What Hickory Creek Park Offers

Hickory Creek Park sits on the north shore of Lake Lewisville, about 15 miles north of downtown Lewisville, and gives you access to a quieter arm of the lake where the creek feeds in. The park itself is small — mostly a boat ramp, parking, and picnic area — but the water around it holds largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish year-round. The creek channel runs deeper than the surrounding shallows, which concentrates fish, especially in summer when the main lake gets crowded and warm.

The real value here is that you can launch a boat or kayak and work both the creek proper and the transition zone where it meets the lake. If you fish from shore, you're limited to the immediate bank area, but that bank faces the creek mouth, which is where fish move through during low-light hours. The park has no amenities beyond the ramp and parking — no bait shop, no restrooms, no shade structures — so bring what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Hickory Creek Park is a boat-launch-only facility on Lake Lewisville's north arm, about 15 miles north of town, with no services beyond parking and a concrete ramp.
  • The creek channel holds largemouth bass and catfish year-round, with the best fishing in early morning and late evening when fish move into shallower water.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons; summer fishing is possible but requires fishing deeper structure or the creek mouth at dawn and dusk.
  • You'll need a Texas fishing license and a Lewisville Lake use permit if you're launching a boat; day-use parking is free but the ramp itself may have a small launch fee depending on current park policy.

When to Fish Hickory Creek

Spring (March through May) is the prime window. Water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, bass move shallow to spawn, and they feed aggressively before and after. The creek channel becomes a highway for fish moving between deep water and the flats. Early morning — first light through mid-morning — is when you'll see the most activity.

Fall (September through November) is nearly as good. Water cools, bass move back to shallower structure, and the creek mouth concentrates them as they transition between feeding zones. Catfish bite well into the night during fall, so if you're targeting them, plan for an evening or overnight session.

Summer (June through August) is tougher. The lake warms into the 80s and 90s, and fish retreat to deeper water or the creek channel where current and shade provide relief. If you go, fish the creek mouth at first light or the deeper holes along the channel in the afternoon. Catfish are more reliable than bass in summer heat.

Winter (December through February) slows the bite considerably, but it's not dead. Bass and catfish move to the deepest parts of the creek channel. Fish move slowly and eat less, so patience and live bait work better than fast retrieves.

What Fish Live Here and How to Target Them

Largemouth bass are the main draw. They range from 1 to 5 pounds on average, with occasional fish pushing 6 or 7 pounds. In spring, throw shallow crankbaits and soft plastics around any visible structure — fallen trees, rock piles, or the creek banks. In summer, move to the creek channel itself and fish deeper with jigs or Texas-rigged worms. Early morning and late evening are non-negotiable for summer bass.

Catfish — channel cats and some flatheads — are abundant and less picky about time of day. Fish cut bait (shad or bluegill), chicken liver, or stink bait on the bottom in the creek channel or near the mouth. Catfish bite better at night, especially in summer and fall. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a 12- to 18-inch leader works well.

Sunfish (bluegill, redear, longear) are plentiful around shallow structure and the creek banks. They bite small jigs, live crickets, or tiny spinners. They're not the target for most anglers here, but they're reliable if you want consistent action or are fishing with kids.

Tackle and Technique

For bass, bring a medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod with 10- to 15-pound monofilament or braided line. Shallow crankbaits, soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms or creature baits), and small jigs all work. If you're kayaking or wading, focus on the creek banks and the transition zone between the creek and open water.

For catfish, a medium-heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound line and a simple three-way rig is standard. Use a 1- to 2-ounce sinker to hold bottom in current, and a 12- to 18-inch leader with a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook. Circle hooks hook themselves when a catfish runs, so you don't need to set the hook hard.

The creek channel is the key structure. It runs deeper than the surrounding flats, and fish use it as a travel corridor. If you're in a boat, use a depth finder to locate the channel and follow it. If you're from shore, cast toward the channel mouth and let your bait or lure work the edge where depth changes.

Getting There and What to Bring

From downtown Lewisville, take I-35E north to the Lewisville Lake exit, then follow signs to Hickory Creek Park. It's about a 20-minute drive. The park has a concrete boat ramp, parking for about 20 vehicles, and that's it. There are no restrooms, no water, no shade, and no bait shop nearby.

Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks. If you're launching a boat, check current launch fees with the Lewisville Lake Authority — fees change and vary by season. You'll need a Texas fishing license (available online or at most sporting goods stores) and a Lewisville Lake use permit if you're launching a boat. Day-use parking is typically free, but confirm before you go.

If you're fishing from shore, arrive early to claim a spot along the bank. The park is small, and on weekends it fills up quickly. Early morning (before 7 a.m.) is your best bet for solitude and fish activity.

Regulations and Licensing

Texas requires a fishing license for anyone 17 and older. You can buy a one-day license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or at most sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is valid for 24 consecutive hours from the time of purchase.

Bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily bag limit on Lake Lewisville. Catfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily bag limit. Sunfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily bag limit. These rules change occasionally, so check the current TPWD regulations before you fish.

If you're launching a boat, you'll also need a Lewisville Lake use permit. This is separate from your fishing license and is managed by the Lewisville Lake Authority. Permits are inexpensive and can be purchased at the park or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Hickory Creek Park?

Yes, but access is limited. The park has a small bank area along the creek mouth where you can cast, but there's no dedicated shore-fishing area. Most anglers here launch boats or kayaks. If you fish from shore, arrive early and focus on the creek mouth at dawn or dusk when fish are most active.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No, but a boat or kayak opens up much more water. From shore, you're confined to the immediate bank. A kayak is affordable and gives you access to the creek channel and the transition zone without the cost or hassle of a full boat. Many anglers kayak here and catch plenty of bass and catfish.

What's the best bait for catfish at Hickory Creek?

Cut shad or bluegill works well, as does chicken liver or commercial stink bait. Catfish rely on smell, so the stronger the bait, the better. Fish on the bottom in the creek channel or near the mouth, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

Is Hickory Creek Park crowded?

It's quieter than the main Lewisville Lake launch areas, but it does fill up on weekends and holidays. Arrive before dawn if you want solitude and the best fishing. Weekday mornings are usually peaceful.

What should I do if I'm new to fishing Lake Lewisville?

Start at Hickory Creek in spring or fall, fish early morning, and focus on the creek channel. Bring a simple setup — a medium rod, some soft plastics for bass, and some cut bait for catfish. Talk to other anglers at the ramp; most are willing to share what's been working. The creek is forgiving water for learning the lake.