Beautiful Eagle Mountain Reservoir sits exactly on the northwest border of the Ft. Worth, Texas, city limits. Formerly known as Eagle Mountain Lake, its official name is Eagle Mountain Reservoir. Many people continue to call it Eagle Mountain Lake.
Eagle Mountain Lake is located in Tarrant and Wise Counties in Texas. The Tarrant County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 owns and operates Eagle Mountain Reservoir for purposes of industrial, irrigational, municipal, and recreational uses on the West Fork of the Trinity River. The towns around Eagle Mountain Reservoir clockwise from its northern end are Briar, Newark, and Azle, Texas.
Eagle Mountain Lake covers 19,050 acres with a maximum depth of 47 feet and 93 miles of shoreline. Its rolling hills, bluffs, and blue water make this lake an amazing getaway. It is so close to Ft. Worth that visitors can easily acquire supplies, but it has a taste of the country as well. On the southern end of the lake, you can see the city lights of Ft. Worth, but once you travel north, you are in the amazing, nights-filled-with-stars region where west Texas begins.
Natural wonders surround Eagle Mountain Lake beginning with the Ft. Worth Nature Center and Refuge, amazing trails, public parks, unique shops, camping, boating, fishing, stunning sunrises and sunsets, beautiful homes, working ranches, and more. What can’t you do at Eagle Mountain Lake? Not much. There are activities from shooting ranges to golf to the Federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing within close proximity of Eagle Mountain Lake.
History of Eagle Mountain Lake
The region of Eagle Mountain Reservoir was known by Native Americans first, which go back to prehistoric times, then the oncoming European fur traders, then fur trappers, and finally U.S. settlers for its overly abundant sources of water and game. The Trinity River runs for 710 miles literally from south of the Red River on the border of Texas and Oklahoma to just below the same Red River east of Houston. The West Fork of the Trinity River was vital to the Indians, and all who came after them. When European explorers found this region, they traded with the Caddo and Tonkawa tribes.
In April 1922, Ft. Worth experienced a flooding disaster. Eagle Mountain Lake sits a few miles north of the first-built of Ft. Worth’s Big Six Lakes, Lake Worth. Three creeks that supplied Lake Worth, plus the Lake Worth dam flooded, and the waterworks, electrical power, and telephone systems failed, which left people stranded in trees and on rooftops without drinking water. Ft. Worth had to control the floods, and this flood began a challenge to convince voters to give authority to levy taxes to solve the serious dangers of flooding in the region.
The Ft. Worth Star Telegram embarked on a PR campaign to urge voters to invest in five more lakes with Joe Pool Lake to begin construction on its dam in 62 years. The citizens voted four to one to begin construction on Eagle Mountain and Bridgeport Lakes on October 7, 1924. The Texas State Board of Water Engineers awarded three companies contracts to build their dams concurrently beginning in 1930 on May 1, 1928.
County voters approved a $6.5 million bond election to finance two lakes on the West Fork: Eagle Mountain Lake above Lake Worth, and Bridgeport Lake above Eagle Mountain Lake. The Trinity Farms Construction Company estimated that they needed an army of 2,000 men with axes to clear trees for the two lakes. Eagle Mountain Lake’s dam of 4,000 feet would impound 210,000 acre-feet.
They completed the Eagle Mountain dam and reservoir in 1934. Eagle Mountain Lake remains the second-built of Ft. Worth’s Big Six lakes which include Lake Bridgeport, Benbrook Lake, Grapevine Lake, Village Creek Lake, and Joe Pool Lake. These six lakes, so expertly engineered during the Great Depression of the 20th century, support the DFW Metroplex today in more ways than we can count.
Eagle Mountain Lake Fishing
Fishing for white bass and crappie is excellent on Eagle Mountain Lake, and largemouth and spotted bass, and blue, channel, and flathead catfish is good. The lower end and middle parts of the lake have cover for fish in the form of piers and boathouses. The upper end of the lake provides reed beds. White crappie school at the lower end of Eagle Mountain Lake in the summer. Largemouth bass hang out in the reed beds and private boat docks. Aquatic vegetation and brush will hold bass during spring and fall.
