Lake Austin Bass Fishing Guide
Lake Austin (fishing great right now)
Surface area: 1,599 acres - Maximum depth: 75 feet - Impounded: 1939
Lake Record Largemouth: 16.03 lbs - Junior: 12.70 lbs - Guadalupe Bass: 3.06 lbs
Lake Level: Constant-level lake - the water stays put, so there's no level to check before you come.
Address: 1601 Quinlan Park Road South, Austin, TX 78732
Today's Date: Sat Jul 11 2026
Sunrise time : 6:37 am Safe light: 30 minutes before sunrise
Lake Austin is a hidden gem and, in my book, one of the best lakes in the Austin area for a true giant. Some of the largest bass anywhere around here have come out of Austin - the lake record is north of 16 pounds - so if you're chasing a lifetime fish, this is a great place to do it. It's full of grass, which is exactly why the big ones live here: find the grass, you'll find the bass.
See how this lake stacks up against the others near Austin
What you'll catch on Lake Austin
This is a trophy largemouth lake - some of the biggest bass in Central Texas live here, and the grass gives them everything they need to grow heavy. In spring we also run into nice white bass and catfish, and there are Guadalupe bass in here too. I release the bass; white bass make fine table fare if you'd like to keep a few.
Seasonal patterns on Lake Austin
Spring (Mar-May) - big-fish prime time
The best window for a giant. Bass move up around the grass to spawn, and it's also when we pick up nice white bass and catfish. If a wall-hanger is the goal, plan around spring.
Summer (Jun-Aug) - early mornings or fish at night
There's a lot of recreational traffic on Lake Austin in the hot months, so I recommend an early half-day - or one of my night trips, when it's quiet, cool and the big bass are on the prowl.
Fall (Sep-Nov) - grass and feeding fish
As it cools and the crowds thin, bass feed hard around the grass edges. A comfortable, productive time to be out.
Winter (Dec-Feb) - slow down for a big bite
Fewer fish but better average size. Slower presentations around the deeper grass and structure can produce the bass of the trip.
How we fish it
On Lake Austin it almost always comes back to the grass - mostly hydrilla, with coontail, milfoil and eelgrass mixed in. We target that cover with the baits that pull big fish out of it, and time our trips around the lake's heavy summer traffic with early starts or night outings. If you'd like to learn what the best lures to use on Lake Austin are, check out my article on that.
Best for
Anglers hunting a trophy or lifetime-record bass, fishing the grass, and anyone who'd enjoy a quiet summer night trip away from the daytime crowds. See trip rates and book a Lake Austin trip, or for a winter shot at a giant, take a look at Lake Buchanan.
Lake Austin fishing FAQs
Is Lake Austin good for trophy bass?
It's one of the best trophy lakes in the area - some of the largest bass around have come out of Lake Austin, including the lake record over 16 pounds. If you're after a lifetime-record fish, there's a good chance this is where you catch it.
When is the best time to bass fish Lake Austin?
Spring is excellent for big bass and we also catch nice white bass and catfish then. In the hot months there's heavy boat traffic, so I recommend an early half-day or one of my summer night trips.
Do you offer night fishing on Lake Austin?
Yes. In the summer months I run night trips so you can have a quiet, relaxing time going after the big bass away from the daytime recreational traffic.
Why is Lake Austin so good for bass?
It's full of grass - mostly hydrilla, plus coontail, milfoil and eelgrass. As the old saying goes, find the grass and you'll find the bass. That cover is what grows and holds the big fish.
Where do we meet to launch on Lake Austin?
We meet at 1601 Quinlan Park Road South, Austin. All tackle is provided - just bring a Texas fishing license (17+), sunglasses, a hat, and food and drinks.
Is Lake Austin good for beginners or kids?
It can be, but honestly Lake Travis is the one I steer families and young first-timers to - easier water and a higher catch rate. Lake Austin is more about hunting a few big bites in heavy grass, which is a blast for anglers with a little experience. If you've got a mixed group with small kids, tell me and I'll help you pick the right water.
What are the best lures for Lake Austin?
Because it's all about the grass, I lean on baits that work in and around hydrilla - flipping and punching soft plastics, weightless flukes and worms, frogs over the mats, and a swim jig or spinnerbait along the edges. I've got a full breakdown in my Lake Austin baits article.