Lake Austin Fishing Report: Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and Gar Thrive in Spring Conditions

Good morning, Austin anglers! Here’s your detailed fishing report for Lake Austin as of Monday, April 14, 2025. The fishing conditions on Lake Austin are currently rated as good. The water temperature is 65°F, with a slight stain, and lake levels are 0.65 feet below pool. The bass spawn is in full swing, with a lot of activity in the shallows. You’ll find plenty of 1–3 pound fish in addition to the occasional big bite. Many beds are visible around the lake, so sight fishing is particularly effective right now. Look for patches of grass, as they’re hosting larger groups of fish right now. Using wacky worms, Texas-rigged worms, small swimbaits, and drop-shot rigs are proving highly effective for largemouth bass. Additionally, there have been reports of flathead catfish and even alligator gar being caught recently in these waters. Weather-wise, expect pleasant spring conditions. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with highs in the low 80s and light winds, which should make for a calm and enjoyable day on the water. Sunrise is at 7:06 AM, and sunset will be at 7:58 PM, giving you plenty of productive fishing hours. For those seeking hot spots, start near the grass beds along the shorelines. Emma Long Metropolitan Park offers excellent access and is a favorite for largemouth bass, with some anglers even pulling in trophy-sized catches. Another great spot is the coves near the Tom Miller Dam, where you can find bass staging in the shallow grass and catfish lurking in deeper waters. For those interested in carp or gar, try casting your lines around the weedy areas of the lake. In terms of bait, you can’t go wrong with soft plastics like Senkos and Zoom trick worms for bass. Colors like watermelon red or green pumpkin are top choices. As the fish are in spawning mode, use slower presentations to entice those stubborn bites. If you’re targeting catfish, cut bait or stink baits are working well. For alligator gar, live bait or heavy-duty lures are your best bet. A recent standout catch at Lake Austin was a 6-pound largemouth bass pulled in with a wacky-rigged worm, while other anglers have reported steady success on smaller bass using drop shots and spinnerbaits. For those chasing flathead catfish, anchoring near submerged structures and using fresh cut bait has brought in solid results. Tight lines and good luck out there! Be sure to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated, as it’ll be a warm but stellar day for fishing.