Besides the predominant species listed above, anglers will also find smallmouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, and hybrid striped bass, and longnose and spotted gar good fishing. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issues a strict boater advisory on Eagle Mountain Lake: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir! Make sure to clean, drain and dry your boat, trailer, live wells and bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. Draining water is required by law and possession and transport of zebra mussels is illegal.
Whatever your fishing desires demand, you can find them on Eagle Mountain Lake. If you want to go fishing with family or friends, but do not want the expense or maintenance of a boat, no worries! Plenty of experienced fishing guide services are ready to take your party on that exciting, catch-your-limit, fishing adventure on Eagle Mountain Lake. Book your one-of-a-kind fishing trip today on our Eagle Mountain Lake Fishing Guides page.
Boating on Eagle Mountain Lake
While you can find every type of boat and watercraft on Eagle Mountain Lake, this lake hosts several yearly sailing regattas, and it is a foremost venue for the Texas Yacht Racing circuit. Sailors take every advantage of the breezes supplied by mother nature at every opportunity. Wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and pontooning provide water lovers with days of fun during warm weather. There are several prestigious boat clubs operating on Eagle Mountain Reservoir.
Boating lake lubbers will find a major party cove, waterfront eateries, many arms of the reservoir for private swimming, coves for wet biking with calm waters, dock access all around including from the restaurants and bars, and the Christmas Raft Parade. Boat rentals, five marinas, wonderful beaches, and boat/watercraft repair and detailing services are abundant. Owners of the Eagle Mountain Lake businesses come and go, but the businesses continue to stay open with new owners who continue to be ready to show the boating public a great time with 5 star service. Buy or sell a boat on our Eagle Mountain Lake Boats For Sale page
Eagle Mountain Lake Marinas
There are five marinas on Eagle Mountain Lake, and they are there to serve you with all your boating needs. These are some of the most beautiful marinas in Texas with stunning views and all the amenities a marina can offer. They have wet slips, dry storage, trailer storage, ships stores, restaurants, security, laundromats, hot showers, picnic, swim, and recreation areas, camping and RV sites, and some can accommodate 40 to 60-foot boats.
You cannot find finer amenities for you and your boat in the state of Texas than on Eagle Mountain Reservoir. It is representative of the best hospitality a lake can offer to a boater. Find your boat its perfect home on our Eagle Mountain Lake Marinas page.
Cabins and Vacation Homes
Eagle Mountain Lake is known for the exclusive and absolutely gorgeous homes dotting its shoreline that boaters frequently cruise around to admire. Many of these homes are used only as vacation rental homes. Imagine staying in a thoroughly modern, exclusive and gorgeous waterfront home for your dream sabbatical at the lake!
There is much more for perfect lake getaway options at Eagle Mountain Lake in the form of cabins, cottages, condos, apartments, and even barndominiums right on the water. These rentals have private docks, swimming pools and hot tubs, and fishing piers on acreages and lots. You can find rustic and charming to the most modern features that sleep from one to as many as you want. There are usually about 1,000 rentals available at any given time on Eagle Mountain Lake. There are so many options available to you, but you need to book your lodgings in advance. Look for your next amazing vacation rental on our Eagle Mountain Lake Cabins page
Camping At Eagle Mountain Lake
Tons of camping options abound at Eagle Mountain Lake. Do you want a tent or RV site right on the waterfront? No problem! Eagle Mountain Lake campgrounds and RV parks offer courtesy docks, camping, fishing, swimming beaches, picnic and recreation areas, and most importantly, peace of mind in natural surroundings. Campgrounds and RV parks are dotted around the lake. With the towns of Azle, Pelican Bay, and Newark right there by the lake, plus Ft. Worth on the southern end, there is no problem if campers run out of supplies.
The mind-gripping sunrises and sunsets, plus the availability of numerous camping sites offer wonderful times with family or friends filled with days of fun on the beautiful blue waters of Eagle Mountain Lake. Catch your fish, and then cook them on barbie. Swim all day, then relax and enjoy the big sky where west Texas begins. Look up your next camp spot on our Eagle Mountain Lake Camping And RV Parks page.
