TPWD District Fisheries Office

12861 Galm Road #7
San Antonio, Texas 78254
(210) 688-9460 or 688-9516
Mitch Nisbet, Biologist

About the Area

Local Information

  • Visit San Antonio
    203 S. St. Mary's St., 2nd floor
    San Antonio, Texas 78205
    (800) 447-3372
    (210) 207-6700
 

Calaveras Lake

Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics


Lake Calaveras is open and has some new rules for visitors. Get the details.

Lake Characteristics

Location: 20 miles south of San Antonio off Loop 1604
Surface area: 3,624 acres
Maximum depth: 45 feet
Impounded: 1969

Water Conditions

Normal water levels: Summer 485.0 ft. msl, winter 484.0 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 1-2 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately stained

Camping & Recreational Facilities

Thousand Trails Management Services
(210) 635-8359

Reservoir Controlling Authority

CPS Energy
PO Box 1771
San Antonio, Texas 78292
(210) 353-2158

Aquatic Vegetation

Cattails and bulrushes

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Current Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

Provided at entrance point

Fishing Regulations

This reservoir has a special regulation on red drum. See bag and size limits.

Angling Opportunities

Channel catfish are the most sought-after species followed by hybrid striped bass, red drum and largemouth bass.

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth Bass   yes    
Catfish       yes
Hybrid Striped Bass       yes
Red Drum       yes
Fishing Cover/Structure

The main cover is provided by cattails and bulrush along the shoreline. Structure includes rock rip-rap along dam, intake canal and other stretches of shoreline.

Tips & Tactics

The peak fishing period for channel catfish is March through May, although they are harvested year round. Best baits include stinkbaits, tilapia, chicken liver and shad. March through August are great months to catch the red drum. Crawfish and tilapia are very good natural baits, while good artificials include gold and silver spoons and rattletraps. The extended period of January thru August is a good time to catch hybrid striped bass with the peak occurring March thru May. Good natural baits include chicken liver, sunfish and shad, while good artificials include spoons and rattle traps. The best time to catch largemouth bass is in spring with the peak being March thru May. The fish are found concentrated in the bulrush and along the rip-rap found at the dam and intake point. The majority of largemouth bass are harvested with artificial lures such as plastic worms, crank baits and spinner baits.