Inks Lake Bass Fishing Guide
Inks Lake (numbers are good - some bigger ones)
Inks Lake is a small, clear, scenic Highland lake in a state park near Burnet - great numbers of largemouth plus Guadalupe bass, with a shaky head on the rock piles as the surest bite. Its constant level fishes year-round, spring and early summer are prime, and you can fish it from a boat or the park bank.
Why: Being on the smaller side, you can pretty much fish it however you like.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Shaky Head technique · Straight / Finesse Worm guide · What to throw on Inks Lake
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 11, 2026
Inks Lake can be one of the best lakes in Central Texas, especially in springtime around the spawn and into early summer when the topwater and frog bite really turn on. I've been fishing this lake for over 50 years and have seen a lot of big fish come out of it in that time. It's a small, scenic Highland lake in the state park, and being on the smaller side, you can pretty much fish it however you like.
Inks Lake at a glance
- Lake type
- Highland
- Impounds
- Colorado River
- Managed by
- LCRA
- Impounded
- 1938
- Surface area
- 831 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Water level
- Constant
- Water clarity
- Clear
- Lake record (LM)
- 13.40 lbs — Junior lake record 10.10 lbs
- Best for
- Numbers, Beginner, Guadalupe, Scenery, Bank
Where we meet: Inks Lake State Park boat ramp — Inks Lake State Park, Burnet, TX
Today: Fri Aug 07, 2026
Sunrise: 6:55 am · Safe light: 30 minutes before sunrise
Lake info: TPWD lake page
What you'll catch on Inks Lake
Largemouth bass are the main target, with good numbers and some bigger ones in the mix. A shaky head around the rock piles can also produce nice Guadalupe bass, the state fish of Texas. There are big catfish in here too, and every now and then you'll hook an occasional striper while you're after bass. I release the bass; catfish are fine for the table.
Seasonal patterns on Inks Lake
Spring
Inks at its best. Bass move up to spawn around the docks, hardwoods and rock, and the lake can fish as well as anything in Central Texas. Flip a worm or craw into the cover and sight-fish the shallow spawners in the clear water for your best shot at a big one.
Summer
Early summer the topwater and frog bite turns on around the cover - some of the most fun fishing of the year. Because the lake is small, we can hit a lot of water in a trip.
Fall
Cooling water keeps fish tight to the docks, hardwoods and rock piles. A fluke and reaction baits stay productive, and it's a scenic time to be out.
Winter
The constant level keeps Inks fishable all winter. Slow way down around the rock and ledges with a jig or shaky head to turn up a quality fish when other lakes are tough.
What works on Inks Lake, season by season
The baits Bryan leans on through the year on Inks Lake, dialed in from guiding it season after season.
| Season | What produces |
|---|---|
| Spring | Flipping & Pitching, Shaky Head, Dock / Skipping, Straight / Finesse Worm, Frog |
| Summer | Dock / Skipping, Frog, Walking Topwater, Football Jig, Straight / Finesse Worm |
| Fall | Walking Topwater, Shaky Head, Dock / Skipping, Straight / Finesse Worm, Frog |
| Winter | Shaky Head, Football Jig, Dock / Skipping, Straight / Finesse Worm, Frog |
How we fish it
Because Inks is small, we can fish it any way the day calls for - flipping docks and hardwoods, working rock piles and ledges, or throwing frogs and flukes around cover. A shaky head on the rock piles is a great way to pick up Guadalupe bass. If you'd rather stay on the bank, the state park shoreline has lots of productive spots.
From Bryan's logbook
Based on Bryan Cotter's on-the-water observations.
I've been fishing Inks Lake for over 50 years and seen a lot of big fish come out of it. A shaky head with a trick worm worked slow through the rock piles is one of the surest bites on the lake, and it takes both largemouth and Guadalupe bass.
Inks Lake fishing FAQs
When is the best time to bass fish Inks Lake?
Springtime around the spawn and early summer are best, when the topwater and frog bite really turn on. I've fished this lake for over 50 years and seen a lot of big fish come out of it.
Are there Guadalupe bass in Inks Lake?
Yes - a shaky head thrown around the rock piles can produce some nice Guadalupe bass, along with the largemouth.
Is Inks Lake good for a variety of fishing styles?
It's a small lake, so you can pretty much fish it how you like - flipping docks and hardwoods, working rock piles and ledges, or throwing frogs and flukes around cover. There are big catfish in here too, and you might tie into an occasional striper while you're after bass.
Is Inks Lake good for kids and beginners?
It is. Inks is small and easygoing, the numbers are good, and I provide all the tackle - so it's a relaxed lake to learn on. We can keep it simple with a shaky head on the rock piles, which is one of the surest bites out here, and even fish from the state park bank if that's easier.
What lures work best on Inks Lake?
A shaky head with a trick worm worked slow through the rock piles is one of the surest bites on the lake, and it takes both largemouth and Guadalupe bass. From there I lean on frogs and topwater in the warm months, flukes and reaction baits around cover, and a jig when the fish are deep.
Can you bank fish at Inks Lake?
Yes - there are lots of productive shoreline spots in Inks Lake State Park if you're looking to fish from the bank.
Do I need my own boat or gear?
No. All rods, reels and tackle are provided. Just bring a valid Texas fishing license (17+), sunglasses, a hat, and food and drinks.
How deep is Inks Lake?
Inks Lake has a maximum depth of about 60 feet near the dam, though most of it is far shallower. For bass that depth is really just a map - I spend most of my time working structure in the upper 5 to 25 feet, and shallower still in spring and fall when the fish move up.
How big is Inks Lake?
Inks Lake covers roughly 831 acres at full pool, impounding the Colorado River. Knowing which water actually holds fish is most of the battle - that's where a guide saves you time.
Best for
Anglers who want a scenic, easygoing Highland lake with a strong spring and early-summer bite, a shot at Guadalupe bass, and the option to fish from a boat or the bank in the state park.
Explore the knowledge base
Related lakes
Other lakes in the Highland Lakes that fish similarly.
Lake Travis · Lake Austin · Lake Buchanan · Lake LBJ · Lake Marble Falls
What you can catch here
The bass and gamefish Inks Lake holds.
Anglers drive in from
Central Texas towns within an easy drive of Inks Lake.
Leander (50 min) · Lago Vista (40 min) · Jonestown (45 min) · Liberty Hill (40 min) · Burnet (10 min) · Marble Falls (20 min) · Kingsland (10 min) · Llano (25 min)
How I fish it
The techniques that produce on Inks Lake.
Shaky Head, Dock Fishing / Skipping, Flipping & Pitching, Frog Fishing, Walking Topwater, Football Jig — best lures for Inks Lake
Lures that produce here
The baits I lean on at Inks Lake.
Straight / Finesse Worm · Hollow-Body Frog · Fluke / Soft Jerkbait · Football Jig · Craw / Craw Trailer
Part of Central Texas bass fishing
Inks Lake is one of 16 lakes I guide across the region.