About Lake Ray Roberts
Lake Ray Roberts is located approximately 20 minutes from Denton and less than an hour from the DFW metroplex. This lake has healthy populations of both white bass and catfish. White Bass do not grow as large as striper but with a limit of 25 fish per person it is sure to deliver plenty of action. The lake is surrounded by beautiful well managed State Parks that offer many amenities including camp grounds and beach areas.
How we fish Lake Ray Roberts: Most White Bass trips are fished with artificial lures which are very kid-friendly. In Fall and Spring, we fish with slabs, simply jigging them off the bottom. In the summer months and during the shad spawn when fish are feeding aggressively on top, we will transition to swimbaits and topwaters. If size doesn’t matter and numbers is your thing, then white bass fishing is right for you. Our catfish trips are usually fished with either cut or punch bait. Colder months of the year and into early spring are spent chasing bigger trophy fish while the summer months are spent targeting more eater quality fish.
Lake Ray Roberts & Fishing At a Glance
Lake Ray Roberts is a man-made reservoir [1]. Construction on the dam began in 1982 and was completed in 1987 [2]. The lake was created for flood control, water supply, hydropower, fish and wildlife, and recreation [2]. It is located about 10 miles north of Denton, Texas, between Pilot Point and Sanger [1].
Popular Fish Species
Based on the information available, here’s a ranking of the species by their popularity among fishermen on Lake Ray Roberts:
Largemouth Bass: This species is highly sought after, especially during the spring and fall [1][2].
White Bass: Popular for their strong fighting ability, white bass fishing peaks during the spring and summer [3][4]).
Crappie: Known for their delicious taste and fun to catch, crappie fishing is strong in the spring [5] [6].
Catfish: Blue, channel, and flathead catfish are popular targets, especially during the summer [6] [7].
Lake Ray Roberts Fishing Bag Limits
Largemouth Bass: 5 fish over 14 inches.
White Bass: 25 fish over 10 inches[.
Crappie: 25 fish over 10 inches.
Blue & Channel Catfish: 25 fish over 12 inches.
Flathead Catfish: 5 fish over 18 inches[11].
Record Lengths and Weights
Largemouth Bass: 15.18 lbs, 26.25 inches (March 7, 2015)
White Bass: 3.12 lbs, 18 inches (December 20, 1990)
Blue Catfish: 59.99 lbs, 46.50 inches (March 15, 2017)
Flathead Catfish: 62.60 lbs, 54 inches (December 15, 2014) [3]
Best Time to Fish Lake Ray Roberts
Fishing is generally best in the spring and fall for largemouth bass, while white bass fishing peaks in the spring and summer [4]). Catfish are more active during the summer, and crappie fishing is strong in the springtime [5].
Habitat and Vegetation
The lake features a mix of flooded timber, rocky shorelines, native and non-native submerged vegetation, and riprap along the dam and bridges [6]. The surrounding area includes oak woodlands, prairie grasslands, and wetlands [7].
Facilities and Amenities at Lake Ray Roberts
Lake Ray Roberts offers a variety of facilities and amenities:
Boat ramps, Marinas (Lake Ray Roberts Marina and Lone Star Lodge & Marina), Fishing piers, Fish cleaning stations, Camping sites, Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, Picnic areas and pavilions, and Swimming areas [8] [9]
Fishing Regulations
All game fishes are managed under statewide regulations. A fishing license is required to fish in Texas public waters [4] [10].
Recreational Activities
In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy: Boating and kayaking, Swimming, Hiking and biking, Horseback riding, Camping, Wildlife watching [8][10]
Historical and Cultural Significance
The construction of Lake Ray Roberts led to the dissolution of several communities in the area. One notable community, which surrounded St. James Baptist Church, was given funds to build a new church in Pilot Point [1].
