In the area surrounding Dallas, Texas, there are over 50 lakes, and all of them are man-made. Lake Ray Hubbard was developed in 1967 to serve as a reservoir for the Rockwall-Forney Dam on the east fork of the Trinity River.
Originally known as Lake Forney, the reservoir was renamed for the man who presided over the Dallas Parks and Recreation System when the impoundment was created.
Lake Ray Hubbard spans 22,745 acres and has a maximum depth of forty feet. Before the lake was created, locals used the basin as a recreational area called “The Bottom.” The Bottom was the perfect area for picnics, fishing, and camping. Hand-fishing, or “noodling,” was also a popular activity.
The depth of the water is clearly seen on a wood map of Lake Ray Hubbard. When it was created, the developers originally intended to clear the timber at the north end of the lake. Instead, it remains submerged in the water, creating a successful forage for the many types of fish that populate the lake.
The ideal conditions for creating a fishery are just one fascinating fact about Lake Ray Hubbard. So go ahead and get out your must-see travel list because the lake formerly known as The Bottom is going to go straight to the top!
Recreational Activities to Keep You Entertained
Lake Ray Hubbard covers a large area bordering Dallas, Collin, Kauffman, and Rockwall Counties. The city of Forney lies just to the north of the reservoir, providing its original name, Lake Forney, before the change to Lake Ray Hubbard.
There are many recreational activities to enjoy on and around this Texas lake. In addition to great picnic spots and beaches for sunbathing, you can get on the water in a variety of ways. Notice the words “on the water” – swimming in Lake Hubbard is illegal, so take great care not to fall off those water skies!
Activities You Can Enjoy on the Water
- fishing
- boating
- sailing
Lake Ray Hubbard is a popular spot for the metropolitan set to stretch their sea legs. Regattas are common events and draw quite a crowd. Public boat ramps and yacht clubs line the lake to encourage participation in the sport and keep lake access convenient. Additionally, sunset and moonlight cruises are the perfect way to end a day on this beautiful Texas lake.
Fishing in Lake Ray Hubbard
Because the lake was initially created to give an emergency water source to the city of Dallas, the developers wanted all the trees removed. But much to the delight of anglers, the trees remain and create a natural forage for the variety of fish that live in Lake Ray Hubbard.
Fish Found in Lake Ray Hubbard
- striped bass
- white bass
- largemouth bass
- channel catfish
- white crappie
- alligator gar
With the great variety of fish found in this Texas lake, fishers and boaters flock to this reservoir all year long. The submerged vegetation attracts schools of fish and creates natural fisheries, allowing the population to grow during the summer months. In addition, the heated discharge area on the west side of the lake is an excellent place to find all kinds of sportfish.
When consulting your wood map of Lake Ray Hubbard, you will see the shallows and sandbars extending into the water, where you can stand and fish for hours. Of all the Texas lakes you may visit, if you love fishing, we recommend a trip to Lake Ray Hubbard—fishing here is epic!
Points of Interest Around Lake Ray Hubbard
This impoundment was developed after acquiring over 22,000 acres of basin land. The details of the lake bottom can be clearly seen on a wood map of Lake Ray Hubbard and provide an exciting perspective of the bathymetry under the water.
As you follow the shores of the Texas lake on the wood map, you will find several points of interest.
4 Interesting Stops on the Shores of Lake Ray Hubbard
- Heath
- Liberty Grove
- Pleasant Valley
- Rockwall
1. The Settlement of Heath
Heath was originally settled in 1846 by John O. Heath, one of the earliest settlers. He chose the area in what is now Rockwall County due to its rich, black soil and abundance of wildlife such as wild turkeys, geese, deer, and ducks.
2. The Ghost Town of Liberty Grove
Liberty Grove is an unincorporated community (or “ghost town”) in Dallas County. Its humble beginnings included a school and a cemetery as early as 1854. In 1966, the farming community recorded 25 residents.
3. The Rural Country Club of Wichita County
Located in Wichita County, Pleasant Valley covers an expansive 2.6 square miles. With the low supply of land in high demand, the above-average home prices created a “country club” moniker for the 336 residents of Pleasant Valley.
4. Live Music Capital of North Texas
Rockwall is the seat of Rockwall County, part of the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Rockwall is a preferred destination due to its proximity to Lake Ray Hubbard and its reputation for being the Live Music Capital of North Texas.
The state of Texas is known for man-made lakes. With many rivers across the state that tend to flood during heavy rains, reservoirs and impoundments became necessary to tame the wild waters.
A high-quality wood map will show there is only one naturally-formed Texas lake – Lake Caddo in east Texas, which formed due to a log jam.
A visit to Lake Ray Hubbard is a must when traveling through Texas on I-30. The massive Texas lake offers excellent recreational activities, delightful eateries, and opportunities to commune with nature, bask in the sun on a shoreline beach, and enjoy a sunset.
Commemorate your trip with a map of Lake Ray Hubbard which will impress upon you the history and brilliance of this man-made lake. From the necessity of emergency water to the “happy accident” of submerged timber fisheries, this Texas lake is an unnatural wonder and fascinating find!