Lake Gonzales (H-4)

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: On the Guadalupe River watershed in Gonzales County, twelve miles west of the city of Gonzales on US 90A
Surface area: 696 acres
Impounded: 1931

Water Conditions

Conservation Pool Elevation: 332.5 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 2-3 feet
Normal Clarity: Stained to partly clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
933 E. Court St.
Seguin, Texas 78155
(830) 379-5822

Aquatic Vegetation

Many native aquatic plant species are present, including cattail, pondweed, American lotus, spatterdock, and rushes. Most are restricted to shallow areas and the edges of the river channel. Introduced exotics such as water hyacinth, water lettuce, and hydrilla have caused access problems in the past. Although still present, they are not currently at high concentrations.

Predominant Fish Species

• Largemouth bass
• White Crappie
• Blue, channel & flathead catfish
• Sunfish

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

Maps are available from the GBRA (830) 379-5822.

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass and white crappie are the most popular sportfish in the reservoir. Largemouth bass are abundant with frequent reports of large fish being boated. Crappie fishing can be excellent, especially in the fall. Blue and channel catfish are the most abundant catfish species, although flathead catfish are present in moderate numbers. Bluegill and redear sunfish are abundant and can provide excellent fishing for the young and old.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Crappie
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

Lake Gonzales contains overhanging trees, submerged brush, and shaded edges, all providing excellent habitat for game fish. It is dominated by the main river channel which provides steep dropoffs in the upper portion of the reservoir and deeper holes in the lower portion. Many shallow areas in the lower portion of the reservoir, adjacent to the river channel, concentrate baitfish and provide excellent feeding areas for largemouth bass and catfish.

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass anglers are most successful on Lake Gonzales during the spring, fall, and winter months. Popular baits include spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, rattletraps, crankbaits, and unweighted soft plastic worms or jerkbaits. Topwater baits such as: buzzbaits, Zara Spooks, or Pop-R's, presented very early or very late in the day near visible cover, are popular and can be productive throughout the day if cloud cover is present. Flipping jigs, plastic worms, or tube baits in shaded cover are often productive when other baits fail to produce. Crappie fishing is usually best with live minnows near submerged brush in the cooler months of the year, although small jigs in white, pink, or black and chartreuse also produce nice catches when dabbled near submerged brush or vegetation.

Catfish anglers can find blue and channel catfish throughout the reservoir. Although most catfish anglers prefer deeper water, blue and channel catfish are often found in relatively shallow areas near flooded terrestrial vegetation. Cheesebait and cutbait produce good catches, while live minnows, bluegill, or shad sometimes pay off with larger fish. Sunfish such as bluegill and redear are abundant and can provide hours of enjoyment fishing with worms or crickets under a bobber.