Lake Bastrop Bass Fishing Guide
Lake Bastrop (numbers have been good)
Surface area: 906 acres - Maximum depth: 60 feet - Impounded: 1964
Lake Record Largemouth: 9.98 lbs - Junior: 4.50 lbs
Address: 630 FM 1441, Bastrop, TX 78602
Today's Date: Sat Jul 11 2026
Sunrise time : 6:36 am Safe light: 30 minutes before sunrise
Lake Bastrop is only a little over 900 acres, but it holds some good quality bass. The 14-21 inch slot limit helps keep it full of 2-4 pound fish with a good chance at a larger one. It's about 45 minutes east of Austin, nestled in the Lost Pines, and it's a power-plant lake - which makes it a great choice all year long. With plenty of vegetation creating perfect habitat for the Florida-strain bass that live here, it's a great lake to catch numbers and a great place to bring the family or a large group.
See how this lake stacks up against the others near Austin
What you'll catch on Lake Bastrop
Largemouth bass are the target, and the slot limit means you'll catch plenty of healthy 2-4 pounders with a real shot at a bigger one. These are Florida-strain fish, well-fed in all that vegetation. The warm power-plant water keeps them active, and in summer they school up in numbers. I practice catch and release on the bass.
Seasonal patterns on Lake Bastrop
Spring (Mar-May) - shallow and spawning
Bass move up into the vegetation to spawn, and the warm water gets them going early. A productive, comfortable time to fish around the grass.
Summer (Jun-Aug) - one of the best topwater bites around
This is when Bastrop shines. Bass school up - mainly in the middle of the lake - for a great topwater and moving-bait bite. There are spots where you can sit and catch lots of fish, some days over 100.
Fall (Sep-Nov) - chasing bait
Cooling water keeps the fish feeding hard around the vegetation and open water as they chase shad.
Winter (Dec-Feb) - warm-water advantage
The power plant keeps Bastrop fishing when other lakes go cold, making it one of the better cold-weather options near Austin.
How we fish it
Bastrop is a numbers and topwater lake - we work the vegetation and, in the warmer months, get on the schools out in the middle for a fast, fun bite. It's tailor-made for families and groups who want to stay busy. If you'd like to learn what the best lures to use on Lake Bastrop are, check out my article on that.
Best for
Numbers, a summer topwater blast, families and large groups, and anyone wanting dependable warm-water action year-round just east of Austin. See trip rates and book a Lake Bastrop trip, or if you want the closest Austin option check out Lake Travis.
Lake Bastrop fishing FAQs
Is Lake Bastrop good for numbers?
It's one of the best numbers lakes around. In summer the bass school up - mainly in the middle of the lake - and there are spots where you can sit and catch lots of fish, some days over 100.
What size bass are in Lake Bastrop?
The 14-21 inch slot limit keeps it full of quality 2-4 pound bass, with a good chance at a larger one. It's a warm-water power-plant lake with lots of vegetation that grows healthy Florida-strain bass.
When is the best time to bass fish Lake Bastrop?
Being a power-plant lake, it's a great choice all year long. Summer is especially fun for the topwater schooling bite in the middle of the lake.
Is Lake Bastrop good for families and groups?
Yes - the steady numbers make it a great place to take the family or a large group. It's about 45 minutes east of Austin in the Lost Pines.
Is Lake Bastrop good for beginners and first-timers?
It's one of my favorites for beginners and first-timers. The steady numbers mean you stay busy and get plenty of bites, which keeps kids and new anglers having fun. All the tackle is provided, so you just show up and fish.
What lures work best on Lake Bastrop?
We work the vegetation and, in the warmer months, get on the schools out in the middle with topwater and moving baits. I bring all the tackle, but if you'd like to dig into the details I wrote an article on the best lures for Lake Bastrop.
Do I need my own boat or gear?
No. All rods, reels and tackle are provided. Just bring a valid Texas fishing license (17+), sunglasses, a hat, and food and drinks.