Location: On the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, 10 miles north of Denton off FM 455. The dam is in Denton County but the reservoir extends into Cooke and Grayson counties.
Ray Roberts Lake has approximately 2,000 acres of standing timber, located mostly in the upper reaches of both major arms.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/ray_roberts/
Predominant Fish Species
- Largemouth bass
- White bass
- Blue catfish
- Channel catfish
- Crappie
- Sunfish
Black bass, catfish, crappie, and sand (white) bass are popular on this lake. There are many good areas to fish for bass. White bass fishing peaks in the spring during the spawning run up tributaries, and again in the summer when bass school in the main pool off the dam and main lake points. Crappie and Catfish provide good fishing year-round. The blue catfish population at Ray Roberts has improved substantially in recent years. Blue catfish from 12- to 20-inches are abundant and available for harvest. Quality fish, ten pounds and larger, are also present.
Fishing License Regulations
A resident fishing license is required of any resident who fishes in the public waters of Texas.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses/fishing-licenses-stamps-tags-packages
Tips & Tactics
Largemouth bass angling seems to peak in the spring and fall, but most trophy bass are caught in February and March. The bait of choice in cold months is a jig or jig and pig combination fished slowly around deep submerged points. In spring you might want to try a Carolina rigged worm or lizard in shallow water found on the man flats between feeder creeks in the Isle du Bois Creek arm. In early summer, try vertical jigging in the acres of standing timber. In June, big bass can be found at the base of flooded trees in 25 feet of water. In the fall try jerk baits, crank baits, and spinners. A white spinner bait in dingy water is an excellent choice.
There are many good spots to fish for white bass on this lake. Once you visit here you will understand. Baits of choice include surface baits, jigs, spoons, and minnows. For catfish, bait up with cut bait, shrimp, or stink bait. Crappie produce best in the winter when they school deep and around structure or during the spring when they come in to spawn. In either case the baits of choice include a myriad of jigs and minnows. For sunfish such as bluegill, fish around any flooded brush or rocks and use live earthworms.