Lake Bardwell Fishing Guide

After a relaxing day lying in your glamping tent, you may want something to pass the time. Nothing is more fun than getting yourself out on Lake Bardwell for a premium fishing adventure. The lake is still open, even during COVID-19.

In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the renowned Ennis Lake. We'll go over where and how much a fishing license will cost you, the fish that live in the lake, and how to rent a boat if you don't have one.

Texas Fishing License

The first thing you need before you reel in some fish is a license to do so. You can buy a fishing license online here. It's incredibly convenient and will keep you from visiting offices in person. If you are ever asked to show your license, you can pull it up on your phone.

How much do fishing licenses cost in Texas?

Fishing licenses vary depending on where you are fishing. If you plan on fishing in Lake Bardwell alone, you only need a freshwater fishing license.
Below are the prices for the licenses you may be interested in:

Resident Annual Fishing License: $30
Senior Resident Annual Fishing License: $12
Nonresident Annual Fishing License: $58
Resident One-Day All-Water Fishing: $11
Nonresident One-Day All-Water Fishing: $16

Age Requirements

Anyone aged 17 and older must have a fishing license in order to angle on the lake. Those younger are exempt from needing any sort of license.

Do Senior Citizens need a fishing license in Texas?

While some states don't require seniors to have a fishing license, Texas does. However, the plans and rates for seniors are significantly discounted.

An Annual fishing license for seniors is only $12 a year. An incredibly good deal.

Do you need a fishing license for catch and release?

You do need a fishing license for catch and release in Texas.

What fish live in Lake Bardwell?

This is your fishing report by commonality:
White Bass
Catfish
Crappie
Hybrid Striped Bass
Largemouth Bass
Sunfish

An increase in vegetation might improve the catch rate of largemouth bass. If you use live bait and noise making bait, you'll probably have a better chance of catching the more common fish.

Boat Rentals and Boat Ramps

There are a few businesses and marinas near the lake from which you can rent a boat. Many people like to boat to the deeper parts of the lake so they can get fish they otherwise wouldn't.

Highview Marina and Patriot Watercraft Rentals are two of the most reliable places to rent jet skis, boats, and other water gear.

What is the water level at Lake Bardwell right now?

If you have questions about the water level, you can check out this website.

What fishing regulations do you have to follow in Texas?

Typically, there is a harvest limit on specific kinds of fish. Here is a list for some of the ones you'll likely catch if you visit Lake Bardwell:

Bass (all types)
Daily Bag: 5 fish for any combination of bass per day.

Catfish (all kinds excluding flathead)
Daily Bag: 25 fish for any combination of catfish per day.

Crappie (all types)
Daily Bag: 25 fish for any combination of crappie per day.

Sunfish (all types)
No limit.

If you would like to check the official government website on possession limits and daily bags, please click here.

We hope this guide has helped you plan your vacation more thoroughly. Fishing in Lake Bardwell is a fun experience for the whole family. If you have any questions about glamping, feel free to check out our tents and other offerings! We would be happy to have you.