Lake Bastrop Bass Fishing Guide
Lake Bastrop (numbers have been good)
Lake Bastrop is one of the best numbers bass lakes near Austin - a warm-water power-plant lake in the Lost Pines (about 45 min east) with a 14-21" slot that keeps it full of healthy 2-4 lb Florida-strain bass. Summer brings a huge topwater schooling bite (100-fish days), and it fishes year-round.
Why: A great lake to catch numbers and to bring the family or a large group.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Grass / Hydrilla Fishing technique · Walking Topwater (Spook) guide · What to throw on Lake Bastrop
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 11, 2026
Lake Bastrop is only a little over 900 acres, but it holds some good quality bass. The 14-21 inch slot limit helps keep it full of 2-4 pound fish with a good chance at a larger one. It's about 45 minutes east of Austin, nestled in the Lost Pines, and it's a power-plant lake - which makes it a great choice all year long. With plenty of vegetation creating perfect habitat for the Florida-strain bass that live here, it's a great lake to catch numbers and bring the family or a large group.
Lake Bastrop at a glance
- Lake type
- Power Plant
- Managed by
- LCRA
- Impounded
- 1964
- Surface area
- 906 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Water level
- Constant
- Lake record (LM)
- 9.98 lbs — Junior lake record 4.50 lbs
- Primary forage
- Threadfin Shad
- Best for
- Numbers, Family, Beginner, Summer Topwater
Where we meet: Lake Bastrop — 630 FM 1441, Bastrop, TX 78602
Today: Fri Aug 07, 2026
Sunrise: 6:51 am · Safe light: 30 minutes before sunrise
Lake info: TPWD lake page
What you'll catch on Lake Bastrop
Largemouth bass are the target, and the slot limit means you'll catch plenty of healthy 2-4 pounders with a real shot at a bigger one. These are Florida-strain fish, well-fed in all that vegetation. The warm power-plant water keeps them active, and in summer they school up in numbers. I practice catch and release on the bass.
Seasonal patterns on Lake Bastrop
Spring
Bass move up into the vegetation to spawn, and the warm water gets them going early. A productive, comfortable time to fish around the grass.
Summer
This is when Bastrop shines. Bass school up - mainly in the middle of the lake - for a great topwater and moving-bait bite. There are spots where you can sit and catch lots of fish, some days over 100.
Fall
Cooling water keeps the fish feeding hard around the vegetation and open water as they chase shad.
Winter
The power plant keeps Bastrop fishing when other lakes go cold, making it one of the better cold-weather options near Austin.
What works on Lake Bastrop, season by season
The baits Bryan leans on through the year on Lake Bastrop, dialed in from guiding it season after season.
How we fish it
Bastrop is a numbers and topwater lake - we work the vegetation and, in the warmer months, get on the schools out in the middle for a fast, fun bite. It's tailor-made for families and groups who want to stay busy.
From Bryan's logbook
Based on Bryan Cotter's on-the-water observations.
In summer on Bastrop the bass school up in the middle of the lake, and there are spots where you can sit and catch lots of fish - some days over 100.
Lake Bastrop fishing FAQs
Is Lake Bastrop good for numbers?
It's one of the best numbers lakes around. In summer the bass school up - mainly in the middle of the lake - and there are spots where you can sit and catch lots of fish, some days over 100.
What size bass are in Lake Bastrop?
The 14-21 inch slot limit keeps it full of quality 2-4 pound bass, with a good chance at a larger one. It's a warm-water power-plant lake with lots of vegetation that grows healthy Florida-strain bass.
When is the best time to bass fish Lake Bastrop?
Being a power-plant lake, it's a great choice all year long. Summer is especially fun for the topwater schooling bite in the middle of the lake.
Is Lake Bastrop good for families and groups?
Yes - the steady numbers make it a great place to take the family or a large group. It's about 45 minutes east of Austin in the Lost Pines.
Is Lake Bastrop good for beginners and first-timers?
It's one of my favorites for beginners and first-timers. The steady numbers mean you stay busy and get plenty of bites, which keeps kids and new anglers having fun. All the tackle is provided, so you just show up and fish.
What lures work best on Lake Bastrop?
We work the vegetation and, in the warmer months, get on the schools out in the middle with topwater and moving baits. I bring all the tackle, but if you'd like to dig into the details I wrote an article on the best lures for Lake Bastrop.
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 Lake Bastrop?
Lake Bastrop 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 Lake Bastrop?
Lake Bastrop covers roughly 906 acres at full pool. Knowing which water actually holds fish is most of the battle - that's where a guide saves you time.
Best for
Numbers, a summer topwater blast, families and large groups, and anyone wanting dependable warm-water action year-round just east of Austin.
Explore the knowledge base
How I fish it
The techniques that produce on Lake Bastrop.
Grass / Hydrilla Fishing, Walking Topwater, Spinnerbait, Frog Fishing — best lures for Lake Bastrop
Lures that produce here
The baits I lean on at Lake Bastrop.
Walking Topwater (Spook) · Senko / Stickbait · Spinnerbait · Hollow-Body Frog
Part of Central Texas bass fishing
Lake Bastrop is one of 16 lakes I guide across the region.