What You'll Find at De Cordova Bend Park

De Cordova Bend Park sits on the north shore of Lake De Cordova, about 15 minutes northeast of downtown Granbury. The park offers direct bank access to a 22-mile-long reservoir that holds largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie in a landscape of limestone bluffs and cedar-covered hills. You can fish from the bank, launch a boat from the public ramp, or wade the shallower arms of the lake where creeks feed in.

The park itself is small — roughly 40 acres — but the water is what matters. Lake De Cordova sits at the confluence of the Brazos River and Squaw Creek, and that meeting point creates structure: drop-offs, current breaks, and shallow flats where bass hunt. The lake rarely gets crowded the way larger reservoirs do, which means you can find fish without fighting through a fleet of boats.

Key Takeaways

  • De Cordova Bend Park has a public boat ramp, bank fishing access, and a small day-use fee (typically $5 to $8 per vehicle, though this varies by season).
  • Largemouth bass are the main target, with fish in the 2- to 4-pound range common and occasional 5- to 7-pounders caught from deeper structure.
  • The best fishing happens in spring (March through May) when bass move shallow to spawn, and again in fall (September through November) when they feed actively before winter.
  • Summer heat pushes bass deep; focus on the creek channels and the deepest parts of the main lake basin where water stays cooler.
  • Catfish bite year-round on cut shad and chicken liver, especially at night from the bank or from a boat anchored over deeper holes.

Boat Ramp and Launch Conditions

The park has a single concrete ramp that handles most standard trailers. Water level at Lake De Cordova is managed by the Brazos River Authority and can fluctuate, especially in late summer and early fall when the lake is drawn down for irrigation. Before you launch, check the current level — if the lake is low, the ramp may still be usable but the approach can be steep and slick.

There is no fuel dock at the park, so fill your tank in Granbury before you arrive. The ramp area has a small parking lot; on weekends during spring and fall, it fills by mid-morning. Arrive early or plan a weekday trip if you want to avoid the wait.

Bank Fishing and Wading Access

If you don't have a boat, the park's bank offers several productive spots. The main shoreline runs roughly north-south and drops off gradually, making it good for casting crankbaits and soft plastics in 4 to 8 feet of water. The western arm of the park, where Squaw Creek enters, is shallower and holds more structure — fallen trees, rock piles, and submerged brush — which attracts bass in spring and fall.

Wading is possible in the creek arms and along the shallow flats, especially in early morning or late afternoon. Wear shoes with good grip; the bottom is a mix of mud and limestone, and it can be slippery. The water is clearest in spring; by midsummer, algae blooms can reduce visibility.

What Bass and Catfish Bite Here

Largemouth bass in Lake De Cordova respond well to crankbaits that mimic shad, particularly in the 2- to 3-inch range. Throw them along the drop-offs and around any visible structure. Soft plastics — 4-inch worms rigged Texas-style or small swimbaits — work year-round, especially in the creek channels where bass ambush baitfish.

Catfish are abundant and less picky. Cut shad, chicken liver, and stink baits all work. Fish the deeper holes in the main lake basin at night; a simple rod holder and a bell or light will let you know when you have a bite. Catfish here run 3 to 15 pounds, and a night session can produce several fish.

Crappie are present but less reliable than bass and catfish. They school in spring near the creek mouths and in fall around deeper structure. Small jigs or live minnows work best.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Spring (March through May) is the most productive season. Bass move into 2 to 6 feet of water to spawn, and they bite aggressively. The creek arms and shallow flats hold the most fish. Water temperature ranges from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can catch fish all day, though early morning and late afternoon are still best.

Summer (June through August) is slow. Bass retreat to deeper water — 15 to 25 feet — where the lake basin drops off sharply. Focus on the main channel and the deepest holes. Early morning and late evening are your only reliable windows; midday is nearly dead. Catfish bite better in summer than bass, especially at night.

Fall (September through November) brings a second peak. As water cools, bass move back to shallower structure and feed heavily before winter. This period rivals spring for consistency. Winter (December through February) is slow; bass are lethargic and deep, though catfish still bite on the bottom in the deepest holes.

Facilities and What to Bring

De Cordova Bend Park has a parking area, picnic tables, and vault toilets. There is no water, electricity, or camping. The park is day-use only. Bring your own water and snacks, and plan to leave before sunset unless you are fishing for catfish at night from the bank.

The nearest services — gas, food, tackle — are in Granbury, about 15 minutes away. If you need ice, bait, or last-minute tackle, stop in town before you arrive at the park. Cell service is spotty in some areas of the park, so download offline maps if you are navigating by GPS.

Getting There and What to Know Before You Go

From downtown Granbury, take US-67 north toward Glen Rose. Turn east on Park Road 23 (also called De Cordova Bend Road) and follow it about 5 miles to the park entrance. The road is paved and well-marked. Parking and day-use fees are typically $5 to $8 per vehicle; payment is usually at a self-service station at the entrance.

The park is open year-round during daylight hours. Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset unless you have a night-fishing permit for catfish (check with the Brazos River Authority or Granbury Parks and Recreation for current rules). No gasoline motors are allowed on the lake — it is electric motors only or paddle craft. This keeps the water quiet and the fish less pressured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at night for catfish?

Night fishing for catfish is generally allowed from the bank, but you need to check current rules with Granbury Parks and Recreation or the Brazos River Authority before you plan a trip. Some periods have restrictions, and permits may be required.

What is the largemouth bass size and bag limit here?

Texas Parks and Wildlife sets statewide limits: 14 inches minimum length, and you can keep up to five per day. Lake De Cordova has no special restrictions beyond the state rules, so standard Texas regulations apply.

Is the boat ramp usable year-round?

The ramp is open year-round, but water level drops in late summer and early fall, which can make launching difficult. Call ahead to the park or check the Brazos River Authority website for current lake level before you make the drive.

Can I wade and fish without a boat?

Yes. The shallow creek arms and flats are wadeable, especially in spring and early summer. Wear good shoes and bring a net if you plan to land larger fish. The main shoreline is also accessible for bank casting.

What tackle should I bring?

For bass, bring medium-power spinning or baitcasting rods with 6- to 8-pound line, crankbaits, and soft plastics. For catfish, a heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound line and simple sinker rigs works well. Bring polarized sunglasses to spot shallow fish in spring.