My wife and I are looking at camping somewhere within 100 miles of Fort Worth for Labor Day Weekend. I'd like to do some kayak fishing while we are there and I was thinking of the grasslands because they are close and we've never been there.

Going through the posts over the last year on the TFF, things are looking pretty bleak in terms of the lakes up there. I have a few questions, if anyone has a few minutes and some advice.

Would it be worth it to try to fish any of the lakes? I'm looking for bass.

On the Forest Service website, it says there is a $2 fee per vehicle. Does this mean you can camp wherever you find a spot? We prefer primitive camping anyway, but wasn't sure if I would need to reserve a spot ahead of time.

Does it get crowded up there during LDW?

Thanks in advance.

Gets crowded on holidays with all the horse people but it is a huge place. It is a camp where you find a spot no charge as far as I know except for the area by the pit toilets. If you are a backpacker you can get lost and not see anyone for a couple of days out there if that is your thing! The lakes have filled up quite a bit and there are good fish in them, caught bass as big as 6 lbs or so. That weekend is the beginning hunting season, there will be hunters out there too. It is beautiful and for the most part a fairly wild place and the best part, it is public land for all of us to use!

If you don't want to have to worry with dove hunters, Black Creek Lake is the only " no hunting area" out there, otherwise you will have to deal with hunters

Forgot about hunting starting that weekend. Thanks for the feedback, guys!

All the lakes of the grasslands are now full. I did hear of a big fish kill at Cottonwood Lake a few weeks ago. If I were taking my kayak out I would probably try Clear Lake right now. Most hunters will stay away from this immediate area.

Thanks for the advice.

THIS

Dove season opens on Monday, September 1st. You should be good to camp Saturday and Sunday and not have to worry about hunters.