Fishing in a Texas State Park or local Neighborhood Fishin’ lake stocked with fish is fun, affordable and a great way for family and friends to be together in nature. Plus, there’s a good chance your fish will be keepers and end up as a delicious fresh-caught meal for all.
Where to fish:
Texas State Parks: Everyone fishes for free in Texas State Parks (no license is required), and most state parks near DFW – including Ray Roberts Lake, Cleburne and Cedar Hill – have lakes or ponds perfect for setting up your rod and reel. Click here to view a list of nearby state parks that offer fishing.
Local Neighborhood Fishin’ sites: Selected lakes in DFW are stocked with fish every two weeks, specifically channel catfish in the summer. Kids younger than 17 do not need a fishing license (but you will need to obtain a freshwater license if you want to join in), and you can keep (and cook!) up to five catfish per day of any size.
The five parks also have picnic tables and restrooms so you can make a full morning of your fishing excursion.
- Lakeside Park, Duncanville
- Greenbriar Park, Fort Worth
- Chisholm Park, Hurst
- City Lake Park, Mesquite
- South Lakes Park, Denton
Fishing Events in June:
Ray Roberts Lake State Park is hosting two fishing events for families this month. On Saturday, June 7, you and the kids can learn fishing basics from 9am–noon at the Isle Du Bois Unit. Equipment and bait provided, or bring your own. Contact Kelly Lauderdale (940/686-2148) for more information.
On Saturday, June 21, bring bait and a pole (or borrow one from the park) to learn fishing techniques from a park ranger. Come and go as you please from 2–3pm at the Kid Fish Pond in the Johnson Branch Unit. Contact Danielle Bradley (940/637-2294) with questions.
Not sure what to bring for bait? The State Park recommends worms, cooked hot dogs or a can of corn.
For other fishing events this month, search for “fishing” in our calendar.
Published June 2014
