Lake Ray Hubbard: Rockwall County's Aquatic Playground

Lake Ray Hubbard is Rockwall County's defining recreational asset. At 22,745 acres, it is one of the largest lakes in the DFW metro area and provides a range of water sports activities — from wake surfing and wakeboarding behind high-performance towboats to kayaking the quiet coves along the Rockwall shoreline. 

The county's high household income and outdoor lifestyle culture have produced a water sports market that rivals any recreational lake in North Texas.

Boating and Water Sports

Powerboating and Watersports: Lake Ray Hubbard supports an active powerboat community. The lake's protected coves and relatively calm morning water conditions make it one of the better wake surfing and wakeboarding lakes in the DFW area. 

Access points on the Rockwall County side include Chandler's Landing Marina, Sunset Bay Marina, and multiple public boat ramps maintained by Dallas Water Utilities. 

Marina services: Chandler's Landing Marina offers full-service boat storage (wet slips and dry storage), fuel, pump-out service, and boat launch access. Sunset Bay Marina provides slip rental and launch facilities on the Rockwall shoreline. 

Boat rentals: Pontoon boats, jet skis, and kayaks are available through rental operators accessible via GetMyBoat and directly through lake-area marinas.

Paddleboarding and Kayaking: The lake's protected coves on the Rockwall County shore provide calm water conditions ideal for flat-water paddling. Public launch areas at Harry Myers Park provide non-motorized watercraft access without a marina fee. 

Sailing: Lake Ray Hubbard hosts an active sailing community through the Lake Ray Hubbard Sailing Association, with weekly racing and recreational sailing programs.

Fishing on Lake Ray Hubbard

Lake Ray Hubbard is primarily a largemouth bass and crappie lake, with catfish, white bass, and hybrid striped bass also present. Documented catches of 8 to 10+ pound largemouth are recorded annually. 

Harry Myers Regional Park in Rockwall provides lake access for bank fishing and pier fishing without a boat. A Texas freshwater fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older — purchase at tpwd.texas.gov, Walmart, or Academy Sports.

Water Safety on Lake Ray Hubbard

Life jacket requirements: Texas law requires a wearable life jacket for every person on board. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while on a vessel underway. 

Blue-green algae: Lake Ray Hubbard can develop blue-green algae blooms in summer during hot and calm weather. Check TCEQ and TPWD advisories before allowing pets to access the water — algae toxins can be fatal to dogs within hours of exposure. 

No-wake zones: Established no-wake zones near marinas are enforced by Texas Parks & Wildlife game wardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I launch a boat on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall County?

Public boat ramps on the Rockwall County side are maintained at Harry Myers Regional Park and at several Dallas Water Utilities access areas. Chandler's Landing and Sunset Bay marinas provide private ramp and slip access. Launch fees apply at most facilities.

Resources

1. Texas Parks & Wildlife — Fishing Licenses

2. City of Rockwall — Harry Myers Regional Park