About Lake Granbury
The Brazos River was dammed which resulted in the river having numerous very wide spots that are collectively referred to as Lake Granbury. Boating can be hazardous – read carefully!
There are many shallow areas and many stumps, many of which are just below the water. After major storms, the lake can become congested with debris, tree limbs, and fallen trees. Use your depth finder and have a lookout.
The closest places to ski and tube are on either side of the Highway 51 bridge. Stay in the middle, watch for jet skis, and don’t get so close to shore your wake bashes bulkheads and docks.
Going left down our channel are other house. It is tight with lots of hazards but is scenic and can get shallow rapidly. If you have a canoe or kayak, it’s easily navigable.
To the right is a channel to another subdivision and the main lake. When entering the main lake, going left takes you to the 377 bridge and downtown and going to the right takes you to the Highway 51 bridge and Hunter Park.
If adventurous, you can drive your boat to downtown and dock at the Mesquite Grill, Buck’s Catfish, the Rocking “R”, and so forth. Navigate close to buoys to avoid hazards. Buoys should have flashing lights at night.
Public Boat Ramps
A free public boat ramp is directly across the street from the Laguna Tres Subdivision entry on Highway 51. It is called Hunter Park. Cross Highway 51 to enter the park and proceed to the boat ramp on the left.
It is common for boaters to leave their vehicle and trailer at Hunter Park while out boating. The last time we checked the rule signs, there was not a prohibition on overnight parking but you do so at your own risk.
There is another public boat ramp in town where Highway 377 crosses Lake Granbury. It is close to Loop 357 and the Mesquite Grill. As with Hunter Park, check the signs for information about overnight parking.
Fishing
Lake Granbury has bass, drum, carp, crappie, and catfish. Typical live bait is worms and minnows while the most common lures are plastic worms and jigs. A license is required unless fishing off the dock.
Bass boats cruise the channel jigging around the docks. We’ve had success off our dog catching catfish and drum using worms and stink bait waited to sink to the bottom. There are also perch that are hard to catch.
Game Warden/Police/Traffic
The lake is patrolled by grey boats with a blue stripe and lights. If you are stopped, expect a safety equipment check and sobriety check. Jet skiers and boats that drive fast or ignore No Wake Zone warnings are targeted.
The lake can get very busy. Watch carefully for other boaters and idiots on jet skis cutting across the bow or stern. Downed skiers and tubers should do all they can to be visible to passing boats until picked up.