Here’s your Lake Austin fishing report for Saturday, April 19, 2025, from Artificial Lure.
Today’s sunrise came at 6:57 AM with sunset at 7:59 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get after those spring bass. Weather is looking mild and stable, with morning temps in the 60s and an expected high near the mid-70s. Winds are light and skies look to stay mostly clear throughout the day, keeping things comfortable on the water.
The lake is about two-thirds of a foot below pool and water temperature is around 65 degrees. The water is stained, but clarity is better the closer you get to the dam and up towards the upper end where the inflow from Lake Travis comes in clean and cool. There’s loads of new grass in the lake—hydrilla, coontail, milfoil, and eel grass have all bounced back strong this spring, which is good news for anyone chasing the bite.
Right now, the bass spawn is in full swing. You’ll find plenty of 1- to 3-pounders shallow, with some bigger females laying up on beds. Most fish are holding tight to the grass lines and along the banks, especially in coves and near docks. Look for beds—there are quite a few around; sight fishing is productive if your eyes are sharp. Big fish are being caught, with a few recent reports of largemouths over 5 pounds and the occasional double-digit stretching the scales. Common carp and grass carp are also active, along with some channel cats and bluegill turning up in the mix.
Best baits right now are finesse rigs: wacky worms, dropshots, small swimbaits, and Texas-rigged worms are putting numbers in the boat. For covering water and targeting more aggressive bass, try a shallow crankbait or chatterbait along the grass lines. Bright colors are working well in the stained water, but keep a natural presentation handy just in case.
If you're after the hottest action, check out the grass beds near Emma Long Park or hit the stretch between Walsh Boat Landing and the Pennybacker Bridge, where recent catches have been consistent. Both spots offer good structure and healthy vegetation, making them magnets for spawning fish this time of year.
No tidal movement to worry about here—just steady, stable conditions. This stretch of weather has the fish comfortable and biting through both morning and the afternoon hours. Get out, work those grass edges and beds, and odds are you’ll hook into some solid Lake Austin bass today.
That’s the latest from Artificial Lure. Tight lines, y’all.