Lake Bastrop
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
Lake Characteristics
Location: In Bastrop County, near the town
of Bastrop
Surface area: 906 acres
Maximum depth: 60 feet
Impounded: 1964
Water Conditions
Conservation Pool Elevation: 450 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Rarely more than 1-2 feet
Normal Clarity: Clear to slightly stained
Reservoir Controlling Authority
Lower Colorado
River Authority
3700 Lake Austin Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 473-3200 or 1(800) 776-5272
Aquatic Vegetation
Marine naiad, southern naiad, pondweed species, hydrilla, and coontail
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Records
Current
Fishing Report
Stocking History
Lake Maps
No contour maps available
Fishing Regulations
Use of juglines, throwlines, and trotlines is not allowed in Lake Bastrop. There is a 14- to 21-inch slot limit on largemouth bass. Bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches and over may be retained, but only one bass 21 inches or greater may be retained each day. Bass within the 14-21-inch slot limit must be released. All other species are managed with statewide regulations.
Angling Opportunities
Lake Bastrop is a high-quality bass lake. It has been heavily stocked with Florida largemouth bass. However, it is not noted for producing trophy-size bass; most of those caught range from 2 to 5 pounds. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish have also been stocked. Channel catfish are abundant, with best angling in the spring and early summer before the vegetation interferes with bottom fishing. A low-density crappie population is present.
Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
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Largemouth Bass | ![]() |
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Catfish | ![]() |
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Crappie | ![]() |
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Sunfish | ![]() |
Fishing Cover/Structure
Lake Bastrop is a classic structure fishing lake. Well-defined creek channels, humps and drop offs provide structure. Anglers should use electronics to locate these features. Large stands of submerged aquatic vegetation provide cover. A limited amount of standing timber is available in the back of some coves. Because Bastrop is a power plant cooling reservoir, water temperatures are warmer than those found on some other lakes, keeping bass active during the winter and early spring. The water can become extremely hot during the summer, which may have a negative effect on fishing success.
Tips & Tactics
Largemouth bass anglers can be successful year-round at Bastrop, but
the most productive period is between February and June. A lipless crankbait
can be very effective in the spring, allowing anglers to quickly cover weedy
flats. Good colors include chrome/blue, red and orange. Another extremely effective
artificial bait is a Carolina-rigged centipede (french fry) or lizard. Fish
this rig near submerged vegetation on drop offs, points, or along the dam.
A suspending jerk-bait, such as a Rogue or Thunderstick, also works well in
the spring. Topwater baits like chuggers, prop baits and buzz baits can produce
early and late in the day, or on cloudy days when fished in shallow water or
over vegetation. Topwaters are normally effective when the water temperature
exceeds 60 degrees. In summer, heavy rubber-haired jigs (3/4-1 oz.) with crawfish
trailers are effective pitched in matted vegetation. Texas rigged craw worms
and plastic worms can also be used. Anglers should peg a 1/2-3/4 ounce sinker
against the head of the bait and rig it Texas style. Generally these heavy
jigs, craws and worms are fished almost vertically near the deepest edge of
the matted vegetation. Other high percentage areas when fishing the "grass" during
the summer months include creek channel edges, ditches, drains and irregularities
in the weedline. Along the outside edge of the vegetation Texas rigged plastic
worms and Carolina rigs work well. Watermelon, tequila sunrise and june bug
are popular plastic worm colors. Schooling bass activity can be excellent in summer (June-September). Small topwater and lead head grubs are excellent choices for schooling bass.
Channel and blue catfish can be caught using stinkbait
or cutbait, whereas flathead catfish prefer live bait. Look for concentrations
of catfish in the abundant creek channels and the power plant discharge
canal.