Fishing
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12861 Galm Road #7
San Antonio, Texas 78254
(210) 688-9460 or 688-9516
Mitch Nisbet, Biologist
Nearby State Parks
Medina Lake
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
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: 40 miles northwest of San Antonio
in Bandera and Medina counties
Surface area: 5,426 acres
Maximum depth: 152 feet
Impounded: 1913
Water Conditions
Current Lake Level
Conservation Pool Elevation: 1,064 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Large fluctuations,
up to 40 feet, based on area rainfall
Normal Clarity: Clear
Reservoir Controlling Authorities
Bexar Medina Atascosa Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (BMA)
2401 Highway 132 North
Natalia, TX 78059
(830) 665-2132
Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District (BCRAGD)
440 FM 3240
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-7260
Aquatic Vegetation
Sparse
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
None available
Fishing Regulations
All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.
Angling Opportunities
Largemouth bass are always a favorite of many anglers. Smallmouth bass can be found around rocky outcrops. The hybrid striped bass population is currently very good in the reservoir, with many keeper-sized fish ready to strike. Quality white bass are present in small numbers and can be caught using small spoons or shad imitating jigs off open water points. There are also good numbers of sizable channel and blue catfish in the 2-5 pound range with a few much bigger.
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
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| Smallmouth Bass |  |
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| Catfish |  |
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| Crappie |  |
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| White Bass |  |
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| Hybrid Striped Bass |  |
Fishing Cover/Structure
Medina Lake has a variety of coves, rocky outcrops, and tributary creek beds.
Tips & Tactics
For largemouth bass, try fishing deep drop-offs near points in the warmer months using jigs or shad imitating lures. Smallmouth bass can be found around rocky outcrops using crawfish-colored crankbaits and jigs. Hybrid striped bass have been concentrating around open water points and humps and in deep water near the dam. Troll spoons or rattle traps in deep water with down-riggers or use chicken liver for bait. White bass can be caught using small spoons or shad imitating jigs off open water points. Look for schools breaking the surface and throw topwater lures past the school and drag your lure through with a fast retrieve. For catfish, use chicken liver, blood bait, or shad in deep coves that have feeder creeks (even if the creeks are not currently flowing).