Inks Lake Bass Fishing Guide

Inks Lake (numbers are good - some bigger ones)

Surface area: 831 acres - Maximum depth: 60 feet - Impounded: 1938
Lake Record Largemouth: 13.40 lbs - Junior Record Largemouth: 10.10 lbs

Lake Level: Constant

Address: Meet at Inks Lake State Park Boat Ramp

Today's Date: Sat Jul 11 2026
Sunrise time : 6:39 am Safe light: 30 minutes before sunrise

Inks Lake can be one of the best lakes in Central Texas, especially in springtime around the spawn and into early summer when the topwater and frog bite really turn on. I've been fishing this lake for over 50 years and have seen a lot of big fish come out of it in that time. It's a small, scenic Highland lake in the state park, and being on the smaller side, you can pretty much fish it however you like.

See how this lake stacks up against the others near Austin

What you'll catch on Inks Lake

Largemouth bass are the main target, with good numbers and some bigger ones in the mix. A shaky head around the rock piles can also produce nice Guadalupe bass, the state fish of Texas. There are big catfish in here too, and every now and then you'll hook an occasional striper while you're after bass. I release the bass; catfish are fine for the table.

Where the fish are on Inks Lake

Inks is only about 831 acres, and being on the smaller side is part of what makes it so good - we can touch every kind of water it has in a single trip. The rock piles are my first stop for both largemouth and Guadalupe bass; a shaky head with a trick worm worked slow through the rock is one of the surest bites on the lake. From there we'll flip the docks and the standing hardwoods, which hold fish all year, and work the ledges where the deeper fish set up. It's a clear, scenic Highland lake in Inks Lake State Park, so if you'd rather fish from the bank, the park shoreline has lots of productive spots too.

Seasonal patterns on Inks Lake

Spring (Mar-May) - the spawn is prime

This is Inks at its best. Bass move up to spawn around the docks, hardwoods and rock, and the lake can fish as well as anything in Central Texas this time of year. Flip a worm or craw worm into the cover and sight-fish the shallow spawners in the clear water for your best shot at a big one.

Summer (Jun-Aug) - topwater and frogs

Early summer the topwater and frog bite turns on around the cover, and it's some of the most fun fishing of the year. Get after it early and late, throw a frog around the grass and wood, and because the lake is small we can hit a lot of this water in a trip.

Fall (Sep-Nov) - working cover

Cooling water keeps the fish tight to the docks, hardwoods and rock piles. A fluke and reaction baits stay productive, and it's a comfortable, scenic time to be on the water.

Winter (Dec-Feb) - slow and deliberate

The constant lake level keeps Inks fishable all winter. Slow way down around the rock and ledges with a jig or shaky head, and you can still turn up a quality fish when other lakes are tough.

How we fish it

Because Inks is small, we can fish it any way the day calls for - flipping docks, flipping the hardwoods, working rock piles and ledges, or throwing frogs and flukes around cover. A shaky head on the rock piles is a great way to pick up Guadalupe bass. If you'd rather stay on the bank, the state park shoreline has lots of productive spots. If you'd like more detail, here are the best lures to use on Inks Lake.

Best for

Anglers who want a scenic, easygoing Highland lake with a strong spring and early-summer bite, a shot at Guadalupe bass, and the option to fish from a boat or the bank in the state park. See trip rates and book an Inks Lake trip, or check out neighboring Lake Buchanan, another Highland lake nearby.

Inks Lake fishing FAQs

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