If you're planning to hit Lake Austin today, December 27, 2024, here's what you need to know:
First off, the sunrise is at 7:26 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:38 PM, giving you about 10 hours and 12 minutes of daylight. This time of year, the days are short, but the fishing can be great.
Lake Austin, located on the Colorado River, has seen a significant recovery in its fishery lately. After the introduction of grass carp to eliminate hydrilla, which ended up harming the fish population, the lake is now seeing a resurgence of aquatic vegetation. Hydrilla, coontail, eel grass, and milfoil are all back, providing excellent habitat for fish.
Yesterday's fishing was excellent, with numerous spots holding bass. Anglers caught a ton of bass, and some even hooked big ones using crankbaits. The best lures to use right now include crankbaits, especially those that mimic shad or baitfish, and soft plastics like curly tail grubs or plastic worms.
For bait, live shad or minnows are always a good choice, but stinkbait can also work well for catfish, which are also present in the lake.
As for hot spots, focus on areas with thick vegetation. The north end of the lake near the Pennybacker Bridge and the south end near the Tom Miller Dam are usually productive. Look for submerged logs, drop-offs, and areas where the vegetation meets the open water.
The weather today is expected to be mild, with clear skies, making it ideal for a day on the water. Since Lake Austin is a riverine lake, it doesn't have tides, so you don't need to worry about that.
Overall, Lake Austin is looking great, and with the right lures and bait, you should have a successful day of fishing. Good luck out there