What Lake Worth Offers

Lake Worth is a 3,322-acre impoundment on the Trinity River between Fort Worth and Arlington, built in 1914 and managed by the Tarrant Regional Water District. It holds striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie in reliable numbers, with a developed shoreline, multiple public boat ramps, and year-round fishing. The lake sits close enough to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro that you can fish it as a day trip, but the water is deep enough and the structure varied enough that you will find fish in most seasons.

The lake runs roughly north to south for about 6 miles, with a maximum depth near 80 feet in the main channel and shallower flats and coves along both banks. Summer heat can push stripers and largemouths into deeper water during the day, but spring and fall are productive across the entire lake. Winter fishing is steady if you target catfish and crappie in the deeper holes.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Worth holds striped bass year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent surface action and summer requiring deeper presentations.
  • Public boat ramps at Benbrook Park and Rocky Point Park provide reliable access; both charge a small daily fee and have parking and restroom facilities.
  • A Texas fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older, and striped bass have a 5-fish daily limit with a 18-inch minimum length.
  • Catfish fishing is productive in winter and early spring when stripers are less active, and live bluegill or chicken liver work well from the bank or boat.
  • The lake is open year-round, but water levels can fluctuate significantly in summer and fall due to municipal water demands.

Striped Bass: The Main Target

Striped bass are the primary draw at Lake Worth, and the population is healthy enough that you have a reasonable chance of catching one on most trips. Spring (March through May) is the peak season—water temperatures in the 55 to 70 degree range trigger aggressive feeding, and stripers move into shallower water to hunt shad. Early morning and late afternoon are best, and topwater plugs, spoons, and soft plastics all produce. Fish the points, creek channels, and rocky banks where baitfish concentrate.

Summer (June through August) pushes stripers deeper during daylight hours. Fish the main channel and the deepest holes—near the dam and in the central basin—using live shad, jigging spoons, or deep-diving crankbaits. Dawn and dusk remain productive, but midday fishing requires patience and a willingness to work deeper structure. Water temperature often exceeds 85 degrees, and stripers become lethargic.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools and stripers return to shallower feeding zones. October and early November are often as good as spring. Winter (December through February) slows the action, but stripers still feed in the deeper holes, particularly on cloudy days or during brief warming trends. Jigging spoons and live shad work better than topwater in cold water.

Largemouth Bass and Crappie

Largemouth bass are present throughout Lake Worth, though they are secondary to stripers in most anglers' plans. They concentrate around submerged timber, rocky banks, and the shallow coves on both sides of the lake. Spring and fall are best; summer heat pushes them into deeper water or thick cover. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater all work, and a 5-fish daily limit applies with a 14-inch minimum.

White crappie and black crappie inhabit the lake and are most active in spring (March through May) and again in fall. Winter fishing for crappie can be excellent if you locate the deeper holes where they congregate. Small jigs, minnows, and live bluegill are standard presentations. Crappie have no size or bag limit at Lake Worth, making them a good target when stripers are slow.

Channel catfish and blue catfish are abundant and available year-round. Winter and early spring are peak seasons. Fish the deeper holes, creek channels, and near the dam using live bluegill, chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial stink baits. Catfish have no size or bag limit, so you can keep as many as you want.

Access, Ramps, and Facilities

Lake Worth has two primary public boat ramps: Benbrook Park (on the south end, near the dam) and Rocky Point Park (on the north end). Both are maintained by the Tarrant Regional Water District and charge a daily launch fee (typically $5 to $7 per vehicle, though rates vary). Both ramps have paved surfaces, parking areas, and restroom facilities. Benbrook Park is larger and more developed, with picnic areas and a small marina; Rocky Point Park is smaller but less crowded.

Bank fishing is also possible at several locations. Benbrook Park has shoreline access, and a few informal pull-offs along the access road allow walk-in fishing. However, most of the shoreline is private property or restricted, so confirm access before you park. The lake is open sunrise to sunset, and night fishing is not permitted.

