The Best Bass Fishing Lakes Near Austin
Most guides fish one lake. I fish sixteen - the whole Highland Lakes chain plus a few worth-the-drive destinations across Central and South Texas. So I'm not going to tell you one lake is simply "the best," because the honest answer is it depends on what you're after. Here's my straight rundown of the best bass fishing lakes near Austin, what each one's actually good for, and how to pick the right water for your day.
Quick pick - which lake should you fish?
- Bringing kids or never fished before? Lake Travis
- Want to catch a bunch of bass? Lake Travis, Stillhouse Hollow, Lake Bastrop or LBJ
- After a trophy or fish of a lifetime? Lake Austin, Buchanan, O.H. Ivie or Falcon
- Want the Texas state fish (Guadalupe bass)? LBJ or Travis
- Want a rare Central Texas smallmouth? Lake Belton or Stillhouse Hollow
- Short on time or want something different? Marble Falls, Inks, or downtown on Lady Bird
Whatever you pick, I follow the bite - so if your lake isn't fishing well the day you come, I'll put you on the one that is.
At a glance
| Lake | Best for | From Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Travis | Numbers, kids, first-timers | In Austin (NW) |
| Lake Austin | Trophy largemouth, night trips | In Austin |
| Lady Bird Lake | Downtown urban trophy, jigs | Downtown Austin |
| Lake LBJ | Consistency, kids, Guadalupe bass | ~1 hr NW |
| Lake Buchanan | Trophy, winter, big striper | ~1.5 hr NW |
| Inks Lake | Scenic, quality, bank access | ~1.25 hr NW |
| Lake Marble Falls | Quiet, big-limit potential | ~1 hr NW |
| Stillhouse Hollow | Numbers + smallmouth | ~1 hr N |
| Lake Belton | Best smallmouth lake around | ~1 hr N |
| Lake Bastrop | Numbers, families, groups | ~45 min E |
| Fayette County | Quality + numbers, year-round | ~1.5 hr SE |
| Canyon Lake | Largemouth in grass, mean mouths | ~1.25 hr S |
| Lake O.H. Ivie | Trophy / ShareLunker destination | ~3.5 hr (2-day) |
| Lake Falcon | Fish of a lifetime, South Texas | Destination |
The Highland Lakes - the core chain northwest of Austin
Lake Travis - The all-rounder and my top pick for kids and first-timers. Big, deep and diverse, Travis is known for numbers, but quality has climbed every year since 2011 and four- to five-pounders are a real possibility now. Easy water, high catch rates, and a shot at a Guadalupe bass too.
Lake Austin - The trophy factory of the chain. It's loaded with grass that grows giant largemouth, with double-digit fish caught here every year. In summer it fishes best early or on one of my night trips, away from the daytime boat traffic.
Lake LBJ - One of the most consistent lakes in Central Texas. A constant-level lake that fishes shallow, so even kids can catch the big ones, and a stronghold for Guadalupe bass - I hold the lake record for them here. Best dock-flipping lake around.
Lake Buchanan - My favorite lake in Central Texas and a genuine big-fish water. It almost always takes over 20 pounds to win a tournament here, and it's about as good a winter lake as we have. Big striper and hybrids in the mix.
Inks Lake - The small, scenic one, tucked in the state park. I've fished it over 50 years and watched a lot of big fish come out of it. Quality bass, a shot at a Guadalupe on the rock piles, and good bank access too.
Lake Marble Falls - A little gem between Travis and LBJ. Shallow grass up north for topwater, deep ledges and rock down south for cranks and jigs - and very low traffic. In spring I've seen best-five limits over 30 pounds.
North & east of Austin
Stillhouse Hollow - One of the best numbers lakes around and a rare Central Texas smallmouth fishery - my biggest smallie here was 6 pounds. About an hour north, and well worth the drive when the grass bite is on.
Lake Belton - The best smallmouth lake in Central Texas, and a very good largemouth lake too. Clear Corps water with plenty of cover - I've caught a 10-pound largemouth here myself.
Lake Bastrop - A warm-water power-plant lake east of Austin in the Lost Pines, managed with a slot limit that keeps it full of quality 2-4 pounders. One of the best summer topwater lakes around - some days you can catch over 100. Great for families and groups.
Fayette County - In my book the top average-quality lake in Texas. Another power-plant lake that puts out even bigger bass than Bastrop, with an early spawn that produces while other lakes are still cold.
Right in Austin
Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) - Trophy water right in downtown Austin, on calm electric-only water. It's the best jig lake around and has produced double-digit fish - a unique trip with the skyline as your backdrop.
South & destination trophy lakes
Canyon Lake - Deeper, clear water south of Austin with the thickest hydrilla I've ever seen it - the largemouth are in it good. A multi-species lake where you can also catch striper, smallmouth, Guadalupe and a hard-fighting "mean mouth."
Lake O.H. Ivie - One of Texas's premier trophy and ShareLunker lakes - any cast could be a giant. A dedicated 2-day trip out of Elm Creek Marina for the fish of a lifetime.
Lake Falcon - Down on the South Texas border, Falcon is a legendary big-bass run and your best chance anywhere at a double-digit largemouth. A true bucket-list trip, and I offer all-inclusive packages here.
A couple of notes for planning: Decker Lake (Walter E. Long) is a strong warm-water lake, but its ramps are closed through 2027 for dam work. Choke Canyon is a legendary South Texas trophy lake currently sitting too low to launch - I'll let you know when it's worth the trip again.
How I help you pick
When you reach out, tell me three things: who's coming (kids? first-timers? serious anglers?), what you want out of the day (a cooler full of action versus one big bite), and your dates. I'll match you to the lake that's fishing best for that goal that week - and bring all the gear, so you just show up with a license. That flexibility is the whole point of fishing with someone who runs all sixteen.
Best lakes near Austin - FAQs
What's the best bass fishing lake near Austin?
It depends on your goal - Lake Travis for numbers and kids, Lake Austin or Buchanan for a trophy. Since I guide all 16, I'll put you on whichever is fishing best for what you want that week.
Which lake is best for kids?
Lake Travis, hands down - easy water and high catch rates. Lake LBJ is another great family option.
What's the best lake for a trophy bass?
Lake Austin, Lake Buchanan, and for a destination trip, O.H. Ivie and Falcon give you the best shot at a true giant.
How far are the lakes from Austin?
Several are in or beside Austin; most others are 45 minutes to about 90 minutes away. The trophy destinations, Falcon and O.H. Ivie, are a longer haul.
Do I need my own boat or gear?
No. All tackle is provided on every lake. Just bring your Texas fishing license (17+), sunglasses, a hat, and food and drinks.
Book a trip Call or text 512-762-0190