Lake LBJ Bass Fishing Guide
Lake LBJ (fishing good right now)
Lake LBJ is one of the most consistent bass lakes in Central Texas - a constant-level Highland lake that fishes shallow and stays good year-round. It's great for kids, the best area lake for flipping docks, and a Guadalupe bass stronghold (Bryan holds the lake record for them). Spring dock-spawn is prime.
Why: If you like flipping docks for chunky largemouth, this is the lake.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Dock Fishing / Skipping technique · Flipping Jig guide · What to throw on Lake LBJ
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 11, 2026
Lake LBJ is one of the most consistent lakes in Central Texas, and a lot of that comes down to it being a constant-level lake - the water stays put and the bite stays good year-round. It mainly fishes shallow, so even kids can catch the big ones here, and it's a stronghold for Guadalupe bass, the state fish of Texas. If you like flipping docks for chunky largemouth, this is the lake.
Lake LBJ at a glance
- Lake type
- Highland
- Impounds
- Colorado River
- Managed by
- LCRA
- Impounded
- 1951
- Surface area
- 6,449 acres
- Max depth
- 90 ft
- Water level
- Constant
- Lake record (LM)
- 13.70 lbs — Junior lake record 9.60 lbs; Bryan holds the lake Guadalupe bass record at 2.49 lbs (April 2012)
- Primary forage
- Threadfin Shad, Bluegill
- Best for
- Kids, Family, Beginner, Numbers, Guadalupe
Where we meet: Marble Falls launch — 1569 Hill Circle West Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654
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 Lake LBJ
Largemouth bass are the bread and butter - three- to five-pounders are common, with a good chance at a six- to ten-pound fish in the mix. LBJ also holds lots of Guadalupe bass (and, on rare occasion, a smallmouth), one of the best lakes anywhere for the Texas state fish - I hold the lake record for them here. You'll also find crappie, white bass, striper and catfish. I release the bass; white bass, crappie and Guadalupe bass make great table fare.
Seasonal patterns on Lake LBJ
Spring
Prime time. Bass spawn right around the docks, and dock-flipping with jigs and flukes puts you on the biggest fish of the year. A frog bite can be excellent as it warms.
Summer
The milfoil and any hydrilla you find hold good fish through the heat. Early frog bites over and around the grass can be a blast.
Fall
Cooling water keeps fish shallow and feeding around cover and docks - a comfortable, productive time to be on this lake.
Winter
Thanks to the constant level and shallow nature, LBJ keeps producing when other lakes get tough - a dependable cold-weather option close to Marble Falls.
What works on Lake LBJ, season by season
The baits Bryan leans on through the year on Lake LBJ, dialed in from guiding it season after season.
| Season | What produces |
|---|---|
| Spring | Chatterbait / Bladed Jig, Frog, Grass / Hydrilla, Ribbon-Tail Worm |
| Summer | Dock / Skipping, Football Jig, Frog, Flipping Jig, Fluke / Soft Jerkbait |
| Fall | Dock / Skipping, Flipping & Pitching, Football Jig, Flipping Jig, Fluke / Soft Jerkbait |
| Winter | Dock / Skipping, Football Jig, Flipping & Pitching, Flipping Jig, Fluke / Soft Jerkbait |
How we fish it
LBJ is probably the best lake in the area for flipping docks, and a lot of the time that's exactly where the biggest bass are sitting. I lean on jigs and flukes as the go-to baits here, work a frog when conditions are right, and pick apart the milfoil and hydrilla that hold fish.
From Bryan's logbook
Based on Bryan Cotter's on-the-water observations.
LBJ is probably the best lake in the area for flipping docks, and a lot of the time that's exactly where the biggest bass are sitting. Jigs and flukes are my go-to.
Lake LBJ fishing FAQs
When is the best time to bass fish Lake LBJ?
LBJ is a constant-level lake and the bite is usually good year-round, which is a big part of why I like it. Spring is excellent as bass spawn around the docks, but you can catch them here in every season.
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.
Are there Guadalupe bass in Lake LBJ?
Plenty. LBJ is one of the best lakes for the Texas state fish - I caught the lake record here, a 2.49 lb Guadalupe bass, in a tournament in April 2012.
What's the best way to fish Lake LBJ?
It's probably the best lake in the area for flipping docks, and that's often where the biggest bass live. A frog bite can be excellent, and jigs and flukes are among the best baits here.
What lures work best on Lake LBJ?
Jigs and flukes are my go-to baits here, especially flipping the docks where the biggest bass hold. A frog can be excellent when the conditions are right, and I work it over and around the milfoil and hydrilla that hold fish.
Where do we meet to launch on Lake LBJ?
We meet at 1569 Hill Circle West Dr, Marble Falls. All tackle is provided - just bring a Texas fishing license (17+), sunglasses, a hat, and food and drinks.
How far is Lake LBJ from Austin?
We meet at 1569 Hill Circle West Dr in Marble Falls, which is a comfortable drive northwest of Austin - close enough to make an easy day trip out of it. It's one of the most consistent lakes in Central Texas, so it's well worth the drive.
How deep is Lake LBJ?
Lake LBJ has a maximum depth of about 90 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 LBJ?
Lake LBJ covers roughly 6,449 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 consistent, reliable bite year-round, families and kids (shallow, forgiving water), dock-flipping fans, and anyone who wants a shot at the Guadalupe bass.
Explore the knowledge base
Related lakes
Other lakes in the Highland Lakes that fish similarly.
Lake Travis · Lake Austin · Lake Buchanan · Inks Lake · Lake Marble Falls
What you can catch here
The bass and gamefish Lake LBJ holds.
Largemouth Bass · Guadalupe Bass · White Bass · Striped Bass
Anglers drive in from
Central Texas towns within an easy drive of Lake LBJ.
Cedar Park (45 min) · Leander (45 min) · Lakeway (40 min) · Lago Vista (40 min) · Jonestown (40 min) · Liberty Hill (40 min) · Burnet (20 min) · Marble Falls (15 min) · Kingsland (5 min) · Llano (30 min)
How I fish it
The techniques that produce on Lake LBJ.
Dock Fishing / Skipping, Flipping & Pitching, Football Jig, Frog Fishing, Grass / Hydrilla Fishing
Lures that produce here
The baits I lean on at Lake LBJ.
Flipping Jig · Fluke / Soft Jerkbait · Hollow-Body Frog · Senko / Stickbait
Compare this lake
See how Lake LBJ stacks up against other lakes.
Part of Central Texas bass fishing
Lake LBJ is one of 16 lakes I guide across the region.