Here are some of the best baits to use on Lake Travis near Austin, Texas
Worms
You guessed it. The most used lure on Lake Travis is probably the worm. Whether a straight worm, like a Yamamoto Senko or a Yum Dinger, or a Curtly-tailed worm like a Berkley Powerworm or a Zoom Ol' Monster, you can't go wrong with one of these. There are many ways to rig them that will catch some bass as well. A Texas-rigged worm works very good as well as a whacky-rigged worm. a worm can be used on a dropshot, Carolina Rig or a shaky head.
Example of a Texas-rigged worm.
Crank Baits
These are some of the best lures as they mimic the most popular target of what bass forage on whether it is shad, bluegill or other species of fish. They come in a variety of sizes as well and some are made for fishing around certain types of structures. Some of the different kinds are squarebills, for shallow structure fishing, medium cranks, for 6-12 feet of water, and deep cranks for the 12-25 foot of water column. It's best to use the size that will make contact with the bottom in the depth of water you are targeting.
Example of a Squarebill Crankbait.
Spinnerbaits
These are one of the best baits during spawn as you can cover a lot of water quickly to find those reaction bites. It's a great way to find where a lot of bass are piled up in an area as it mimics a small school of shad.
Example of a Spinnerbait.
Topwater Lures
These are the most fun baits you can throw on Lake Travis, or any lake for that matter, if the conditions are right. When the water either starts getting warm in the spring/summer or when the water temps get cooler in the fall, this is when these lures gets good. Whether it's a walking style bait or a poper or twitch style, bass will explode on them.
Example of a Topwater Lure, a Spook.
Lake Travis Fun