Lake Travis Bass Fishing Guide
Lake Travis (numbers are good - a few bigger ones)
Surface area: 18,622 acres - Maximum depth: 190 feet - Impounded: 1942
Lake Record Largemouth: 15.32 lbs - by a Junior on Feb 28, 2021
Lake Level: Click here for Lake Travis' water level
Addresses:
North side Mid Lake - Meet at 1350 Emerald Dr, Lago Vista, TX 78645
South side Mid Lake - 406 Sleat Dr, Briarcliff, TX 78669
Today's Date: Sat Jul 11 2026
Sunrise time : 6:37 am Safe light: 30 minutes before sunrise
Launching on Travis: Open Ramps
Lake Travis is one of the larger freshwater lakes near Austin in the Central Texas area, and the lake I've put more first-timers and kids on than any other. It's easy to fish, it's loaded with bass, and almost everybody catches. It's long had a reputation for numbers over size, but starting in 2011 it's been the best for quality I've ever seen - plenty of 4-5 pound fish, and some even bigger, on a lake that usually produces 1-3 pound bass. If you want a fun, high-action day with a shot at a better fish, this is a great place to start.
See how this lake stacks up against the others near Austin
What you'll catch on Lake Travis
Largemouth bass are the main target - healthy 1-3 pounders that keep a rod bent all day, with a real shot at a 4-5 pound fish and the occasional bigger surprise. Guadalupe bass, the state fish of Texas, show up here too; my personal best on Travis is 3.57 lbs, just .12 under the lake record and .14 under the world record. We'll also run into white bass, crappie, striper and catfish, and if I've got kids aboard I'll happily put them on bluegill to keep the action fast. I practice catch and release on the bass, but if it's table fare you're after, we can keep white bass, crappie or Guadalupe bass.
Seasonal patterns on Lake Travis
Spring (Feb-May) - prime time
As the water warms into the upper 50s and 60s, bass push out of deep water and stage on points and secondary points before moving up to spawn, typically March into April depending on the weather. In Travis's clear water you can often sight-fish bedding bass, and this pre-spawn window is your best shot at the biggest fish of the year.
Summer (Jun-Aug) - early and deep
The bite stays good if you time it right. Early mornings we'll catch them shallow on topwater and reaction baits; as the sun climbs, the bigger fish slide out to deeper structure - points, humps and submerged trees - where soft plastics, deeper presentations and the LiveScope earn their keep. The deep, clear water keeps Travis fishing through the heat better than most.
Fall (Sep-Nov) - chase the shad
As it cools, bass follow shad into the creeks and coves. This is fun, run-and-gun fishing - watch for schooling activity and chase it with reaction baits.
Winter (Dec-Feb) - slower, but a big-bite window
Things slow down and the fish hold deeper, but the late-winter pre-spawn is sneaky-good for a giant, and the lighted docks can produce, especially for white bass.
How we fish it
Travis rewards a flexible game plan. Most trips we start shallow at first light with topwater and crankbaits, then shift to soft plastics and a baby brush hog as the day develops and the fish reposition. When the lake comes up and floods fresh cover, frogs and spinnerbaits around the new brush can be on fire, and I lean on the LiveScope to put you on the bigger bass holding near cover or cruising the break lines. If you'd like to learn what the best lures to use on Lake Travis are, check out my article on that.
Best for
The best lake near Austin for kids and first-timers, hands down - high catch rates, easy water, and steady action. Also a strong pick if you just want a fun numbers day with a real chance at a quality fish. See trip rates and book a Lake Travis trip, or if a giant is your main goal, compare it with grass-filled Lake Austin.
Lake Travis fishing FAQs
When is the best time to bass fish Lake Travis?
Spring (roughly March through May) is the best window for both numbers and size, but Travis fishes well year-round. Summer mornings are excellent for numbers because of the deep, clear water, and late winter can surprise you with a big pre-spawn fish.
Is Lake Travis good for beginners and kids?
It's the lake I recommend most for kids and first-timers. It's easy to fish and the catch rate is high, which keeps young anglers having fun and bending rods all day.
Are there Guadalupe bass in Lake Travis?
Yes. The Guadalupe bass is the state fish of Texas and Central Texas is the only place in the world you can catch them. We catch them on Travis regularly. My best here was 3.57 lbs, just .14 shy of the world record.
Do I need my own boat or fishing gear?
No. All rods, reels and tackle are provided. Just bring a valid Texas fishing license (required at 17+), polarized sunglasses, a hat, and whatever food and drinks you'd like.
Where do we meet to launch on Lake Travis?
Depending on conditions, we'll meet mid-lake on the north side in Lago Vista (1350 Emerald Dr) or the south side in Briarcliff (406 Sleat Dr). I'll confirm the exact spot when you book.
Can you catch a trophy bass on Lake Travis, or is it just numbers?
Travis is best known for numbers, but it's changed. Since 2011 it's given up more quality than I've ever seen here - a typical day is 1-3 pounders with a real shot at 4-5 pounds, and every year we see some bigger. The lake record is a 15.32-pound giant. So come for the steady action, but don't be surprised by a big one.
Does the lake level affect fishing on Lake Travis?
It does - Travis is a flood-control lake and the level swings a lot. When it's rising and flooding fresh bushes, the shallow bite around that new cover can be outstanding. When it's low and clear, we lean on deeper structure and electronics. Either way there's a pattern that works; I just adjust to what the water's doing that week.