Lake Ray Hubbard: Rockwall County's Fishing Destination

Lake Ray Hubbard may not have the national reputation of Lake Texoma, but it is a legitimate and productive fishing lake accessible from Rockwall County's backyard. 

At nearly 23,000 acres, it holds a diverse fishery with largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, blue catfish, and channel catfish — all accessible to bank anglers and boaters across multiple public access points on the Rockwall County shoreline.

Target Species and Where to Find Them

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the premier sport fish on Lake Ray Hubbard. The lake's shoreline structure — docks, submerged timber, riprap banks, and grass edges — provides year-round habitat. Documented catches of 8 to 10+ pound largemouth are recorded annually. 

Best season: Spring pre-spawn (February through April) is the peak season — fish are shallow, aggressive, and accessible. Fall cooling (September through November) also produces excellent action. Summer bass fishing is most productive during early morning and evening low-light windows. 

Best methods: Texas-rigged soft plastics, jigs along dock pilings and timber, topwater lures during morning low-light periods in spring and fall, and crankbaits along riprap banks.

Crappie

Lake Ray Hubbard's crappie population is an underappreciated fishery. Crappie are found throughout the lake's brush pile and submerged timber structure, particularly in the creek arm inflows in spring when fish move shallow to spawn. 

Best season: Spring spawning period — March through early May. 

Best methods: Small jigs under a float, live minnows on a slip float rig, and vertical jigging near submerged brush.

Catfish

Blue catfish and channel catfish are present throughout Lake Ray Hubbard and are accessible to bank anglers using simple rigs. Night fishing for catfish in summer — anchored in 15 to 25 feet of water near the main lake channel — is consistently productive. Cut shad is the preferred bait for blue catfish.

Shore Fishing Access Points

Harry Myers Regional Park (Rockwall): Multiple fishing access points including a pier extending into the lake and shoreline bank fishing. No boat required. The most accessible public fishing destination in Rockwall County for families and bank anglers. 

The Harbor at Rockwall public areas: Shoreline access near The Harbor for bank fishing and limited pier access. 

Chandler's Landing area: Limited bank fishing access near the marina.

Fishing License Requirements

A Texas freshwater fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older. Purchase online at tpwd.texas.gov, at Walmart, Academy Sports, or any bait shop near the lake. Anglers under 17 do not require a license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Ray Hubbard a good fishing lake?

Yes — particularly for largemouth bass and crappie. Local bass clubs conduct regular tournaments on the lake, and tournament results confirm a healthy and productive bass population year-round. 

The lake does not rival Lake Texoma for striper fishing, but the quality of largemouth bass fishing and its proximity to Rockwall County make it a practical go-to destination without long drives.

Resources

Texas Parks & Wildlife — Fishing Licenses and Regulations
City of Rockwall — Harry Myers Park