Fishing Report for Lake Austin – April 4, 2025
Good morning, anglers! Today brings us prime springtime fishing conditions on Lake Austin. The weather is mild, with morning temperatures around 60°F, warming to the mid-70s by afternoon. Expect partly cloudy skies and light winds, making it comfortable for casting. Sunrise was at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 7:50 PM, offering plenty of daylight for a full day on the water.
The water temperature in Lake Austin hovers between 60-63°F, with bass in pre-spawn and spawn stages. This means they are moving into shallower waters, making it an opportune time for sight fishing or targeting vegetative zones like hydrilla and coontail. Tidal activity in a reservoir like Lake Austin is not a factor, but fish activity will peak during early morning and late afternoon hours as temperatures stabilize.
**Fish Catches and Activity:**
Largemouth bass remain the top target, with anglers landing fish between 3-6 pounds this week. Reports also indicate success with flathead catfish and grass carp. For bass, spawn-related aggression means they're striking a mix of lures. Meanwhile, a notable alligator gar was recently caught at an impressive 60 inches and 35 pounds.
**Best Lures and Baits:**
- **Topwater lures:** In the cool, clear mornings, try popping or walking baits along shallow points and coves.
- **Jerkbaits and swimbaits:** Shad-colored lures like the 6th Sense Provoke DD or Divine Swimbaits are excellent for suspended fish near deeper points.
- **Crankbaits:** A mid-diving flat-side crankbait works well over vegetation edges.
- **Plastic worms and jigs:** Texas rigs with creature baits or Carolina rigs dragging watermelon or pumpkin-colored soft plastics have yielded solid results on the deeper grass edges.
For live bait enthusiasts, minnows are always effective, particularly for catfish and crappie around drop-offs and docks.
**Hotspots:**
1. **Emma Long Metropolitan Park:** This popular area on Lake Austin offers access to largemouth bass near shorelines, grass beds, and boat docks. Anglers without a boat can fish successfully here.
2. **River Bend:** Located at GPS coordinates N 30°19.844, W 97°56.041, this spot consistently gives up quality bass, especially using topwater lures in the morning and late evening.
Plan your trips strategically, as fish are more active during morning and dusk hours. With light winds predicted, conditions are perfect for both kayak and boat anglers. For those looking to hook a trophy largemouth or enjoy the beauty of Lake Austin, today promises an exciting opportunity on the water. Tight lines!