Lake Wood (H-5)

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

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: On the Guadalupe River watershed in Gonzales County, four miles west of Gonzales off US 90A on FM 2091
Surface area: 229 acres
Maximum depth: 17 feet
Impounded: 1931

Water Conditions

Conservation Pool Elevation: 291.5 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 3-5 feet
Normal Clarity: Clear to slightly stained

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
• Catfish
• Sunfish

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

Maps are available at Lake Wood Recreation Area or the GBRA headquarters (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. Although crappie fishing varies from year to year, respectable catches are not uncommon in the cooler months of the year. 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 Wood contains overhanging trees, submerged brush, and boat docks, 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 Wood 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 species, such as bluegill and redear, are abundant in Lake Wood and can provide hours of enjoyment fishing with worms or crickets under a bobber.