Lake Bastrop, TX

Angling Opportunities

Lake Bastrop is a high-quality bass lake. It has been heavily stocked with Florida largemouth bass. However, it is not noted for producing trophy-size bass; most of those caught range from 2 to 5 pounds. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish have also been stocked. Channel catfish are abundant, with best angling in the spring and early summer before the vegetation interferes with bottom fishing. A low-density crappie population is present.

Lake Bastrop is a classic structure fishing lake. Well-defined creek channels, humps and drop offs provide structure. Anglers should use electronics to locate these features. Large stands of submerged aquatic vegetation provide cover. A limited amount of standing timber is available in the back of some coves. Because Bastrop is a power plant cooling reservoir, water temperatures are warmer than those found on some other lakes, keeping bass active during the winter and early spring. The water can become extremely hot during the summer, which may have a negative effect on fishing success.

There is a 14- to 21-inch slot limit on largemouth bass. Bass 14 inches and less or 21 inches and over may be retained, but only one bass 21 inches or greater may be retained each day. Bass within the 14-21-inch slot limit must be released. All other species are subject to statewide bag and size limits.

Use of juglines, throwlines, and trotlines is not allowed in Lake Bastrop. In addition, the LCRA prohibits bow fishing at this lake.

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass anglers can be successful year-round at Bastrop, but the most productive period is between February and June. A lipless crankbait can be very effective in the spring, allowing anglers to quickly cover weedy flats. Good colors include chrome/blue, red and orange. Another extremely effective artificial bait is a Carolina-rigged centipede (french fry) or lizard. Fish this rig near submerged vegetation on drop offs, points, or along the dam. A suspending jerk-bait, such as a Rogue or Thunderstick, also works well in the spring. Topwater baits like chuggers, prop baits and buzz baits can produce early and late in the day, or on cloudy days when fished in shallow water or over vegetation. Topwaters are normally effective when the water temperature exceeds 60 degrees. In summer, heavy rubber-haired jigs (3/4-1 oz.) with crawfish trailers are effective pitched in matted vegetation. Texas rigged craw worms and plastic worms can also be used. Anglers should peg a 1/2-3/4 ounce sinker against the head of the bait and rig it Texas style. Generally these heavy jigs, craws and worms are fished almost vertically near the deepest edge of the matted vegetation. Other high percentage areas when fishing the "grass" during the summer months include creek channel edges, ditches, drains and irregularities in the weedline. Along the outside edge of the vegetation Texas rigged plastic worms and Carolina rigs work well. Watermelon, tequila sunrise and june bug are popular plastic worm colors. Schooling bass activity can be excellent in summer (June-September). Small topwater and lead head grubs are excellent choices for schooling bass. 

Channel and blue catfish can be caught using stinkbait or cutbait, whereas flathead catfish prefer live bait. Look for concentrations of catfish in the abundant creek channels and the power plant discharge canal.