--- title: "Austin Fishing" url: https://www.hereaustintx.com/fishing-austin-tx/ date: 2026-07-26T13:50:37-05:00 modified: 2026-07-26T14:05:44-05:00 author: "" site: "HERE Austin" attribution: "HERE Austin" --- # Austin Fishing *Source: [HERE Austin](https://www.hereaustintx.com/fishing-austin-tx/) β€” July 26, 2026 by * HERE Austin # Austin TX Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, TPWD regulations, and community fishing coverage for Travis County lakes and rivers. Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 4 Waters Profiled **4** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look β€’ Fishing Conditions 🌘 Waning Crescent Illumination: 15% Air Temp 81Β°F Est. Water 71Β°F Wind 3 mph Pressure 1012 as of 1:51 PM ET Very Good β€” decreasing moon builds toward new moon peak. Dawn and dusk feeding surges expected. 91 EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Travis County β€’ Central Texas TX Your Local *Fishing Resource* Austin anglers can fish Lady Bird Lake downtown, Lake Austin and Lake Travis on the Colorado River, and Walter E. Long Lake on the east side. TPWD sets statewide limits; see the regulations below. Current Conditions β€’ Austin Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass HOT Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate. **Top Bait**Crankbait, Swimbait, Jig **Depth**10-20 ft structure Smallmouth Bass FAIR River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie FAIR Summer or late fall. Fish are deeper β€” target 12-20 ft brush piles with tube jigs. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish FAIR Winter catfish are catchable but slower. Concentrate in deepest lake holes and river pools. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream FAIR Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout ACTIVE Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas β€” designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Travis County waters. Always verify TPWD regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 81F Clear Feels like 81Β°F as of 1:51 PM ET Wind 3 mph N Humidity 47% Pressure 1012 hPa Est. Water Temp 71Β°F Moon Waning Crescent Sunrise / Sunset 6:47 am / 5:41 pm Location Austin, TX On-the-Water Tips - Calm winds make for ideal casting conditions. Fish will be spooky in clear water β€” use light line and natural presentations. - Falling barometric pressure activates feeding. Fish are on the move β€” work moving baits and cover water quickly. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 81Β°F Warm β€” Fish Deep Wind Speed 3 mph Calm β€” Ideal Barometric Pressure 1012 hPa Falling β€” Feeding! Moon Phase 🌘 Good EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TODAY Sunny 83Β° / 58Β° 5 mph wind GOOD FRI Sunny 76Β° / 57Β° 8 mph wind GOOD SAT Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers 72Β° / 53Β° 8 mph wind GOOD SUN Showers And Thunderstorms Likely 66Β° / 50Β° 5 mph wind FAIR MON Slight Chance Rain Showers 68Β° / 50Β° 0 mph wind GOOD Lakes & Rivers Water Body *Profiles* 4 fishing waters within Travis County β€” with species, access, tips, and restrictions. Lake Travis 18,622 Lake Travis and Burnet counties Β· on the Colorado River northwest of Austin Largemouth Bass Guadalupe Bass White Bass Striped Bass Blue, Channel & Flathead Catfish An 18,622-acre LCRA highland reservoir up to 190 feet deep, with rocky banks, steep cliffs and clear water. Water levels can swing 10 to 20 feet. Zebra mussels are present. LCRA parks and public ramps around the lake; free LCRA maps online. Angler Tip White bass run up the creek arms, the Pedernales River and the upper Colorado River arm in spring (February to May). Statewide TPWD limits apply. Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear. [Field Guide](https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/travis/) Lake Austin 1,599 Lake City of Austin Β· on the Colorado River Largemouth Bass Bluegill Redear Sunfish Redbreast Sunfish Flathead & Blue Catfish A 1,599-acre constant-level lake up to 75 feet deep. TPWD calls its largemouth bass population excellent, with many 8- to 10-pound fish caught each year. Zebra mussels are present. Boat docks, bluffs and brush piles provide cover; TPWD's Habitat Structure Viewer lists GPS points. Angler Tip Fish early mornings or at night in summer because of heavy weekend boat traffic. Statewide TPWD limits apply. Grass carp must be released unharmed. [Field Guide](https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/austin/) Lady Bird Lake 468 Lake Downtown Austin Β· on the Colorado River Largemouth Bass Redear Sunfish Redbreast Sunfish Common Carp A 468-acre downtown lake up to 18 feet deep, formerly Town Lake. TPWD says anglers often catch and release 20 to 30 bass a day in the 2- to 3-pound range. Outboard motors are not allowed; electric trolling motors are fine. Angler Tip Work bank cover such as laydowns, cypress roots and bulrush; night fishing can be good in clear water. Special regulations apply to some species; check TPWD's lake page. [Field Guide](https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/lady_bird/) Walter E. Long Lake Lake Travis County Β· just east of Austin (also called Decker Lake) Largemouth Bass Hybrid Striped Bass Bluegill Redbreast Sunfish Channel & Flathead Catfish A city-owned power-plant cooling lake known for slot-size (14- to 21-inch) largemouth bass and hybrid stripers stocked every year. Bulrush lines most of the shore. Most of the shoreline is City of Austin land; part of the discharge canal is open to fishing from a boat. Angler Tip Pitch worms and jigs into the bulrush; look for schooling bass and hybrids chasing shad in summer. Special regulations apply to some species; check TPWD's lake page. [Field Guide](https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/walter_long/) Did We Miss a Spot? Know a Austin-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know. [Report a Fishing Spot](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-fishing-spot) Local Experts Field *Guides* No Austin-area fishing guides are listed yet. Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Travis County and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days β€” Best deal in Austin Reach all the Fishing traffic in Austin β€” it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL β€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local Austin anglers see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day β€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews I Fished *Here* Share Your Trip Fished a Austin-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Water Body Fished * Select a water body... Lake Travis Lake Austin Lady Bird Lake Walter E. Long Lake Other Lake / Pond Other River / Creek Your First Name * How Was the Fishing? * (280 characters max) Species Caught Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill / Bream Trout Multiple Species Other Lure / Bait That Worked Best Spot / Area on the Water Submit Review Community Here *We...* Reel Them *In...* Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from Austin anglers. Your First Name * Where Did You Catch It? Species * Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill Trout Other Weight / Length / Details Tell Us About It * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Catch Cast Them *Cold...* Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage Fishing News *HERE* Presented by [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Local β€” Austin and Central Texas TexasOfficialAustin fishingNo new Austin-area fishing stories this week. Check current Texas fishing rules from the state wildlife agency, and watch this page for the next local report. [View All Austin Fishing Coverage β†’](https://www.hereaustintx.com/?s=fishing) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Austin and Central Texas TX [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the Austin angler β€” rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Central Texas TX waters. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=hereaustin-20 Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews β€” Tested for Central Texas TX Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=hereaustin-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $26.96 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=hereaustin-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=hereaustin-20 HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B… Lure Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 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Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=hereaustin-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=hereaustin-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=hereaustin-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network β€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) TPWD TPWD *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Travis County waters. Always verify current regulations at tpwd.texas.gov. TX Fishing Licenses Licenses, current fees, age requirements, and any free fishing days are set by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. [Buy or check a license at tpwd.texas.gov](https://tpwd.texas.gov/). Bag & Size Limits β€” Austin Waters Statewide and water-specific creel and size limits are published by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. [See current TPWD limits](https://tpwd.texas.gov/). Regulations shown are for general reference. Special rules apply on many individual lakes and rivers. Always verify current rules with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at **tpwd.texas.gov** before keeping fish. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* Year-Round Black Bass (largemouth, smallmouth, Alabama, Guadalupe, spotted) 5 per day combined; largemouth 14-inch minimum statewide. Special regulations apply on some lakes. Texas freshwater (statewide) Year-Round Crappie (white, black) 25 per day combined; 10-inch minimum statewide. Texas freshwater (statewide) Year-Round Channel and Blue Catfish 25 per day combined; only 10 may be 20 inches or longer. Texas freshwater (statewide) Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Travis County water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. TPWD trout stocking schedules are published annually β€” visit tpwd.texas.gov for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the Austin area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in Austin TX? Yes. Anglers need a Texas fishing license to fish public waters. See TPWD at tpwd.texas.gov for current license ages, fees and any free fishing days. - What are the best fishing lakes near Austin TX? Travis County has multiple public fishing lakes. Consult TPWD for a full lake-by-lake breakdown covering largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bream. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in Austin? The best crappie fishing in Travis County is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools. - Can you kayak fish on Travis County lakes? Yes β€” kayak fishing is well-suited for Austin lakes, especially smaller electric-only water bodies. State-park lakes often offer kayak and canoe rentals and allow human-powered craft without a boating permit. Local rivers frequently offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. Consult TPWD for blueway maps and put-in/take-out points. - What species can I catch in the local rivers? Rivers near Austin typically hold a diverse bass fishery β€” largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, flathead) are common. Consult TPWD for stocking history and fly-fishing recommendations. Wade fishing at road crossings and kayak floats are the most productive approaches. - Do Austin lakes get trout stocked? TPWD stocks select Travis County waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the TPWD website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/ β€” search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current TPWD schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near Austin. ITS ALL HERE! 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