Lake Ray Hubbard is a beautiful and popular destination for visitors to Texas. Located just east of Dallas, this lake spans over 22,000 acres and is the largest in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. With its six parks, shopping centers, hotels, RV resorts, and restaurants, Lake Ray Hubbard is an all-around great destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation.
One of the most exciting things about Lake Ray Hubbard is the variety of activities available for visitors. From fishing and boating to hiking and camping, there is something for everyone. The lake is also home to numerous marinas and fishing guides, making it easy for visitors to enjoy all that the lake has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Lake Ray Hubbard is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Texas.
Overview of Lake Ray Hubbard
We are excited to introduce you to Lake Ray Hubbard, a freshwater impoundment located in Dallas, Texas, in the counties of Dallas, Kaufman, Collin, and Rockwall, just north of the City of Forney.
Lake Ray Hubbard, formerly known as Eastern Dallas Lake or Forney Lake, was formed by damming the East Fork Trinity River and serves as a major source of drinking water for Dallas. The construction of the dam began in 1964 and was completed in 1968, which led to the formation of this breathtaking lake that spans over 22,000 acres!
The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. It is also home to six parks, shopping centers, hotels, RV resorts, restaurants, and more, making it an all-around great destination for visitors.
Lake Ray Hubbard is one of the largest lakes in northern Texas and the largest in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, with a surface area of 21,671 acres and a maximum depth of 40 feet. The water level in the lake fluctuates between 1-3 feet, depending on the season.
The lake is managed by the City of Dallas, which owns the Rockwall-Forney Dam that forms the lake. The lake is also home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
In summary, Lake Ray Hubbard is a beautiful and popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to the Dallas area. With its vast size, numerous amenities, and variety of fish species, it is a must-visit location for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Texas.
Fishing at Lake Ray Hubbard
We are excited to share with you some information about fishing at Lake Ray Hubbard. This lake is a great destination for anglers of all skill levels, with a variety of fish species to target throughout the year.
One of the most popular fish species at Lake Ray Hubbard is crappie. Anglers can find both white and black crappie in the lake, with the best fishing typically occurring in the spring and fall. Submerged brush piles and other structures are great spots to target crappie, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Another popular fish species at Lake Ray Hubbard is white bass. Anglers can find white bass throughout the lake, but the best fishing typically occurs during the white bass spawn run in the spring. Humps and points are great spots to target white bass, with small lures like inline spinners and tail spinners working well.
Catfish are also abundant in Lake Ray Hubbard, with channel catfish and blue catfish being the most common species. Anglers can target catfish year-round using a variety of techniques, including baitcasting and bank fishing. Live bait like bluegill and cut bait work well for catfish.
Bass fishing is also popular at Lake Ray Hubbard, with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass all present in the lake. Anglers can find bass throughout the lake, with the I-30 BassPro hump being a popular spot to target them. Fishing guides are available for those who want to improve their bass fishing skills.
Overall, Lake Ray Hubbard is a great fishery with plenty of fishing spots and fish species to target year-round. Be sure to check the latest fishing report before heading out, and consider hiring a fishing guide to make the most of your time on the water.
Parks and Marinas
Lake Ray Hubbard is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its numerous parks and marinas. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a picnic, go camping, or set sail on the water, there’s something for everyone here.
One of the most popular parks on Lake Ray Hubbard is Robertson Park, which offers a wide range of amenities for visitors. Here, you’ll find picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, and more. The park is also a great spot for camping, with plenty of campsites available for both tents and RVs.
If you’re looking for a marina, there are several to choose from around the lake. Chandler’s Landing and Captain’s Cove are two of the most popular options, offering boat rentals, boat slips, and marine services. Both marinas are located in Garland, making them easily accessible from the surrounding area.
Spring and summer are the best times to visit Lake Ray Hubbard, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to spend a day on the water or explore the coves and inlets around the lake, there’s plenty to see and do here.
Overall, Lake Ray Hubbard is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With its parks, marinas, and camping facilities, there’s something for everyone here. So pack your bags and come see what this beautiful lake has to offer!
Boating and Water Activities
At Lake Ray Hubbard, there are plenty of boating and water activities to choose from. Whether you prefer a relaxing sail or an adrenaline-pumping jet ski ride, there’s something for everyone.
Boat rentals are available at several marinas around the lake, including Chandler’s Landing Marina, Rush Creek Yacht Club, and Harbor Bay Marina. You can choose from a variety of boats, including pontoons, ski boats, and fishing boats. If you have your own boat, there are several boat ramps available for public use.
If you’re into fishing, Lake Ray Hubbard is home to hybrid striper, largemouth bass, and catfish. Trolling is a popular method for catching fish, and there are plenty of areas with aquatic vegetation and timber that make great fishing spots.
For those who prefer water sports, there’s water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. The lake is large enough to accommodate all types of watercraft, and there are designated areas for water skiing and other high-speed activities.
If you just want to relax and enjoy the water, there are several coves and beaches around the lake that provide space for swimming and picnicking. The Lake Ray Hubbard Greenbelt is a great place to take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
Interstate 30 runs along the southern shore of the lake, making it easily accessible from Dallas and other nearby cities. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for a day of fun on the water at Lake Ray Hubbard!
