What Tower Bay Park offers anglers

Tower Bay Park sits on the north shore of Lake Lewisville and gives you direct access to one of the lake's most productive shallow-water zones. The park has a boat ramp, covered fishing pier, and bank access along a protected cove — the kind of setup that works whether you're launching a rig or fishing from shore with a rod and tackle box. The shallow bay holds catfish year-round, crappie in spring and fall, and largemouth bass when the water cools. Because the cove is protected from the main lake's wind and chop, it's one of the steadier spots on Lewisville when conditions turn rough.

The park itself is small and straightforward: a paved ramp, a few parking spaces, a covered pier with benches, and grassy bank space. There's no bait shop or restaurant on-site, so bring what you need. The facilities are maintained by the City of Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department, and the park is open dawn to dusk year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Tower Bay Park has a boat ramp and covered fishing pier on the north shore of Lake Lewisville, making it accessible for both boat and bank anglers.
  • The shallow cove holds catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass depending on season, with spring and fall being peak times for crappie.
  • The protected bay stays calmer than the main lake during windy conditions, making it a reliable option when other Lewisville access points are rough.
  • The park has no on-site amenities like bait or food, so plan to bring everything you'll need for your trip.

Boat ramp and parking

The ramp at Tower Bay is a single-lane concrete launch in decent condition. It's not the widest or longest ramp on Lewisville, but it handles standard trailers without drama. The parking lot holds roughly a dozen vehicles, which fills up on weekends during spring crappie season. There's no fee to launch, and no permit required — just show up during park hours.

If you're towing a larger rig or pulling a pontoon, arrive early or plan a weekday trip. The lot can get tight, and there's no overflow parking. The ramp itself drains well and doesn't get slick with algae the way some Lewisville access points do, especially in summer.

Fishing the shallow cove

The bay in front of Tower Bay Park runs 8 to 15 feet deep in most spots, with a muddy bottom and scattered brush. This depth and structure make it a magnet for catfish, particularly channel cats and blues. Fish the deeper edges of the cove at night with cut shad or chicken liver, or work the shallower flats during dawn and dusk. Catfish bite year-round here, though they're most active in spring and fall.

Crappie move into the shallows during March through May and again in September and October. Fish around any submerged timber or brush piles — the park's cove has enough structure to hold good numbers. White crappie tend to run slightly shallower than black crappie in this bay. A 1/16-ounce jig tipped with a minnow or small soft plastic works well, and live shiners under a bobber will catch fish if you want to keep things simple.

Largemouth bass are present but not the main draw here. They're most active in late fall and winter when the water cools. Work the edges of the cove with topwater early in the morning or throw soft plastics along any grass line that develops in summer.

Bank fishing and the covered pier

The covered pier is the main bank-fishing feature at Tower Bay. It's a solid concrete structure with benches, and it puts you out over water deep enough to hold fish. The pier works well for catfish at night and for crappie during the spring and fall runs. You can also fish the grassy bank to either side of the pier, though the water is shallower there and less productive for most species.

The pier stays shaded most of the day, which is a real advantage during hot months. It's also a good spot to bring kids or anyone who doesn't want to deal with a boat. Bring your own tackle and bait — there's nowhere to buy either at the park.

When to fish Tower Bay

Spring (March through May) is peak season for crappie, and the shallow cove warms faster than deeper parts of the lake, drawing fish in early. Catfish bite consistently through spring and into early summer. Summer can be slow for crappie but catfish remain active at night. Fall (September through November) brings another crappie bite and cools the water enough to trigger bass activity. Winter is quieter overall, but catfish still bite, and you'll have the park mostly to yourself.

Wind direction matters here more than at other Lewisville spots. When the wind is out of the north or northeast, the cove stays protected. South and west winds can push chop into the bay, though it's usually milder than what you'd find on the main lake. Check the forecast before you go, especially if you're launching a small boat.

What to bring and what to know

Bring your own tackle, bait, and water. The nearest bait shop is several miles away, so don't count on picking up supplies at the last minute. A headlamp or flashlight is essential if you're fishing at night for catfish. The park has no restroom facilities, so plan accordingly.

Lake Lewisville requires a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fishing license for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase one online through the TPWD website or at most sporting goods stores. There's no separate day-use fee for the park itself. The ramp is open dawn to dusk, and the park gates close at sunset, so plan your trip to be off the water before dark unless you're fishing the pier and can walk out after the gates close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at night from the pier?

Yes, the pier is open for night fishing even after the park gates close at sunset. You can walk out to it on foot. This is the best time for catfish. Bring a headlamp and watch your footing on the concrete, especially if it's wet.

Is there a bait and tackle shop near Tower Bay?

No shop is located at the park. The nearest bait shops are several miles away in Lewisville proper. Bring everything you need before you arrive, or plan a supply run before heading to the park.

What's the best time of year to catch crappie here?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through October) are the prime crappie seasons at Tower Bay. The shallow cove warms and cools faster than deeper water, making it attractive to crappie during these transitions.

Do I need a boat to fish Tower Bay, or can I fish from shore?

You can fish from the covered pier and the grassy bank without a boat. The pier is the most productive spot for shore fishing, especially for catfish and crappie. Bank fishing works but is less consistent than fishing from a boat or the pier.

What's the parking situation on weekends?

The lot holds about a dozen vehicles and fills up on spring weekends during crappie season. Arrive early or fish on a weekday if you want to avoid a full lot. There's no overflow parking, so plan accordingly.