Filling up fast: New reservoir on breakneck pace

Story by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News

This story originally appeared in the May 28 issue of Lone Star Outdoor News

Bois d’Arc Lake, northeast of Bonham in Fannin County, began filling in mid-April. Now, it might be one of the fastest-filling reservoirs in Texas history.

By mid-May, what will be the 16,641-acre reservoir had collected enough water to be just 24 feet below conservation pool, and more rain is expected in the area.

Already, the questions are being asked to fisheries biologists.

When will it open?

“We get asked that a lot,” said Dan Bennett, a biologist with the Denison District Inland Fisheries Division of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “There is pressure from local entities to open as soon as possible. We give our recommendations, but the North Texas Municipal Water District makes that decision.”

Bennett said his best estimate is a 2023 opening.

“It’s going to need some time for the fish population to get established.”

A shad stocking recently took place on the reservoir, along with largemouth bass stockings, and more bass will join them in late May, Bennett said.

With the lake filling so quickly, and 3-4 inches of rain received in the past few weeks, keeping people away may be difficult, even if the reservoir remains closed.

“It’s the water district’s job to enforce,” Bennett said. “There are gates and locks at the access points and No Trespassing signs.”

Is the lake the fastest to fill in Texas?

“We don’t have anything to compare it with, it’s been so long [Bois d’Arc Lake is the first major reservoir in Texas in nearly 30 years], Bennett said. “I wasn’t around for most of the other ones, but I have heard other reports of lakes filling up pretty quickly.”

Sam Rayburn Reservoir has been re- membered as quick to fill. According to Army Corp of Engineers records, impoundment of water began in March, 1965, and the lake reached full pool in 1968.