Bass Fishing Near Austin, TX
The best bass fishing near Austin is on the Highland Lakes chain and the warm-water lakes just outside town. Lake Travis is my pick for numbers and first-timers; Lake Austin and downtown Lady Bird Lake are the trophy water; and an hour out, Lake Buchanan is the winter standout.
I've guided the Austin area for over 26 years, and the honest truth is there's no single "best" lake near Austin - it depends on what you're after and the time of year. Some days I'd put a family on Lake Travis for a steady bite; other days I'm chasing a giant in the grass on Lake Austin or running a night trip to beat the summer crowds. Below are the lakes I guide near Austin, closest first - pick the one that fits your trip, or tell me your goal and I'll match you to the right water.
The lakes I guide near Austin
Lady Bird Lake
It's the best jig lake around, right in the center of Austin. — downtown Austin trophy water - electric motors only
Lake Austin
Find the grass, you'll find the bass. — fishing great right now
Lake Travis
The lake I've put more first-timers and kids on than any other. — numbers are good - a few bigger ones
Lake Bastrop
A great lake to catch numbers and to bring the family or a large group. — numbers have been good
Lake LBJ
If you like flipping docks for chunky largemouth, this is the lake. — fishing good right now
Lake Marble Falls
A little gem tucked between the more popular Travis and LBJ. — lots of good solid fish
Inks Lake
Being on the smaller side, you can pretty much fish it however you like. — numbers are good - some bigger ones
Lake Buchanan
Buchanan is my favorite lake in Central Texas, and if you're after a quality fish, it's where I'd send you. — almost always fishes good - white bass and the occasional striper here too
Stillhouse Hollow
If you like grass, this is your lake - that's where the quality fish live. — fishing really good this year
Lake Belton
The best lake in Central Texas for smallmouth bass, and a very good largemouth lake too. — the best smallmouth lake in Central Texas
Canyon Lake
The hydrilla is the thickest I've ever seen it, and the largemouth are in it good. — good choice for largemouth, Guadalupe and smallmouth bass
Fayette County
It tends to put out even bigger bass than Bastrop - a really fun lake with both numbers and quality. — always a good choice - one of the best average-quality lakes in Texas
Lake Falcon
You haven't caught a real largemouth until you've caught one here - they're the meanest bass on the planet. — trophy lake - your best chance at a double-digit largemouth
Lake O.H. Ivie
On O.H. Ivie, any cast could be a giant. — fishing is good right now - any cast could be a giant
From Bryan's logbook
Lake Travis is the lake I've put more first-timers and kids on than any other. It's easy to fish, it's loaded with bass, and almost everybody catches.
Travis long had a reputation for numbers over size, but starting in 2011 it's been the best for quality I've ever seen here - plenty of 4-5 pound fish, and some even bigger, on a lake that usually produces 1-3 pound bass.
Some of the largest bass anywhere around here have come out of Lake Austin - the lake record is north of 16 pounds. If you're chasing a lifetime fish, this is a great place to do it.
The number one thing I look for on Buchanan is rock - the largemouth love it, partly because it lets them tuck away from the striper, and the best rock holds the best fish. In cold water, when you think you're fishing slow enough, slow down more; that's how the giants come.
Bass fishing near Austin - FAQs
What is the best bass fishing lake near Austin?
It depends on your goal. For numbers and first-timers I start people on Lake Travis - easy water and a high catch rate. For a shot at a true trophy, Lake Austin's grass or downtown Lady Bird Lake are hard to beat. In winter I'd point you to Lake Buchanan. Tell me what you're after and I'll match you to the right lake.
Where can I bass fish near Austin without a boat?
There are shore-access spots around town - I keep a rundown on the Fishing Places page. For the best day on the water, though, a guided boat trip puts you on far more (and bigger) fish.
Is Lake Travis good for beginners and kids?
It's the lake I recommend most for kids and first-timers. It's easy to fish and the catch rate is high, which keeps young anglers having fun and bending rods all day.
Is Lake Austin good for trophy bass?
It's one of the best trophy lakes in the area - some of the largest bass around have come out of Lake Austin, including the lake record over 16 pounds. If you're after a lifetime-record fish, there's a good chance this is where you catch it.
Is Lake LBJ good for kids and beginners?
Yes - it mainly fishes shallow, so even kids can catch the big ones here. The steady level and reliable bite make it one of the most beginner-friendly lakes in the chain.
Ready to fish? Tell me your dates and what you're after, and I'll get you on the right lake near Austin.