Water levels fluctuate significantly, especially in summer and fall when the Tarrant Regional Water District draws water for municipal supply. If the lake is drawn down, the ramps may become unusable or difficult to navigate. Call ahead or check the district's website before making a long drive, particularly in late summer.

Regulations and Licensing

A valid Texas fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older. Licenses are sold at most sporting goods stores, online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is a good option if you fish Lake Worth only occasionally.

Striped bass have a 5-fish daily limit and an 18-inch minimum length. Largemouth bass have a 5-fish daily limit and a 14-inch minimum. Crappie and catfish have no size or bag limit. All fish must be kept on the boat or in a cooler; live wells do not count as possession. Check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations before you fish, as rules can change.

Trotlines and juglines are permitted for catfish, but you must check them at least once every 24 hours. Nets and traps are not allowed. No live baitfish may be transported into or out of Lake Worth—all bait must be purchased locally or brought from outside the lake.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the most reliable season. Water temperatures are moderate, stripers are aggressive, and the weather is usually pleasant. Expect moderate to heavy boat traffic on weekends, especially in April and May. Mornings are best; afternoon winds can make the lake choppy.

Summer (June through August) is hot and slow for stripers, though catfish fishing remains steady. The lake is less crowded on weekdays. Early morning (before 8 a.m.) and evening (after 6 p.m.) are essential if you want to catch stripers. Midday fishing is possible but requires deeper presentations and more patience.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring for quality. October is often the best month of the year. Water temperatures drop, stripers feed aggressively, and the weather is comfortable. Weekend traffic is moderate.

Winter (December through February) is slow for stripers but productive for catfish and crappie. The lake is quiet and less crowded. Cloudy days and brief warming trends produce the best fishing. Dress warmly; wind can make the lake uncomfortable, especially on the water.

Gear and Tackle Recommendations

For striped bass, bring a medium to medium-heavy spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 10 to 15-pound braided line or 12 to 17-pound monofilament. Topwater plugs (Zara Spooks, Rapala Skitterwalks), spoons (Hopkins, Kastmaster), and soft plastics (swimbaits, shads) all work. A jigging spoon and a live shad rig are good backups for deeper water.

For largemouth bass, a medium spinning rod with 8 to 12-pound line is sufficient. Crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater all produce. For crappie, a light spinning rod with 4 to 6-pound line and small jigs or minnows is ideal. For catfish, a medium to medium-heavy rod with 15 to 20-pound line and a simple slip sinker rig works well.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. The lake is exposed, and the sun reflects off the water. If you are fishing from a boat, a life jacket is required by law. A fish finder is helpful but not necessary—the lake is small enough that you can locate fish by working structure and observing other anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lake Worth from the bank?

Yes, but access is limited. Benbrook Park allows shoreline fishing, and a few informal pull-offs along the access road provide walk-in access. Most of the shoreline is private property. Confirm access before you park, and do not trespass on private land.

What is the best time of day to fish Lake Worth?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive year-round. Spring and fall allow all-day fishing, but summer requires early morning or evening to catch stripers. Winter fishing is steady throughout the day on cloudy days or during warming trends.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Worth?

No, but a boat gives you access to more water and deeper structure where stripers concentrate in summer. Bank fishing is possible at Benbrook Park and a few other spots, but you will be limited to shallower water and the immediate shoreline.

What is the water temperature at Lake Worth right now?

Water temperature varies by season and depth. Call the Tarrant Regional Water District or check their website for current conditions. Spring and fall water temperatures (55 to 75 degrees) are ideal for striped bass. Summer temperatures often exceed 85 degrees, pushing stripers deep.

Are there guides or rental boats available at Lake Worth?

Lake Worth does not have a full-service marina with guide services or rental boats. Benbrook Park has a small marina with limited services. For guided trips, contact local fishing guides who work the lake; several operate out of the Fort Worth area and can be found through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or local fishing forums.