Austin, TX Fishing Report for Lake Travis and Lake Austin - Written by professional fishing guide, Tyler Torwick
We've finally had some cold fronts that actually brought the lake temps down quite a bit on Lake Travis. Prior to these last fronts I hadn't even seen the water temps anything below 60 degrees. During my last trip out I saw temps as low as 55 degrees.
The reason I mention this is because these cold temps can have an effect on the patterns that are working. Lately I have been focusing more on throwing baits that make the fish react to the lure. If you are getting out there this week I would recommend having a flat side crankbait, a lipless crankbait, a wiggle wart/ Curve 55, and a jerkbait tied on.
I recommend targeting areas where there is isolated grass, rock piles in 10-20 feet or water, or deep grass edged in 15-25 feet of water. Wind direction and time of day can also be key. If you read my report you know I pay close attention to the wind. Focus on areas that the wind is pushing into or hitting. Something I have noticed is on days when the wind is out of the south (warmer) the fish will move up a little shallower to feed. Throwing those moving baits over the top of the grass can tear them up!
On days when there is very little cloud cover its common for the fish to move deeper. While I will start out with the baits I mentioned earlier, if I'm not getting bit that's when I've been slowing down. A finesse jig and a drop shot fished very subtly are great options. When working these lures do not over work them or twitch them too aggressively.
The other recommendation I have for you is to cover water. If you fish an area for 20 minutes and don't get a bite, keep moving. I typically find its not worth it to keep changing colors or lures, try another area and spend more time trying to locate active fish. Once you get a bite then work that area over well, but not until then.
In addition to Lake Travis, I have also been fishing Lake Austin more. I was out there the other day and had a great trip! The grass in that lake has started to come back and some of it is holding fish! I've found hydrilla, milfoil, and eelgrass. Similar patterns to Lake Travis are working. Throwing baits in and around the grass has been best. Spend time locating grass that is not only healthy but sets up in a good depth range, 6-15 feet is ideal. You also want to find grass that isn't too thick, there needs to be some holes in the grass and room for the fish to move around. I have a recent Honey Hole Report up for that lake that has some of the exact spots I'm talking about. If you are looking to target a big fish that lake is a good option. It's definitely a trade off with numbers versus size though, lately I've still been catching more fish on Lake Travis, but the average size on Austin is a bit bigger. Something to consider.
Spring will be here before you know it! If you are looking to book with me in March, April, or May I highly recommend booking your trip now!