Fishing
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505 Staples Road
San Marcos, Texas 78666
(512) 353-0072
Patrick Ireland, Biologist
Local Information
Nearby State Parks
Lake Lyndon B. Johnson
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
ALGAE : Please use caution around algae blooms. See detailed information from the LCRA.
BOATER ADVISORY: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir! CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. Draining water is required by law and possession and transport of zebra mussels is illegal.
Lake Characteristics
Location: On the Colorado River in Burnet
County, near the towns of Marble Falls, Kingsland, and Granite
Shoals
Surface area: 6,449 acres
Maximum depth: 90 feet
Impounded: 1951
Water Conditions
Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 825 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Constant level
Normal Clarity: Clear to slightly stained
Reservoir Controlling Authority
Lower Colorado
River Authority
3700 Lake Austin Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 473-3200 or 1(800) 776-5272
Aquatic Vegetation
Water willow, bulrush, Eurasian watermilfoil and spatterdock (a variety of water lily)
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Records
Current
Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
Good commercial maps are available at area map, tackle, and sporting goods stores. Free, downloadable maps of the lake and surrounding areas are available in the map section of the LCRA website.
Fishing Regulations
All species are currently managed with statewide regulations. Bow fishers on this lake are subject to special regulations enforced by the LCRA.
Angling Opportunities
Lake LBJ contains a moderate density largemouth and Guadalupe bass population. There is also a moderate density white bass population with runs occurring up the Llano River in the spring (February-May). Lake LBJ's white crappie population is the best of any of the Highland Lakes chain. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish are abundant and occur throughout the reservoir.
Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
---|---|---|---|---|
Largemouth Bass | ||||
Catfish | ||||
Crappie | ||||
White Bass | ||||
Sunfish |
Fishing Cover/Structure
The shoreline surrounding Lake LBJ is highly developed, with miles of bulkhead and boat houses that provide cover. Several creeks wind back off the main lake, providing shallow vegetative cover in the form of water willow and spatterdock. The area near the dam is rocky and clear, while the upper end of the reservoir is more sandy and stained. A small power plant is located in the Horseshoe Bay area, discharging hot water during the winter, when forage and game fish will concentrate in this area. Many submerged brush piles are hidden beneath the surface and can provide excellent angling opportunities if located. Don't expect these "honey holes" to be advertised, good electronic sonar equipment will be needed to find these structures.
Tips & Tactics
Largemouth bass anglers have their best success on this reservoir during the spring and fall months. Largemouths are noted for staying shallow regardless of the time of the year. Flipping the scattered water willow patches with worms and jigs can be productive year round. When the bass aren't in the water willow, there are thousands of docks to flip and pitch to. Docks in the Colorado River arm of the lake near deeper water can be especially good. In the lower section of the reservoir where the water generally remains clear, topwater lures, metal flake willowleaf spinnerbaits, and shallow- to medium- depth crankbaits work well along rocky banks. In early spring (February-March) the many canals and small drains on this lake warm quickly, bringing in bass preparing for the spawn.
Starting in February, white bass begin their annual spawning run up the Llano and Colorado River arms. Productive lures for white bass include twister tail jigs, small hair jigs, small crankbaits, and small topwaters. Live-bait fishing with minnows is also productive. The Lions Club boat ramp in Kingsland offers close access for anglers wishing to fish for white bass in the upper reaches of the Llano River above Lake LBJ during the spawning run. Crappie fishing can be good on this lake, especially around docks and man-made brush piles. Stinkbaits and cutbaits work well for blue and channel catfish, while live bait is preferred by large flathead catfish.