Lake Bardwell gives Ennis a real lake edge

Lake Bardwell sits four miles southwest of Ennis. The reservoir covers 3,138 acres, has a maximum depth of 43 feet, and has held water since 1965. That gives the prairie south of town a broad lake edge rather than a single creek crossing or farm pond.

The water changes character from one end to the other. North of State Highway 34, abundant hydrilla adds fish cover, while the shallow upper end may require high water for boat access. The face of the dam forms another band of fishing structure. White and hybrid striped bass and crappie are the predominant fish, with catfish and largemouth bass also part of the fishing picture.

Access comes from several directions. TPWD lists Love Park, Little Mustang Creek, Waxahachie Creek, Highview Park, Highview Marina, and Mott Park around the shore. Boat ramps anchor that list, while Mott Park also has two bank-fishing areas. As checked in August 2026, the separate State Public Ramp was marked closed. Bardwell is less one overlook than a collection of shorelines, ramps, creek arms, and open water just beyond Ennis.