Lake Travis
A long, deep Highland Lakes reservoir on the Colorado River just northwest of Austin, held back by Mansfield Dam. It is known for clear water, rocky cliffs, big water level swings, and a mixed fishery of black bass, white bass, stripers, and catfish.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Good numbers but mostly small fish. Topwaters, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits on points and drop-offs; flooded brush at high water.
White Bass
Spring runs from late February to May up the Pedernales River, the upper Colorado arm, and big creeks.
Guadalupe Bass
Texas state fish. Rocky banks and the river arms with small crankbaits and soft plastics.
Blue Catfish
Blues, channels, and flatheads lakewide. Stinkbait or cutbait for blues and channels; live bait for flatheads.
Striped Bass
Low numbers in the lower lake. Night fishing at lighted docks in winter, topwaters on schooling fish in April and May.
Boat launches
8 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Mansfield Dam ParkFeeTravis County park near the dam; ramp usable down to about 637 ftDirections ↗
- Sandy Creek ParkFeeTravis County park rampDirections ↗
- Arkansas Bend ParkFeeTravis County park rampDirections ↗
- Pace Bend Park (Tatum Cove & Collier Cove)FeeTravis County park ramps; Tournament Point ramp closedDirections ↗
- Cypress Creek ParkFeeTravis County ramp; needs higher lake levelsDirections ↗
- Muleshoe Bend Recreation AreaFeeLCRA park ramp on the upper lakeDirections ↗
- Narrows Recreation AreaFeeLCRA park ramp on the upper lakeDirections ↗
- Jones Brothers ParkPublicCity of Jonestown rampDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Travis are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Lake Travis ↗Local tips
- Lake levels swing 10 to 20 feet or more; check the LCRA ramp page, since each ramp has a minimum usable level.
- June through August is tough for bass; fish early, late, or at night, and try spring and fall for the best bite.
- Zebra mussels are present. Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving; draining is required by law.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Texas lakes
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.