I have never been, so I have questions. Where do you pay, and is it just the $5 fee? Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scooter

I have been twice. You can't miss the booth where you pay. Upon arrival they will give you a map that directs you to where you want to go. Last time I went was in December and the fishing was tough. The water was cold, dirty, and on the move. Some fishy looking spots though.

There is a booth at the entrance where you pay. The fee is $5 per person so each person in a vehicle is required to pay. You can get unlimited admissions for 12 months by becoming a Friends of the FWNC member for $60 for an individual ($45 if you are a student or 65 or older). Last year an annual membership was $45. The membership also gets you some additional discounts and perks. You can check the website for those.

Thanks guys, that's what I needed to know.

I need to check this place out. I have seen some amazing pictures coming from here. I need it to warm up a bit tho.

Its one of my favorite places to kayak. Fishing can be decent but even when it is not, it is a beautiful place to paddle. And if you are lucky (or not depending on your perspective), you might see an alligator.

It is my go to place when I can't get to the Brazos. I have caught some nice bass. I don't see alligators every time I kayak at the Nature Center but I know the old alligators see me. I went on a tour with one of the park rangers a couple of years ago and he said then they know of about 45 alligators that are in and around the nature center. I have had a couple of close encounter with some of the 8 to 10 foot alligators but I try to keep a safe distance and be sure if I am in a group of kayak that I have the fastest kayak incase the alligator is looking for an old man to have for lunch. Good Luck and Enjoy the Fort Worth Nature Center. It is a great place to kayak and fish!

Wondering if anyone has been out there in the last several weeks. What's the water like, what's the fishing like? WIll hopefully finally get out for the first time this year on Saturday and it is on my list of possibilities.

I may end up going on Thursday to test ride and get a first impression of my H12. If I go, I will definitely post a report in this thread. I am taking a few rods, but this will mostly be a paddling session.


cricman

please do im interested in going soon also

I made it over this morning for my first excursion on the Ascend H12 and first time at the Nature Center. I can't compare it to other times of the year or conditions, but will do my best to explain the conditions. The water seemed cool and fairly murky- without a thermometer, I would say mid-50's with about 14 inches of visibility. I didn't catch anything, but I didn't spend a lot of time fishing, since I was mostly checking out the new ride and the Nature Center. The scenery was typical mid-winter brown. The reeds are green and the coots are starting to pair and make nests. I was there between 9:30 and 12:30 and saw one power boat and one guy rowing a little zodiac. Here are a few pics:




I didn't see any alligators, but saw plenty of ducks, coots, white pelicans, a kingfisher, and one carp rolling on the surface. I imaging once the temperatures rise and things green up, it will be a very scenic place to paddle. I will definitely go back. I ended up going south from the launch points. I will probably explore north toward Eagle Mountain next time. Per Google maps I covered just over 2 miles.

As for the maiden voyage of the Ascend H12, I would describe the ride as very stable canoe with slightly better tracking, slightly less maneuverability, and all of the storage space. The only thing I didn't do in it was stand up. The seat is a tad too low for me (I am 6' tall, weigh 275 pounds, and shaped like a linebacker), and I didn't have an assist strap. Next time I will bring a strap to hoist me up and practice standing and casting. I am very pleased with it, as it seams well made, plenty sturdy, but not too heavy. Transporting it for me is a snap, since I have a full sized pickup truck bed. I throw it in the back, strap it in, and away I go.


cricman

I was out there this morning for a while. Water is up a bit. Didn't go far, mostly hung around the blue hole. Graph showed lots of fish there but most weren't biting. Ended up with one 14" sandy caught on a small yellow and black curly tail. Water temp was about 53 degrees. Saw three small boats and a few kayaks although about 4 more were launching as I was leaving.

Your pics helped, I'm going to head out there today since it looks really nice out and the weather is decent.

I caught one fish on Monday, it was a legal crappie. didn't see another fish caught. Everybody I spoke with said they weren't catching anything. Lots of people out there too.

I am considering going again Saturday but paddling all the way up to the EM dam and fishing on the way back.

I am also considering going to Mustang Park in Benbrook instead and seeing what if any fish are up shallow yet or going up a creek or two.