Since opening for recreation last spring, Bois d’Arc Lake has become a go-to fishing destination in North Texas, attracting anglers and boaters from across the state and beyond.
In its first year, the lake saw an average of 86 anglers each day, totaling 31,390 fishing trips, with the warmer months seeing up to 300 anglers out at a time, according to the latest survey data from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) shared by Dan Bennett, Inland Fisheries Supervisor for TPWD’s Denison District.
Since then, the number of visitors continues to rise, positively impacting the local economy. Boat storage facilities, bait shops, gas stations, short-term vacation rental properties, and RV resorts for extended stays have opened.
“Every new angler brings in money for local businesses and encourages more development in the area,” Bennett said. “It’s really turned into a hub for tourism and recreation.”
The success of the lake is also a result of careful fisheries management. The bass population is supported through TPWD’s Toyota ShareLunker Program.
Anglers who catch a bass weighing over 13 pounds can submit it to the program, where biologists will transport the fish to the hatchery in Athens, Texas, to help maintain a trophy-quality population. This program creates a cycle of trophy potential and helps to keep the lake a top fishing destination.
Currently, angler Jason Conn holds the pending record for the largest largemouth bass caught at the lake, weighing 12.62 pounds.
Bois d’Arc Lake is also known for excellent crappie fishing, thanks to submerged brush piles set up by the North Texas Municipal Water District during the original construction timeframe. “These artificial habitats have become really popular and show how investing in infrastructure can benefit both fish and anglers,” Bennett shared.
Bennett has received recognition from TPWD for his efforts in making the lake successful, and he believes its popularity will continue to rise in the coming years.
“Mainly, I’m excited about the early part of next year (2026) to see how many ShareLunkers get submitted,” he said. “That will definitely draw in a bunch of new anglers. “Every new ShareLunker submission and every social media post showcasing these bass will bring more visitors to Fannin County.”
Listen to a recent interview, where Dan Bennett shares how he helps keep the fish population healthy at Bois d'Arc Lake.