Daffodils and tulips are blooming. Car windows are rolled down. And heavy jackets have migrated to the backs of closets. That can only mean one thing: Spring is here! So do yourself and get back to nature. You may not know it (this is the big city, after all), but North Texas is full of lakes, ponds and other sources of aquatic beauty, perfect for swimming, picnicking and, you guessed it—fishing! Your next big catch is just a day trip away.
EXPLORE INDOORS
Where to go: Before you test the open waters, it’s not a bad idea to do some exploring on your own … indoors. The Dallas World Aquarium offers a variety of exciting exhibits that will teach you all about what life is like below sea level. Saltwater exhibits feature fish from around the world, from New Guinea to Japan. Or get up close and personal with the manatees in the freshwater tanks. You can also visit the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, which features fun and educational exhibits such as the Stingray Bay and aquariums with piranhas, electric eels, alligators and other cool underwater dwellers.
Know before you go: DWA admission is $20.95 adults; $16.95 seniors; $12.95 ages 3-12 (plus tax); prices subject to change without notification. Children’s Aquarium admission is $8 for adults; $6 seniors and kids 3-11 (discount for zoo members).
Find it:
214/720-2224; dwazoo.com
469/554-7340; childrensaquariumfairpark.com
SEE HOW FISH ARE BORN
Where to go: Next time your little one asks you “Where do fish babies come from?” you’ll know. In fact, at the Edwin L. Cox Jr. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, you both can learn together. In addition to taking a tour of the hatchery, you can explore the aquaria that depict the broad range of life in reservoirs and rivers in Texas. View the alligator exhibit, wander the wetlands trail and check out the Texas Record Fish exhibit—so maybe someday you can top it! Exciting events this spring include Fly Fish Texas and Outdoor Fools Day. Check website for details.
Know before you go: Admission is $5.50 adults; $4.50 seniors; $3.50 kids 4-12. Hours are 9am-4pm Tue-Sat; 1-4pm Sun.
Find it:
903/676-2277; tpwd.state.tx.us
LURE THEM IN
Where to go: There’s more to fishing than just tossing a line into a body of water and waiting … and waiting. Let the KBD Guide Service on Lake Lewisville teach you the insider tips, whether you’re a newbie or you’ve been casting lines for years. They’ll take you out on a boat that’s equipped with the latest technology, and they’ll take you right to where the fish are. Come April and May, there’s even a “no fish, no pay” guarantee.
Know before you go: Four guests per boat; more guests can be accommodated with advance notice. Trips start at $300 for the first two people; additional adults $75; $40 kids under 10 with each paid adult. Everyone 17 and over must have a fishing license.
Find it:
214/763-4606; lakelewisvilleguide.com
GO COMMUNITY FISHIN’
Where to go: Did you know there was fishing just around the corner? A number of local ponds are stocked with fish intermittently during the year, designated Community Fishing Lakes. Bob Woodruff Park in Plano is stocked with catfish once a year and trout twice a year. After you get in a little fishing, you can enjoy a picnic on the grass or under the pavilion, take a leisurely walk on the trail, romp around on the playground or take a dive during a game of sand volleyball.
Know before you go: Kids under 17 fish for free; adults must get a freshwater fishing license (get one online or at any sporting goods store). Poles and lines only; no nets. Boats and swimming prohibited.
Find it:
903/786-2389; parks.planotx.org
FIND A FISHING HOLE AWAY FROM HOME
Where to go: If you’re looking for more than just a quick day trip, book a weekend at Mill Creek Ranch Resort in Canton. The picturesque resort features serene waterfalls, playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course, swimming pools and six stocked fishing ponds—plenty to keep everyone in the family entertained. Family cabins include a patio and grill for entertaining, and other activities include bumper pool, arts and crafts, paddle-boats and nature trails.
Know before you go: Cottage and cabin rentals start at TK
Find it:
866/488-6020; millcreekranchresort.com
TAKE IT FROM A PRO
Where to go: You don’t have to slather on the SPF to get a good bite. At Bass Pro Shop, kids can learn to fish during Aunt Mikki’s KidFish, every Saturday at 11am, Aunt Mikki will take kids out to the waterfalls to teach them the tricks of the trade, while you browse the store or spend a relaxing morning out by the pond. Rainy day? Kids can do a scavenger hunt indoors.
Know before you go: Kidfish is free for kids ages 4-11.
Find it:
Garland, 469/221-2600
Grapevine, 972/724-2018
basspro.com
