Lake Austin

Photos

Overview

Lake Austin is a 1,599-acre, constant-level reservoir on the Colorado River in the City of Austin, controlled by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).

Fishing

TPWD rates the largemouth bass population excellent with trophy potential; many 8-10 pound bass are caught each year. Bluegill, redbreast and redear fishing is good, with low-density flathead and blue catfish. Heavy daytime boat traffic makes summer fishing best at night.

Species

Predominant species: largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish.

Techniques

Fish in and along weed beds; cast white spinnerbaits and topwaters or pitch jigs to weed beds and docks; plastic worms and jerkbaits; minnows under corks along weedlines; tube jigs, crickets or small poppers for panfish.

Seasons

The spring spawn runs February through April. Cold releases from Lake Travis delay spawning on the upper lake. In summer, fish early morning or at night.

Hotspots

Bee Creek near Tom Miller Dam, Bull Creek near the 360 bridge, placed brush piles, rock slides off bluffs, boat docks, marinas and boat bays.

Regulations

Statewide regulations apply. A Triploid Grass Carp Permit is in effect; release any grass carp immediately and unharmed. Check current TPWD bag and length limits before you fish (https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/austin/).

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

1,599 acres; max depth 75 ft; impounded 1939; conservation pool 491.95 ft msl; may fluctuate slightly with Lake Travis releases; watermilfoil and pondweed.

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. TPWD advises caution when fishing at night.

Nearby waters

• Lady Bird Lake · 13 km (TX)
• Walter E. Long Lake · 21 km (TX)
• Pedernales River · 25.5 km (TX)
• Lake Travis · 26.4 km (TX)
• Onion Creek · 26.5 km (TX)
• Lake Georgetown · 37.7 km (TX)

More in Travis

• Onion Creek (TX)
• Lady Bird Lake (TX)
• Lake Travis (TX)
• Pedernales River (TX)
• Walter E. Long Lake (TX)