Fishing Report Lake Austin Feb 2025 - Bass Bite, Cat Action & Gar Spotted

Hello there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake Austin as of February 15, 2025. First off, let's talk about the conditions. The water temperature on Lake Austin has been fluctuating due to the recent cold fronts, but it's currently sitting around 55 to 60 degrees, which is quite typical for this time of year. The water level is about 0.45 to 0.80 feet below pool, and it's a bit stained, which can actually work in our favor when targeting certain species. Sunrise today is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:00 PM, giving us a good window to get out there and catch some fish. Since we're dealing with freshwater lakes, there's no tidal report to worry about, but the wind direction can play a crucial role. Today, the wind is expected to be out of the south, which might push the fish a bit shallower to feed. Now, let's dive into the fish activity. Largemouth Bass have been quite active, especially in the grassy areas on the north end of Lake Austin. Large groups of bass are congregating in 8-12 feet of water on grass, and the bite is good on Texas rigs, wacky rigs, jerkbaits, and Alabama rigs. Some fish are also moving up shallow in the creeks, particularly in areas where the water temperature is nearing 60 degrees. For those targeting Largemouth Bass, you can't go wrong with using worms, spinnerbaits, or rattle traps in these grassy spots. If the bite is slow, try working around brush, ledges, or docks with a creature bait or jig. Lightweight dropshots fished around grass edges and deep docks have also been producing some nice catches. Alabama rigs and jerkbaits are other good options to consider. Catfish are always a good bet on Lake Austin, and using stinkbait can be very effective. If you're after something a bit different, you might want to try your luck at catching some Gar, particularly Longnose and Spotted Gar, which are common in these waters. For Gar, use lures that mimic their natural prey or try using live bait. Here are a couple of hot spots you should consider: 1. **Lake Austin Low Water Crossing**: This area just below Mansfield Dam offers crystal-clear and cold water, making it an ideal spot for catching Bass and other species. Park at Jessica Hollis Park and walk down to the low water crossing for some great fishing opportunities. 2. **Barton Creek**: While it's a bit more challenging due to the clear water and consistent temperature, Barton Creek is home to some big fish. It's a great spot to try your luck, especially if you're looking for a fight from some larger Bass. This area recently made headlines with Willie Pipkin catching a record-breaking 14.05-pound largemouth bass, so you know the potential is there. Remember to always practice catch-and-release fishing where possible and to follow the local regulations, especially the zebra mussel alert which requires draining water from boats and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching publi