Within 20 miles of Forney, TX · Updated 2026-07-02Forney sits in a sweet spot between Lake Ray Hubbard to the west and Lake Lavon to the north — two of the most fished reservoirs in DFW — and almost all of the best access points for families are free or close to it. Texas doesn't require a fishing license for anyone under 17, so a morning on the water costs nothing but bait. Here are the spots worth making the drive for.
Top-Rated Fishing Spots Near Forney
1. Terry Park (Heath)
Starting in Forney, the drive takes about 10 min without traffic, and the round trip still fits inside a morning.
Location: 100 Terry Lane, Heath, TX 75032
Bass and catfish from a rebuilt pier where everything is in good condition: Terry Park's recently upgraded pier in Heath is the kind of infrastructure that makes fishing comfortable and safe for young kids: solid railings, secure boards, and a design that reaches into water where fish hold. Bass and catfish work the submerged timber structure that's visible from the pier, giving kids a reason to understand where they're casting. Restrooms and a nearby trail complete the outing.
Good to know: fishing pier, boat ramp, bank fishing, restrooms, walking trails, picnic areas.
Parent tip: The submerged timber structure below the pier holds bass and catfish best right after sunrise. Bring a light rod for kids and a heavier one for anyone who wants to work the deeper water off the end of the pier.
For current hours and seasonal closures, see the official Terry Park page.
2. Windsurf Bay Park (Garland)
Leaving Forney, you're looking at about 13 min without traffic, close enough that the kids won't gripe about the car ride.
Location: 5556 Locust Grove Road, Garland, TX 75043
42 acres of quieter Ray Hubbard shoreline—less crowded than John Paul Jones Park: Windsurf Bay Park in Garland puts 42 acres of Lake Ray Hubbard shoreline into play without the boat-ramp bustle of the main parks. The bank access stays peaceful because the entrance is off the main drag, and the playground keeps non-fishing siblings occupied while bass, crappie, and catfish work the submerged grass edges year-round. The pavilion provides shade when the Texas sun gets serious.
Good to know: bank fishing, playground, picnic areas, pavilion, parking, volleyball court.
Parent tip: The south end of the park's shoreline has better structure for bass — look for the grass-line transition from the bank and work parallel to it.
Hours and amenities shift with the season — confirm today's on the Windsurf Bay Park city page.
3. John Paul Jones Park (Garland)
Starting in Forney, the drive takes about 14 min without traffic, and the round trip still fits inside a morning.
Location: 4099 Zion Road, Garland, TX 75043
A fishing pier, boat ramp infrastructure, and picnic shelter all in one Ray Hubbard location: This east Garland park's setup makes Ray Hubbard accessible in every way: a proper fishing pier, boat-ramp structure that holds fish, covered pavilions for rest and meals, and a walking trail for when someone in the family wants movement. Bass, catfish, and crappie hit reliably here because the pier reaches into productive water and the ramp structure attracts fish. It's the kind of park you settle in for a full day.
Good to know: fishing pier, bank fishing, boat ramp, picnic shelters, restrooms, parking.
Parent tip: The covered shelters fill by 9am on summer weekends. Pack a folding chair if you're arriving after 8am — the shaded bench space goes fast.
4. Lakeside Park (Rowlett)
Out of Forney, plan for about 16 min in the car, which makes Rowlett an easy weekday-afternoon trip from Forney.
Location: 3015 CA Roan Drive, Rowlett, TX 75088
A quieter Ray Hubbard pier when the main parks are packed: Lakeside Park in Rowlett has a dedicated fishing pier on Lake Ray Hubbard with less foot traffic than the bigger Garland parks. Crappie and catfish are the reliable bites here, and the pier is close to the parking lot — easy for families loading in a lot of gear. Good shade on the surrounding bank makes this manageable even in summer.
Good to know: fishing pier, bank fishing, restrooms, picnic areas, parking, shade.
Parent tip: Crappie move shallow around the pier pilings in spring — a small jig or live minnow right next to the structure is the move. Bring extra hooks.
Planning a specific day? Check the Lakeside Park status page for closures first.
5. City Lake Park (Royse City)
A proper outing from Forney at 18.2 miles, but the scale here is hard to match closer to Forney.
Location: 1100 Live Oak Street, Royse City, TX 75189
The low-pressure kids' pond where success is built in—stocked, managed, and proven: City Lake Park's approach in Royse City eliminates guesswork: regular channel catfish and rainbow trout stockings mean a visit has actual catch odds, the pier is sized for kids making their first casts, and the city's youth fishing derby schedule gives families reasons to return. The surrounding park amenities—playground, picnic areas, walking trail—make this a full outing, not just fishing.
Good to know: fishing pier, stocked pond, catch-and-release, playground, picnic areas, restrooms.
Parent tip: Target the week right after the February trout stocking for the best rainbow action. Call Royse City Parks at (972) 636-2919 to confirm the stocking schedule.
