Choke Canyon Bass Fishing Guide
Choke Canyon Reservoir (always a great choice but water level way too low to launch)
Surface area: 2,400 acres - Maximum depth: 70 feet - Impounded: 1978
Lake Record Largemouth: 12.25 lbs - Junior: 6.75 lbs
Today's Date: Sat Jul 11 2026
Sunrise time : 6:44 am Safe light: 30 minutes before sunrise
Choke Canyon has been one of the very best lakes in the country over the last 20-plus years. Unfortunately, a combination of mismanagement and a long drought has dried it up quite a lot, and the water level is currently way too low to launch a boat. If you can get on it by kayak or other means, I'm sure you'd get into some great fishing - but for guided boat trips, it's on hold for now.
What Choke Canyon is known for
Back in the late 2000s - 2008 and 2009 especially - this was the very best lake in the country for your best chance at a double-digit bass. Several tournaments were won with over 40 pounds for a best five, and giant bass over 15 pounds were weighed in. It's a magical lake, and when it fills back up, watch out - you'll want to get to it for your chance at some giants.
Current status
The lake is too low to launch, so I'm not running guided boat trips here at the moment. When conditions recover, I'd be happy to put you on those super-sized bass - just check back, or reach out and I'll let you know when it's worth the trip. When it's fishable again you can see trip rates and book a Choke Canyon trip, and in the meantime Lake Falcon is the other South Texas trophy lake I'd point you to.
Where we can go in the meantime
There are plenty of great lakes fishing well right now. If it's a trophy you're after, Lake Falcon and Lake O.H. Ivie are hard to beat. Closer to Austin, Lake Travis, Buchanan, LBJ and Austin all fish well year-round.
Choke Canyon fishing FAQs
Can you fish Choke Canyon right now?
Not by boat - the water level is currently way too low to launch. If you can get on it by kayak or other means, there's still good fishing, but for now I'd steer you to one of the other lakes I guide.
Is Choke Canyon a good bass lake?
It's been one of the very best lakes in the country over the last 20+ years. Back in 2008-2009 it was the best lake anywhere for a shot at a double-digit bass, with tournaments won on over 40 pounds and big bass over 15 pounds weighed in.
When will Choke Canyon be fishable again?
When the lake fills back up - and when it does, watch out. I'd be happy to put you on those super-sized bass once it recovers.
Where can I fish instead of Choke Canyon?
There are plenty of great options. For trophy fish, Lake Falcon and Lake O.H. Ivie are excellent; closer to Austin, Lake Travis, Buchanan, LBJ and Austin all fish well year-round.
Do I need my own boat or gear?
No. On any of the lakes I guide, all rods, reels and tackle are provided. Just bring a valid Texas fishing license (17+), sunglasses, a hat, and food and drinks.
Should I book a Choke Canyon trip right now?
Honestly, not right now - the water is way too low to launch a boat, so I'm not running guided trips here at the moment. Check with me before booking and I'll let you know if it has recovered. In the meantime I'd put you on Lake Falcon or one of the Austin-area lakes instead.
What kind of fish will I catch at Choke Canyon?
The focus is trophy largemouth bass - that's what this lake built its reputation on. You may also run into the occasional other fish while we're out, but the whole reason to come here is the shot at a giant largemouth.