Fishing At Lake Austin

AKA: Lake McDonald, Austin Reservoir

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish and longnose gar at Lake Austin in Central Texas.

Known locally for trophy bass and quality sunfish, Lake Austin is a 1,600-acre lake (a section of the Colorado River) that flows through the city of Austin, Texas. The lake is home to catfish, crappie, numerous species of sunfish and longnose gar. Created by the Tom Miller Dam, Lake Austin was formerly known as Lake McDonald. There are hiking trails at various places around the lake providing access for fishing from the bank. Boat ramps provide access for power boats of all kinds, for fishing, water sports and pleasure boating. Canoes and kayaks are an option here for short-distance travel to fishing spots as well as sightseeing.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Austin

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Austin Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Austin Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
512 957-1444

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Greenshores Boat Launch
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Greenshores Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with no parking.

Loop 360 Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, at the south end of the Highway 360 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Quinlan Park Boat Ramp
Located in the west end of the lake, north side, off S Quinlan Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.