Lake Ray Hubbard guide: best spots for fishing, kayaking, and sunsets

Lake Ray Hubbard is 22,745 acres of reservoir on the east side of Dallas. If you live in Rowlett, you are on the lake. Here is how to actually use it.

Fishing:

Best spots:

• Springfield Park boat ramp — launch here and head south along the Rowlett shore. The coves near the Waterview peninsula hold largemouth bass in the spring. Catfish are reliable year-round.
• The fishing pier behind Springfield Park — walk past the boat ramp along the shoreline trail. Quiet, uncrowded, catfish and crappie bite well at dawn.
• Dalrock bridge area — accessible from the bank. Hybrid striped bass school under the bridge, especially in fall.
• Lake Ray Hubbard Dam area (south end) — white bass run from March to May. This is where you go for a cooler full of fish.

What bites:

• Largemouth bass (best March-May)
• Channel catfish (year-round, chicken liver bait)
• Hybrid striped bass (fall and winter)
• White bass (spring run, March-May)
• Crappie (October-March)

License: Texas freshwater fishing license required. $30/year for residents. Buy at Academy or online at tpwd.texas.gov.

Kayaking:

Launch points:

• Springfield Park boat ramp — free for Rowlett residents, paved ramp, calm water in the morning before the powerboats come out.
• Paddle Point Park — no formal ramp but easy shoreline launch. Paddle north along the Rowlett shore for scenic views.
• The cove at the end of Lakeshore Dr — calm water, protected from wind, best for beginners.

Tips:

• Go before 9 AM to avoid powerboat wake.
• Wear a PFD — Texas law requires one per person in the vessel.
• Wind can pick up fast on the open water. Stay near the shore if gusts exceed 15 MPH.
• Sunrise paddles are the best experience. The lake is glass at 6:30 AM.

Sunsets:

• Paddle Point Park — the sunset bench on the western tip. Faces directly west across the lake. Best sunset view in Rowlett.
• Lakeview Pkwy bridge over the lake inlet — the road itself has a great view. Pull into the overlook area near Bayside.
• Sapphire Bay overlook — the construction area north of Bayside has an informal viewing spot. Will be better when the development is complete.
• From a boat — anchor in the main body of the lake facing west. The sun drops behind the Dallas skyline in the distance. Unreal.

Lake Ray Hubbard is the reason most of us live in Rowlett. Use it.