**Lake Bois d’Arc: Northeast Texas’s New Fishing Hotspot**
Lake Bois d’Arc in Fannin County has been open to the public since April 2024, and it’s quickly earning a reputation among Texas anglers. This newly-constructed lake has been on my wish list ever since the gates opened. With more design enhancements during construction than even Lake Fork, Bois d’Arc sets a new standard for fishing lakes in the region.
**Unmatched Habitat Enhancements**
During construction, Lake Bois d’Arc received a host of fish-friendly upgrades. Crews installed multiple brush piles and PVC fish attractors, and acres of timber and brush were left to be inundated with water. Several brood ponds were stocked with Florida Bass, resulting in a jaw-dropping 9-pound bass being caught within the lake’s first few weeks open. Rumor has it that the current lake record is slightly over 12 pounds, though it has yet to be officially certified.
**A Paradise for Crappie and Catfish Anglers**
Bois d’Arc is rapidly becoming a hot spot for crappie anglers. A quick internet search turns up plenty of local guides posting cleaning-table photos loaded with limits of big slabs. Catfish enthusiasts will also find success—recent whisker-fish stockings have been a hit, with catches coming in fast.
**Planning Your Visit**
I’m part of a group that gets together annually to spend a weekend at the lake—fishing, cooking, eating, and, most importantly, relaxing by the fire. At our age, rolling is easier than walking thanks to arthritis and other old age maladies, but those stories just get better with time.
While we’ve visited Toledo Bend, Falcon, and Fork, none of us have ever been to Bois d’Arc. For lodging, we found the Bois d’Arc Bungalows, several Airbnb options near the lake, and motels in nearby Bonham. If you prefer RVs or camping, there are several campgrounds in the area, including Bonham State Park.
**Boating & Facilities**
Lake Bois d’Arc features three public boat ramps: one at each end of the FM 1396 bridge, and another at FM 896. All are new and well maintained, with excellent day use and picnic areas for family or friends to enjoy.
**Current Fishing Conditions**
There’s plenty of vegetation and brush in the shallows right now—the next few weeks look especially promising for shallow bass. Buzz baits, surface lures, and squarebills worked along the edges of vegetation are producing consistent bites. While there is deeper action available, the surface bite remains my go-to until colder weather moves in.
Crappie anglers are reporting fish suspended 15–20 feet deep in 20–30 feet of water around the trees. Most are using forward-facing sonar, and the results are impressive: limits caught and excellent-sized fish. One online photo even showed a cooler full of magnum bream—still unconfirmed if it’s Bois d’Arc, but if so, it’s an incredible catch.
**Ready to Explore?**
Look for pictures and a detailed trip report coming soon. Lake Bois d’Arc is roughly a two-hour drive from Longview, so make plans to check it out soon!
For guide services and more information, contact Chris Smith at [email protected].
https://news-journal.com/2025/11/07/outdoors-bois-darc-is-a-bucket-list-visit/
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