Quick Answer: Lake Ray Hubbard is a 22,000-acre reservoir just east of Dallas, bordering Garland, Rowlett, and Rockwall. It ranks among the top North Texas spots for fishing, boating, and sailing, with public boat ramps in Garland, a scenic paddling trail, and waterfront dining at The Harbor Rockwall. Swimming is restricted, so plan for time on the water, not in it.
Lake Ray Hubbard is the closest big water to Garland, a sprawling reservoir on the city's eastern edge that doubles as a weekend playground. It covers more than 22,000 acres and packs in fishing, sailing, waterfront dining, and shoreline parks. From our Garland apartment community, the nearest boat ramp is a short drive away, which makes lake days easy to fit into a normal weekend.
What Is Lake Ray Hubbard Texas?
Lake Ray Hubbard, Texas, is a freshwater reservoir on the East Fork of the Trinity River, built in 1968 to supply water to Dallas. The City of Dallas owns it, and Dallas Water Utilities runs it. At more than 22,000 acres, it is the largest lake sitting entirely inside the Dallas-Fort Worth metro.
The lake stays close to full most of the year. As of the early-July 2026 reading, it sat at about 435 feet, roughly 99% of capacity, according to Water Data for Texas. Depth tops out near 40 feet by the dam. Most of the reservoir is far shallower.
Lake Hubbard at a Glance
Locals often shorten the name to Lake Hubbard. Here is the short version:
- Size: over 22,000 acres with roughly 111 miles of shoreline
- Depth: about 40 feet at its deepest, near the dam
- Location: around 15 miles east of downtown Dallas, bordering Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall, and Heath
- Fish: hybrid striped bass, white bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish
- Built: impounded in 1968 on the East Fork Trinity River
What's the Best Fishing in Lake Ray Hubbard?
Fishing in Lake Ray Hubbard is best around structure: standing timber north of I-30, rock riprap along the causeways, and the heated discharge on the west side south of I-30. Texas Parks and Wildlife reports that hybrid striped bass and blue catfish are now the most abundant sport fish in the lake.
Anglers fishing Ray Hubbard tend to chase a handful of reliable species. Hybrids and white bass hold on humps and points that push into the lake. Largemouth bass sit tight to hydrilla and other vegetation, or along the riprap. Crappie stack up on submerged brush. The riprap that lines the roadways crossing the reservoir is some of the easiest productive water to reach from the bank.
Before you cast, know the rules. Texas Parks and Wildlife sets a 14-inch minimum length and a five-fish daily limit on largemouth and other black bass. Blue and channel catfish must be at least 14 inches, with a combined 15-fish daily limit. Anyone 17 and older needs a Texas fishing license. Check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing rules for Ray Hubbard before you go, since limits can change.
Boating on Lake Ray Hubbard: Ramps, Marinas, and Safety
Boating on Lake Ray Hubbard is the main event for most visitors. Wide, open water and steady wind make it one of the best sailing lakes in North Texas, and it hosts regattas through the season. Powerboats, pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboards all share the water, with public ramps and full-service marinas ringing the shore.
How to Find a Boat Ramp Near Me
Launching from the Garland side? Two spots are closest to home. A quick search for a boat ramp near me from most Garland neighborhoods usually points to one of these public parks.
| Boat Ramp | City | Lanes & Parking | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Jones Park | Garland | 4 concrete lanes, ~50 vehicles | Fast access off Zion Road |
| Robertson Park | Garland | 2 ramps, fishing pier, bank access | Families and shore anglers |
| Paddle Point Park | Rowlett | Single-lane, non-motorized | Kayaks and the paddling trail |
| Private marinas | Rowlett & Rockwall | Multi-lane, fuel, courtesy docks (fee) | Low-water launching |
Full-service marinas including Chandler's Landing, Captain's Cove, and Harbor Bay add fuel, slips, rentals, and courtesy docks. Several rent tritoons, ski boats, wave runners, kayaks, and paddleboards by the day, so you don't need to own a boat to get on the water. Paddlers can follow the marked trail that starts at Paddle Point Park in Rowlett.
One rule trips up newcomers: swimming is prohibited across much of the lake because it is a drinking-water supply. Plan to boat, fish, or paddle rather than swim, and confirm any designated areas with the managing city first. Texas law also requires a wearable life jacket for everyone on board. You can check ramp locations and directions on the Texas Parks and Wildlife access page.
Restaurants on Lake Ray Hubbard and Where to Stay
Restaurants on Lake Ray Hubbard cluster at The Harbor Rockwall, a waterfront development with patios that look straight out over the water. You will find burgers, steaks, Tex-Mex, Cajun, and seafood, plus a movie theater and shops. It is the go-to spot for dinner after a day on the lake, especially at sunset. Over at Chandler's Landing in Rockwall, The 501 at the Yacht Club serves lake views to the public from inside the gated neighborhood.
Staying at the Lake Ray Hubbard RV Resort
Bringing an RV, or hosting visitors who are? The Lake Ray Hubbard RV Resort sits between Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard in Wylie, minutes from Garland. It is an upscale, family-friendly park with full 30- and 50-amp hookups, a pool, pickleball and basketball courts, a community center, dog parks, and a putting green. One honest note: it is near the lake, not directly on it, so waterfront access is a short drive. Prefer to make lake weekends a year-round habit? You can compare floor plans at Crestridge to land minutes from the shoreline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you swim in Lake Ray Hubbard?
Swimming is prohibited across much of the lake because it serves as a municipal water supply, and posted rules are enforced. A few designated areas exist, but they can change, so confirm with the managing city before you plan a swim. Most visitors boat, fish, sail, or paddle instead of getting in the water.
2. Do I need a fishing license for Lake Ray Hubbard?
Yes. Texas Parks and Wildlife requires a valid fishing license for anyone 17 and older fishing public waters, including the lake. Anglers under 17 are exempt. A license covers rod-and-reel, bow fishing, and other legal methods. You can buy one online or at many local retailers before you head to the lake.
3. Where's the closest boat ramp to Garland?
Garland residents have a few close options:
- Paul Jones Park on Zion Road, with four concrete lanes and parking for about 50 vehicles
- Robertson Park, a day-use area with two ramps, a fishing pier, and strong bank access
- Private marinas in Rowlett and Rockwall for fuel, slips, and low-water launching
4. What fish can you catch in Lake Ray Hubbard?
The lake holds hybrid striped bass, white bass, largemouth bass, white and black crappie, and channel and blue catfish. Texas Parks and Wildlife notes that hybrid stripers and blue catfish are the most abundant sport fish. Target humps, points, riprap, and standing timber for the most consistent results throughout the year.
5. How far is Lake Ray Hubbard from Garland?
Lake Ray Hubbard borders Garland directly, so the eastern shoreline and its boat ramps are usually a 10- to 15-minute drive from most Garland neighborhoods. That proximity is a big reason the lake feels like a local amenity rather than a road-trip destination for people who already live nearby.
Conclusion
Lake Ray Hubbard turns an ordinary Garland weekend into a day on the water. Cast for hybrids at dawn, sail through the afternoon breeze, then grab dinner on a patio at The Harbor Rockwall. With public ramps, marinas, and a paddling trail all close by, the lake rewards the people who live nearby and use it often. If you want that shoreline within easy reach, take a photo tour of Crestridge or start your application to make Garland home.
