Bois d'Arc Lake, situated in Fannin County, Texas, is a recently constructed reservoir created by the building of a dam on the Bois d'Arc Creek. It spans over 16,000 acres and has a water storage capacity of 367,000 acre-feet. The lake, which began to hold water on April 14, 2021, is named after the Bois d'arc tree, a unique symbol of significance in the area's local history.
Bois d'Arc Lake will cater to the water demands of the fast-growing communities of North Texas, such as Frisco, Garland, McKinney, Plano, and Richardson. It is the first significant reservoir to be constructed in Texas in almost three decades, providing the region with a dependable water source even during times of drought. In addition, the lake provides recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and boating.
The construction of the lake, which started in 2018 and concluded in 2022, was funded by low-interest loans authorized by the state, saving the District and ratepayers millions. To mitigate the effects of the project on the environment and habitat, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) conducted large-scale ecological improvements on more than 17,000 acres in the vicinity of the lake, including the former Riverby Ranch.
Hundreds gathered to commemorate the first major Texas lake constructed in 30 years.
This new lake is not only going to serve as a vital water source for our area in the future but will also be a recreational beacon that many will flock to. This lake will provide a treasured location for world-class fishing, water sports, and boating, and yes, it will allow for a limited number of lakefront homes. I had the honor of going to the Bois D’arc Lake dedication ceremony on October 14th. I was able to see firsthand the beautiful lake, thank the team members that have made this a reality for our area, and learn so much more about the future plans for development.
If you want to be kept in the loop about future developments for a new lake house, please message me and I will put you on the list for all updates as they happen.
Additional Information
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) wants to remind everyone that Bois d’Arc Lake is currently not open for recreational activities like boating, fishing, and others. The lake needs to fulfill certain conditions such as completing construction and having a safe level of water before it can be opened for public use. NTMWD is working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Fannin County Sheriff’s Department to determine the appropriate time for opening the lake. NTMWD will inform the public when the lake is ready and safe for recreational use.
Bois d’Arc Lake started impounding water on April 14, 2021, and the time it takes to fill depends on rainfall in the lake watershed. It is considered trespassing to use the lake for recreation before it is officially opened, and law enforcement may be notified.
Jennifer Stanley, the Lake Operations Manager for NTMWD, urges everyone to be patient and wait until the lake is completely safe before opening it for public use. The construction crews are working on the dam embankment, raw water intake structure, spillway, pump station, and other necessary work at the lake site. The NTMWD lake administrative offices and the three boat ramps are also under construction.
Bois d’Arc Lake is situated in Fannin County northeast of Bonham, and for more information on the lake, visit BoisdArcLake.org.