targeted by drift fishing with large cut bait on deep flats and levees. Channel Catfish are also present, though their abundance is lower than the Blue Catfish population.
Secondary Species and Forage Fish
Beyond the major bass and catfish species, the lake supports other fish that contribute to the ecosystem and are occasionally targeted by anglers. Crappie, specifically White and Black Crappie, are often found schooling around deep structures. Submerged timber in the northern areas and bridge pilings that span the lake offer deep cover where crappie congregate, especially during cooler periods.
Various species of Sunfish, including Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, are common throughout the reservoir and are frequently caught near shoreline cover. These sunfish are important for recreational family fishing, and quality-sized Bluegill over six inches are sometimes available. The presence of species like Common Carp and Longnose Gar also contributes to the lake’s biological diversity.
The fishery rests on a robust forage base, consisting mainly of Threadfin Shad and Gizzard Shad. These small, schooling baitfish are the primary food source for the lake’s large game fish, fueling the aggressive feeding behavior of the Hybrid Striped Bass, White Bass, and Largemouth Bass. The high abundance of these prey species is a direct factor in the health and size of the predator fish populations.
Fishing Management and Advisories
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is responsible for the management of the Lake Ray Hubbard fishery, monitoring fish populations through regular surveys and implementing stocking programs. This includes the annual stocking of Hybrid Striped Bass fingerlings to sustain the popular hybrid fishery, as these fish cannot naturally reproduce. All fish species in the reservoir are managed under statewide regulations, which specify minimum length and daily bag limits for anglers.
Before fishing, anglers must consult the TPWD for current regulations, which specify details such as the 14-inch minimum length limit for Largemouth Bass. All water must be drained from boats and on-board receptacles before leaving the lake to prevent the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a fish consumption advisory for Lake Ray Hubbard due to contaminant concerns. The advisory recommends that consumers do not eat Common Carp or Hybrid Striped Bass from the reservoir. Children under 12 and women of childbearing age are advised not to consume Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, White Bass, Sunfishes, Common Carp, Hybrid Striped Bass, or Spotted Gar. Adults should limit their consumption of Largemouth Bass and White Bass to no more than two eight-ounce meals per month.