Restaurants and Entertainment
When it comes to dining and entertainment options, Lake Ray Hubbard has something to offer for everyone. From casual dining to upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, head to the Harbor Rockwall. This waterfront development features a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as boutique shops and a movie theater. Some of the popular restaurants here include Dodie’s Cajun Diner, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, and Zanata.
For those who enjoy live music, there are several venues in the area that host local and national acts. The Lava Cantina is a popular spot for live music, as well as great food and drinks. Another great option is the Southern Junction Live, where you can enjoy live country music and dancing.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Lake Ray Hubbard has plenty of options. The lake features six parks with beaches, hiking trails, and picnic areas. You can also rent a boat or jet ski and explore the lake on your own.
If shopping is more your style, head to the Rockwall Downtown Square. This historic district features a variety of shops and boutiques, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also check out the Rockwall Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday from May to September.
Overall, Lake Ray Hubbard offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options for visitors. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a night out on the town, there’s something for everyone here.
Safety and Regulations
At Lake Ray Hubbard, we want all visitors to have a safe and enjoyable experience. To ensure the safety of everyone, it’s important to follow all rules and regulations set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Boating Safety
Boating enthusiasts must follow the boating regulations set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. These regulations include:
- All boats must have a valid registration
- Children under 13 years old must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while the boat is underway
- All boats must have a Type IV throwable PFD
- Boats must have a sound-producing device, such as a horn or whistle
- Boats must have a fire extinguisher
- Boats must have working navigation lights
It’s important to stay aware of your surroundings while boating. Keep an eye out for other boats, swimmers, and obstacles in the water. Always operate your boat at a safe speed and avoid reckless behavior.
Fishing Regulations
Fishing is a popular activity at Lake Ray Hubbard. To ensure the sustainability of the fish population, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has set fishing regulations that must be followed. These regulations include:
- All anglers must have a valid fishing license
- All fish caught must be immediately released if they do not meet the minimum length limit
- All fish caught must be immediately released if they are a prohibited species
- All fish caught must be immediately released if they are over the daily bag limit
It’s important to follow these regulations to help maintain the fish population and ensure that the lake remains a great place to fish for years to come.
General Safety
In addition to boating and fishing regulations, there are general safety rules that all visitors must follow. These rules include:
- No glass containers are allowed on the beach or in the water
- No littering is allowed
- No swimming is allowed outside designated swimming areas
- No diving is allowed from bridges, piers, or other structures
By following these rules and regulations, we can ensure that Lake Ray Hubbard remains a safe and enjoyable destination for all visitors.
Unique Features of Lake Ray Hubbard
Lake Ray Hubbard is a beautiful lake located in Texas that offers a variety of unique features that make it stand out from other lakes in the region. Here are some of the most notable features that visitors to the lake can enjoy:
Humps and Points
One of the most interesting features of Lake Ray Hubbard is the presence of humps and points throughout the lake. These underwater formations provide excellent habitat for fish, and are great spots for anglers to target when fishing for bass, crappie, and other species.
Iron Horse
Another unique feature of Lake Ray Hubbard is the presence of the Iron Horse, a sunken train that is located near the lake’s dam. The train provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area, and is a popular spot for divers to explore.
Yankee Creek
Yankee Creek is another interesting feature of Lake Ray Hubbard. This area of the lake is known for its excellent fishing, especially for catfish and white bass.
Power Plant Point
The Power Plant Point is a popular spot for anglers, as the warm water discharged from the power plant attracts a variety of fish species.
Bayview Flats
Bayview Flats is another unique feature of Lake Ray Hubbard. This area of the lake is known for its clear water and excellent fishing, especially for largemouth bass.
Robertson Park Point
Robertson Park Point is a popular spot for anglers, as it provides excellent habitat for fish, including largemouth bass and crappie.
Heated Discharge Area
The heated discharge area near the power plant is another unique feature of Lake Ray Hubbard. This area of the lake is known for its excellent fishing, especially for catfish and white bass.
Rush Creek
Rush Creek is a popular spot for anglers, as it provides excellent habitat for fish, including largemouth bass and crappie.
Peanut
Peanut is another unique feature of Lake Ray Hubbard. This area of the lake is known for its excellent fishing, especially for catfish and white bass.
Gravel Pits
The gravel pits near Lake Ray Hubbard are another unique feature of the area. These pits provide excellent habitat for fish, and are great spots for anglers to target when fishing for bass, crappie, and other species.
Standing Timber
Standing timber is another interesting feature of Lake Ray Hubbard. This underwater habitat provides excellent cover for fish, and is a popular spot for anglers to target when fishing for bass and crappie.
Rock Riprap
Rock riprap is a common feature along the shoreline of Lake Ray Hubbard. This habitat provides excellent cover for fish, and is a popular spot for anglers to target when fishing for bass and other species.
Submerged Vegetation
Submerged vegetation is another important feature of Lake Ray Hubbard. This habitat provides excellent cover for fish, and is a popular spot for anglers to target when fishing for bass and other species.
Lake Level
The lake level at Lake Ray Hubbard can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Visitors to the lake should check the current lake level before planning their trip.
Shops
There are a variety of shops and stores located near Lake Ray Hubbard, where visitors can purchase fishing gear, snacks, and other supplies.
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