Before you load up the car, review the City Lake Park page for maintenance or event closures.
6. Little Ridge Park (Lavon)
19.9 miles from Forney, and the drive is simple; Lavon is well-signed from the highway.
Location: County Road 486, Lavon, TX 75166
The most peaceful Lake Lavon access point—a 19-mile drive for a genuinely quiet outing: Little Ridge Park on Lake Lavon's eastern shore is where families go when they want fishing to feel like a nature trip instead of a crowded park visit. The small pier, bank access, and surrounding shade create a setting that's genuinely different from the busier west-side ramps. White bass, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass are all in this section of the lake, and the low-traffic environment makes success feel earned rather than guaranteed.
Good to know: fishing pier, boat ramp, bank fishing, Lake Lavon access, picnic tables, restrooms.
Parent tip: Year-round access, no fee, and rarely crowded. Best for families who want a genuine "we had the water to ourselves" morning.
Save yourself a wasted trip — the Little Ridge Park page lists current hours and closures.
How we picked these
We weighted public shore access without a boat required, confirmed fish populations or documented stocking programs, family amenities (restrooms, picnic areas, playground nearby), and driving distance from Forney. No paid placements — we have no relationship with these cities or venues.Planning your visit
Spring (March–May) is the strongest season for all three of these lakes — white bass runs, crappie spawn, and active largemouth. Summer catfish are reliable through the heat. Texas fishing license is required for ages 17 and up; anyone under 17 fishes free at all public water. Arrive at Ray Hubbard parks before 8am on weekends — the lots fill fast.For more kids' events near Forney this week, see the Forney events page.
Forney Kid Fishing Checklist
- A rod sized for small hands: a short push-button spincast combo is far easier for a child to cast than a long rod, and it tangles less.
- Pinch the barbs flat: a quick squeeze with pliers turns any hook barbless. It comes out of a fish (or a thumb) in seconds and barely affects your catch rate.
- Sun protection and water: hats, SPF 50+, and a full bottle each. Terry Park and most spots on this list sit out in open sun with little shade on the bank.
- Pliers, a small first-aid kit, and snacks: pliers for hooks, the kit for the occasional poke, and snacks because kid patience runs on a short clock.
Fishing Piers, Stocked Ponds & Places to Fish Near Forney
- Fishing piers: Terry Park, John Paul Jones Park, Lakeside Park and City Lake Park have a fishing pier: a stable, railed platform over deeper water, the easiest place to start a young kid without wading the bank.
- Stocked ponds: City Lake Park is regularly stocked, so there are actually fish to catch. That's the difference between a first trip that hooks a kid and one that bores them.
- Bank fishing: Terry Park, Windsurf Bay Park, John Paul Jones Park and Lakeside Park have open, walkable shoreline to cast straight from land, no boat or pier needed.
- Open water: Terry Park, Windsurf Bay Park, John Paul Jones Park and Lakeside Park step up to a full lake with a boat ramp when your kids outgrow the city ponds.
Licenses, Limits, and Catch-and-Release
- Know the license rule: in Texas, anyone 17 and older needs a fishing license; kids under 17 fish free, and bank fishing is license-free inside any Texas state park.
- Check bag and length limits: each species has its own keep limits, posted on the Texas Parks & Wildlife site. When in doubt, release it.
- Handle fish with wet hands: dry hands strip the slime coat that protects a fish. Wet your hands first, support the belly, and keep it out of the water only as long as a photo takes.
- Pack out your line: discarded fishing line tangles birds and turtles. A zip bag for old line and hooks keeps the bank safe for the next family.
Forney Fishing Spots, Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fishing spots for kids near Forney, TX?
Our 2026 guide picks 6 standout fishing spots within about 20 miles of Forney. The top picks include Terry Park, Windsurf Bay Park and John Paul Jones Park, each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.
Are fishing spots near Forney free?
Yes, every fishing spot in this guide is free to visit, with no admission fee or ticket required for Terry Park, Windsurf Bay Park, John Paul Jones Park or any of the other picks.
What is the closest fishing spot to Forney?
Terry Park in Heath is the closest pick at about 6.7 miles from Forney. It's the easiest one to fit into a weekday afternoon, short drive, low commitment, easy to leave early if the kids melt down.
Do I need a fishing license to fish near Forney?
In Texas, anyone 17 and older needs a fishing license, but kids under 17 fish free, and you can fish license-free from the bank in any Texas state park. Most of the spots in this guide are free public access, check the official page linked on each card for parking, pier hours, and any local rules.
Are there fishing piers or stocked ponds near Forney?
Yes, Terry Park, John Paul Jones Park, Lakeside Park have a fishing pier; and City Lake Park is regularly stocked. A pier gives kids a stable, railed spot over deeper water, and a stocked pond means there are actually fish biting, both make the difference on a first trip. Each card above notes what that spot has.