Lake Arlington is our backyard, almost literally. The big city reservoir sits a short walk from the house, and it’s the quiet counterweight to everything else in this guide. While the stadiums and the Stockyards fill up, the lake is where you go for a slow morning with coffee, a fishing line in the water, or a sunset over the far shore.
Where to go
The lake is ringed mostly by neighborhoods, so public access comes through a few parks.
Richard Simpson Park is a 9-acre Arlington city park on the shoreline, one of only two Arlington parks with public lake access. It has an eight-lane boat ramp, and the city has been adding a new fishing pier, a playground and a lake overlook.
Bowman Springs Park is a 14-acre park on the southeast edge of the lake. It has a fishing pier, a floating dock and its own eight-lane boat ramp.
Eugene McCray Park, run by the City of Fort Worth, has a smaller two-lane ramp on the Fort Worth side.
Fishing and boating
The city lists black bass, sand bass, hybrid stripers, catfish and crappie in the lake. Anyone 17 or older needs a Texas fishing license, and black bass have a 14-inch minimum. Boats need a City of Arlington lake permit or a day-use fee. The city and Texas Parks and Wildlife list slightly different permit prices, so call the city or check its lake page for current fees before you launch.
Getting there from Casita
The nearest stretch of shoreline is only a few hundred yards from the house. Much of the shore near us is lined with homes, so for piers and ramps you’ll drive around the lake: Bowman Springs Park is about 13 minutes away and Richard Simpson Park about 15 minutes.
Plan your visit
In summer, the best hours are early morning and the hour before sunset, when the light is soft and the heat breaks. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat, since shade along the shore is limited. If you have a dog with you, a leashed walk along the shoreline is a great way to start the day before a hotter afternoon in the city.
Make a weekend of it
The lake is the perfect bookend to a big day out. Catch a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium or a Rangers game at Globe Life Field, both about 25 minutes away, or see the cattle drive at the Stockyards. Bringing a dog? Our dog-friendly Fort Worth guide has more parks and patios.
Waking up a few minutes from the water is one of our favorite things about the house. Check our dates.
Tips from the house
- Anyone 17 or older needs a Texas fishing license to fish the lake.
- Boaters need a City of Arlington lake permit or a day pass. Check the city's lake page for current fees.
- Black bass have a 14-inch minimum length, so bring a tape if you plan to keep your catch.
- Go at sunrise or sunset in summer. Midday sun on the water is intense.
Good to know
Can you swim in Lake Arlington?
The city's lake parks are set up for fishing, boating and enjoying the shoreline. Check the posted rules at each park before getting in the water.
Where can I launch a boat on Lake Arlington?
Richard Simpson Park and Bowman Springs Park both have eight-lane boat ramps, and Fort Worth's Eugene McCray Park has a two-lane ramp. A permit or day-use fee is required.
What fish are in Lake Arlington?
The city lists black bass, sand bass, hybrid stripers, catfish and crappie.
How close is Casita Fort Worth to Lake Arlington?
Very close. The nearest shoreline is about 0.2 miles from the house. The Arlington parks with boat ramps and piers are on the far side of the lake, about 15 minutes away by car.
Photo: Supportstorm, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
