Lake Lyndon B Johnson

Photos

Overview

Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (Lake LBJ) is a 6,449-acre, constant-level reservoir on the Colorado River near Marble Falls, Kingsland and Granite Shoals, controlled by LCRA.

Fishing

TPWD says Lake LBJ has the best white crappie population in the Highland Lakes chain. Largemouth and Guadalupe bass are moderate density, white bass run up the Llano River February-May, and blue, channel and flathead catfish are abundant.

Species

Largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish.

Techniques

Flip water willow with worms and jigs, or pitch docks. Use topwaters, spinnerbaits and crankbaits on clear rocky banks in the lower lake. For white bass, throw twister tails, hair jigs and small crankbaits. For crappie, fish docks and brush piles.

Seasons

Bass are best in spring and fall and tend to stay shallow. Canals warm early in February-March before the spawn. White bass run up the Llano and Colorado arms from February. The Horseshoe Bay power plant discharges warm water in winter, which concentrates fish.

Hotspots

Docks in the Colorado River arm near deep water; water willow and spatterdock in creeks; the Horseshoe Bay power-plant discharge; the Lions Club boat ramp in Kingsland gives access to the Llano River white bass run.

Regulations

Statewide regulations apply. Bowfishers are subject to special LCRA regulations. Check current TPWD bag and length limits before you fish (https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/lbj/).

Licensing

Texas requires a fishing license with a freshwater endorsement to fish public fresh water. Residents and non-residents under 17 are exempt (TPWD Outdoor Annual: tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses/).

Water facts

6,449 acres; max depth 90 ft; impounded 1951; conservation pool 825 ft msl; constant level; heavily developed shoreline.

Safety & advisories

TPWD boater advisory: zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir. Clean, drain and dry boats, trailers, livewells and bait buckets before moving to another water; draining is required by law and possessing or transporting zebra mussels is illegal.

Nearby waters

• Inks Lake · 19.5 km (TX)
• Lake Buchanan · 29.7 km (TX)
• Lake Travis · 31.4 km (TX)
• Pedernales River · 32.3 km (TX)

More in Llano

• Lake Buchanan (TX)