Hiking Around Eagle Mountain Lake
Tarrant Regional Water District operates a 400-acre park on the northwest end of Eagle Mountain Lake with five miles of trails that are for beginners and experienced hikers, or you can bring your horses for a great riding experience. Eagle Mountain Park on the northeastern side of the lake has five excellent hiking trails for all hiking skill levels with picnic tables, benches, water fountains, and sometimes restrooms, but does not allow dogs, horses, or bicycles. At the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, people can view wildlife from boardwalks across wetlands of numerous species, including alligators.
Things To Do At Eagle Mountain Lake
The Federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing is only 10 miles from the southern end of Eagle Mountain Lake. Visitors can see where billions of U.S. dollars printed, a theater film, and tour two floors of interactive exhibits and displays showcasing currency history and the intricate art of currency manufacturing. Choose from two golf courses at Eagle Mountain Lake.
The Golf Club at The Resort is a 6,636-yard, Par 72, 18-Hole Championship Golf Course. It is located on the eastern shore of Eagle Mountain Lake, amid beautiful rolling topography, live oaks trees, and an abundance of wildlife. Cross Timbers Golf Course on the southwestern side of Eagle Mountain Lake features large Champion Bermuda greens, undulating fairways, and natural elevation changes. This course will challenge even the most accomplished player. However, four sets of tee boxes ensure even the beginning player a fair test and enjoyable experience. Throw frisbees at the Eagle Ranch Disc Golf Park.
Plenty of restaurants serving a variety of cuisine salt and peppered around Eagle Mountain Lake can satisfy both hunger and thirst. The River Valley Motocross Park is a well-kept track with a family-oriented atmosphere and provides tons of fun. In the parks, visitors can find volleyball and basketball courts and a soccer field, and playgrounds. Nearby Ft. Worth offers so many wonderful adventures like the historic Ft. Worth Stockyards, the Ft. Worth Arts District with museums, galleries, and gardens, the biggest rodeo in north Texas, the Fat Stock Show, and a cornucopia of shopping experiences.
Explore activities on our Things To Do At Eagle Mountain Lake page.
Eagle Mountain Lake Weather
Eagle Mountain Reservoir sees an average of 37 inches of rain per year with 2 inches of snow and 233 days of sunshine. The winter low in January is 30 degrees and a summer high in July of 95 degrees. April, May, and October are the most comfortable months for this region. Keep an eye on the skies with our Eagle Mountain Lake Weather Forecast page
Real Estate on Eagle Mountain Lake
The homes surrounding Eagle Mountain Lake are spectacular and provide a major part of the atmospheric experience on the lake. The average price for these upscale homes is $656,000. There are cheaper options, and on average about 40 homes for sale and 20 lake lots. Azle has the closest Walmart on the west side of Eagle Mountain Lake and there is another one on the southeastern edge. Northwest ISD, Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD, and Azle ISD serve educational needs near Eagle Mountain Lake. Find the perfect lake home on our Eagle Mountain Lake Homes For Sale page
Eagle Mountain Lake Zip Codes
Tarrant County:
75022, 75368, 76001, 76002, 76003, 76004, 76005, 76006, 76007, 76010, 76011, 76012, 76013, 76014, 76015, 76016, 76017, 76018, 76019, 76020, 76021, 76022, 76028, 76034, 76036, 76039, 76040, 76051, 76052, 76053, 76054, 76060, 76063, 76092, 76094, 76095, 76096, 76098, 76099, 76101,76102, 76103, 76104, 76105, 76106, 76107, 76108, 76109, 76110, 76111, 76112, 76113, 76114, 76115, 76116, 76117, 76118, 76119, 76120, 76121, 76122, 76123, 76124, 76126, 76127, 76129, 76130, 76131, 76132, 76133, 76134, 76135, 76136, 76137, 76140, 76147, 76148, 76150, 76155, 76161, 76162,76163, 76164, 76166, 76177, 76179, 76180, 76181, 76182, 76185, 76190, 76191, 76192, 76193, 76195, 76196, 76197, 76198, 76199, 76244, 76248, and 76262.
Wise County:
76023, 76071, 76073, 76078, 76225, 76234, 76246, 76267, 76270, 76426, and 76431.