Fishing Lake Austin

AKA: Lake McDonald, Austin Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Austin Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Austin, TX

Popular Fish Species Lake Austin, TX

Lake Austin Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

A history of careful fisheries management by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers at Lake Austin. Numerous bass weighing over 8 pounds are caught each year, including some over 10 pounds. Because of the quality of these bass here, this is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Austin. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Lake Austin Popular Fish - Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish Fishing

Fishing for redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, is popular here at Lake Austin. Like most bream, they are a popular species with young and old, as well as beginners and seasoned anglers alike. This year, much like recent years, the redear sunfish population is healthy and always looking for something edible. Redear sunfish fishing is about as simple as fishing gets. Any lighter fishing pole, reasonably light line, small hooks baited with anything eatable, creates a great setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Redear prefer clear, warmer water and hang around brush, rocks, vegetation, docks or any cover available.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to 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.

Lake Austin Fishing Video

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.

Lake Austin, located in Central Texas, offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing is a major attraction at Lake Austin, with anglers targeting a variety of fish species. Largemouth bass is the most sought-after species in the lake, known for its size and fighting ability. Anglers also have the opportunity to catch catfish, sunfish, and carp. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Lake Austin provides ample fishing prospects for all skill levels.

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

Boating is a favorite activity on Lake Austin, with its calm waters and scenic surroundings providing an ideal setting for water-based adventures. Whether it's leisurely cruising, water skiing, or wakeboarding, boaters have plenty of space to enjoy their chosen activities. The lake features multiple marinas and boat ramps, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. Exploring Lake Austin by boat allows visitors to soak in the natural beauty, admire stunning waterfront properties, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Fishing Boat Rentals

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

While camping is not permitted directly on Lake Austin, the surrounding area offers various nearby campgrounds and parks that provide opportunities for camping enthusiasts. Emma Long Metropolitan Park, situated along the shores of Lake Austin, offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails. It provides a tranquil environment to enjoy the outdoors while being in close proximity to the lake. Visitors can unwind, take in the scenic vistas, and enjoy the recreational activities available in the park.

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.

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.

Marinas

Lake Austin Marina
2215 Westlake Dr
Austin, TX 78746
512 306-9100