Welcome to Lake Lewisville
Lake Lewisville, Texas: The Ultimate Guide to the Urban Bass Fishing Capital
Known as the “Urban Bass Fishing Capital of Texas,” Lake Lewisville is one of the largest and most vibrant lakes in North Texas. Spanning nearly 30,000 acres and boasting 233 miles of shoreline, it is the premier playground for the millions of residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex.
Whether you are looking for the high-energy social scene of the world-famous “Party Cove,” a quiet morning of fly-fishing on the Elm Fork, or a family day at the most impressive sandy beach in the state, Lake Lewisville offers an unmatched variety of experiences.
The Convoluted History of Lake Lewisville
The story of Lake Lewisville is one of expansion and merging. Originally, the area consisted of a much smaller body of water called Lake Dallas, which was completed in 1927 to provide water to the growing city of Dallas.
In the late 1940s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction on a much larger dam to the south to address flood control and water supply needs. This new project was initially called the Garza-Little Elm Reservoir. In 1957, the dam separating Lake Dallas from the new reservoir was breached, merging the two into one massive lake.
While locals continued to call it “Lake Dallas” for years, it was officially renamed Lewisville Lake in 1971 to match the name of the dam. Today, remnants of the old dam can still be found underwater, providing excellent structure for the lake’s famous fish populations.
Top Things to Do at Lake Lewisville
1. Boating and the “Party Cove” Tradition
Boating is the lifeblood of Lake Lewisville. Because the lake is wide and relatively deep (average 25 feet), it is ideal for large cruisers, sailboats, and high-performance ski boats.
- The Party Cove: Located near Westlake Park, this is the legendary social hub of the lake. On summer weekends, hundreds of boats tie up together for a massive floating party. If you are looking for a quiet family retreat, you’ll want to steer clear of this area on Saturdays, but for those looking for the “Spring Break” vibe, it is the place to be.
- Marinas and Rentals: With multiple full-service marinas like Pier 121, Eagle Point, and Hidden Cove, finding a place to dock or rent is easy. You can find everything from high-end tritoons to “captained party barges” that can hold 20+ people.
2. The Best Sandy Beaches in North Texas
Unlike many Texas lakes with rocky or muddy shorelines, Lake Lewisville features several high-quality swim areas.
- Little Elm Beach: Often called the “best beach in North Texas,” Little Elm Park has invested heavily in its shoreline. It features white sand, ten beach volleyball courts, and a massive roped-off swimming area.
- Lewisville Lake Park: Located on the south shore, this 622-acre park offers multiple swimming inlets, though the terrain is a bit more natural and less “resort-like” than Little Elm.
3. Fishing: The Urban Bass Fishing Capital
Lake Lewisville earned its nickname for a reason. Despite the heavy boat traffic, the fishing remains world-class due to the diverse underwater structure.
Crappie and Catfish: The lake is legendary for its “slab” crappie, particularly around the marinas and bridge pilings of the I-35E bridge.
Largemouth Bass: The stars of the show. Anglers find success flipping jigs into the standing timber or working deep ledges near the old submerged dam.
Hybrid Striped Bass: These are stocked regularly and provide an incredible “fight.” They are often found in the open water chasing schools of shad.
A Comparison of Lake Lewisville’s Best Parks
With 233 miles of shoreline, the “vibe” changes significantly depending on which city’s park you visit.
| Park Name | Location | Best For | Key Feature |
| Little Elm Park | Little Elm | Families & Groups | Sandy beach & the Lakefront District. |
| Stewart Creek Park | The Colony | Nature & Trails | Quiet coves and eco-friendly hiking. |
| LLELA | Lewisville | Wildlife & Education | Nature preserve with pristine river access. |
| Hidden Cove | The Colony | RVing & Glamping | Resort-style amenities and cabin rentals. |
| Pilot Knoll Park | Highland Village | Peace & Quiet | Heavily wooded, great for kayaking. |
Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails
If you prefer to stay on dry land, Lake Lewisville hosts some of the most technical and scenic trails in the DFW area.
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)
For a true wilderness experience, visit LLELA. This 2,000-acre preserve below the dam is a “living laboratory.”
- The Bittern Marsh Trail: A 2-mile loop through bottomland forests and marshes.
- Kayaking the Elm Fork: This is the best place to launch a kayak if you want to paddle through a quiet river environment rather than the choppy open lake.
Dining and Nightlife: The Lakefront at Little Elm
In recent years, the town of Little Elm has transformed its shoreline into a massive entertainment district known as The Lakefront™.
- Hula Hut: A tropical-themed restaurant with a massive deck overlooking the water.
- Hydrous Wake Park: A cable wakeboarding park where you can learn to ride without needing a boat.
- The Cove at The Lakefront: A massive indoor/outdoor water park that stays open year-round, making Lake Lewisville a four-season destination.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
- Western Days (September): Lewisville’s flagship festival featuring national country music acts, tamale eating contests, and family fun.
- July Jubilee: One of the largest fireworks displays in Texas, launched from the shores of Little Elm and visible across half the lake.
- ColorPalooza (April): A spring celebration of art and culture in Old Town Lewisville, just minutes from the water.
Where to Stay: Camping to Luxury
- RV & Tent Camping: Hidden Cove Park and Stewart Creek Park offer some of the most scenic campsites. If you want to wake up to the sound of waves hitting the shore, these are your best bets.
- Resort Living: The Gaylord Texan and other Grapevine-area resorts are only 15 minutes away, but for a true lakeside stay, many visitors opt for the luxury cabin rentals at Hidden Cove.
Essential Travel Tips for Lake Lewisville
- Safety First: Lake Lewisville can get very “choppy” on windy days and busy weekends. If you are in a small vessel or PWC, stay close to the shore.
- Alcohol Laws: Alcohol is strictly prohibited in many land-based parks (like Lewisville Lake Park). However, it is legal to consume on boats as long as the driver remains sober.
- Zebra Mussels: Like many Texas lakes, Lewisville is infested with zebra mussels. Always “Clean, Drain, and Dry” your boat to prevent spreading them to other bodies of water.
- Parking Fees: Most parks charge a per-car entry fee (usually $10–$15). If you plan to visit often, consider a seasonal pass from the City of Lewisville or Little Elm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Lake Lewisville man-made?
Yes, it is a reservoir created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and water storage.
Can you swim in Lake Lewisville?
Yes. The best designated swimming areas are at Little Elm Park and Lewisville Lake Park. Swimming is at your own risk as there are typically no lifeguards on duty.
Why is it called the “Urban Bass Fishing Capital”?
The lake is surrounded by millions of people but continues to produce massive Largemouth and Hybrid Striped bass, proving that you don’t have to travel to East Texas to find a trophy fish.
How far is Lake Lewisville from Dallas?
It is approximately 25 miles north of Downtown Dallas, roughly a 30-to-40-minute drive depending on traffic.
Your North Texas Adventure Awaits
From the adrenaline-pumping wakeboard runs to the serene birdwatching trails of LLELA, Lake Lewisville is the heartbeat of North Texas outdoor life. It’s a place where city convenience meets rugged nature. Whether you are a local regular or a first-time visitor, there is always something new to discover on the 233 miles of shoreline.
Plan your trip to Lake Lewisville today—the water is waiting.