Fishing Canyon Lake

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

Canyon Lake, TX

Popular Fish Species Canyon Lake, TX

Largemouth Bass Fishing

As a long-standing, top bass fishing lake, Canyon Lake continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass for anglers. Results by locals, and many bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been as good as advertised. A significant number of larger bass also roam these waters for the added bonus of a potential lunker. Thorough fisheries management by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. Any time you find them shallow and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Canyon Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here, year round. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Canyon Lake. They generally school by species, but once you locate them around cover, you may catch both species due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Canyon Lake, TX Popular Fish - Striped Bass

Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Canyon Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, tilapia, white bass, striped bass, longnose gar and spotted gar at Canyon Lake in Central Texas.

Canyon Lake Fishing Video

Considered an excellent bass fishing destination, Canyon Lake in the south-central Texas, is 8,300-acres of fishing opportunity. In addition to bass, the lake has populations of crappie, catfish, stripers, white bass, sunfish and gar. Steep, rocky banks and submerged trees are the primary targets for bass and crappie anglers.

Canyon Lake, located in the Texas Hill Country, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable angling experience. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers of all skill levels. Largemouth bass is the prized target for many fishermen at Canyon Lake, with the lake's structure and clear waters providing an ideal habitat for these game fish. Anglers can also find other popular species such as striped bass, white bass, catfish, and sunfish, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing adventure.

The generally clear water enhances the topwater fishing during warmer months. The water becomes more stained toward the river end of the lake and enhances shallow-water fishing techniques. Catfish are in most areas of the lake with the higher concentrations toward the river end. Stripers and white bass school and follow schools of bait - toward the surface in warm months and deeper as the water turns cold. Eighty miles of shoreline provide plenty of places to wet a line, including many areas with access for fishing from the bank. Fishing from a boat, canoe or kayak enhances the opportunity to reach water not available to anglers from shore. A variety of boats are available for rent at numerous locations around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Canyon Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Canyon Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Another favored activity on Canyon Lake is boating, as the lake's expansive surface area and stunning surroundings make it a perfect setting for water-based fun. Whether it's sailing, water skiing, or cruising along the crystal-clear waters, boaters have ample space to indulge in their favorite activities. The lake features multiple boat ramps and marinas, ensuring easy access for boating enthusiasts. Exploring Canyon Lake by boat offers a chance to admire the breathtaking cliffs, enjoy the cool breezes, and fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Hill Country.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Canyon Lake Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
830 935-4333

Cranes Mill Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
830 899-7718

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Canyon Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Canyon Lake Boat Ramp 10
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, east side, off Cranes Mill Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Canyon Lake Boat Ramp 16
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Jacobs Creek Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Canyon Lake Boat Ramp 17
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Old Hancock Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Canyon Lake Boat Ramp 18
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Canyon Park Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Canyon Lake Boat Ramp #22
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Cranes Mill Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Canyon Lake Boat Ramp #23
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Park Shores Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Potters Creek Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Potters Creek Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Canyon Lake

Bubba J's Guide Service - stripers, bass, catfish

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Texas Fishing License.

Camping is a popular pastime at Canyon Lake, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the area and enjoy a peaceful getaway. The lake offers several campgrounds, ranging from primitive tent sites to RV-friendly facilities, accommodating a variety of camping preferences. Campers can relax amidst the beauty of nature, enjoy hiking and biking trails, and unwind under the starry night sky. Camping at Canyon Lake offers a chance to disconnect from the daily routine and reconnect with the serene ambiance of the Hill Country.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Potters Creek RV Park - 830 964-3341

Lake Pointe Resort Campground - 830 935-4351

Canyon Cove RV Park - 830 214-3033

Guadalupe's Best RV Park - 830 964-3393

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Campground - 830 256-0088

Shanty Tubes 2 Campground - 830 964-3990

Canyon Lake RV Park - 830 899-2544

Cranes Mill Park Campground - 877 444-6777

R & R Campground - 830 885-4035