Can You Fish in Lake Travis?

Lake Travis is one of six manmade reservoirs in Texas’s chain of Highland Lakes – and with over 18,000 acres and a dozen species of freshwater fish, it’s an angler’s paradise! In this article, we’ll give you a full overview of Lake Travis fishing, including the best fishing spots on Lake Travis.

First things first: can you fish in Lake Travis?

Yes, you can fish in Lake Travis – so long as you have a Texas fishing license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and follow all of the statewide fishing regulations (i.e., daily bag limits, minimum sizes) that protect the reservoir’s ecosystem. 

You can buy a Texas fishing license either online at the TPWD website or in-person at an official retailer, like a sporting goods store or bait shop. Lake Travis is a freshwater lake, so make sure you get a freshwater or all-water fishing license. A 12-month freshwater Texas fishing license costs $30 for state residents, $12 for seniors, and $58 for non-residents. If you’re visiting from out of state and only planning on a single fishing trip to Lake Travis, you can opt for a $16 one-day, non-resident all-water license.

Lake Travis is open to anglers all year round, although you’re going to get the most bites in the spring and fall, when the moderate water temperatures make it easy for fish to spawn and feed. In the summer, we recommend casting at night, and in the winter, you can search for fish habitats around the lake’s structure.

A quick guide to Lake Travis bass fishing

The number one fish on Lake Travis is bass. The reservoir is home to five species of bass – largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Guadalupe bass, white bass, and striped bass – that are routinely stocked.

If you’re looking for a trophy catch, we recommend casting near some of the Lake Travis bass population’s favorite hangouts: drop-offs, ledges, sunken logs, and docks. When water levels are particularly high, you may even spot some bass in flooded shore banks. When it comes to bait, bass tend to go for minnows, suspended jerkbait, topwater baits, and double willowleaf spinners.

Other types of fish in Lake Travis

Bass aren’t the only exciting catch to be had in the reservoir – there are other types of fish in Lake Travis.

Lake Travis catfish are particularly plentiful, and they are stocked periodically by the TPWD. Blue catfish dominate the lake’s population, but you can also find channel catfish and flathead catfish. If you want to get a catfish purring, try stinkbait or cutbait!

Lake Travis is also home to:

• White crappie
• Black crappie
• Freshwater drum
• Longnose gar
• Spotted gar
• Carp
• Sunfish
• Shad

There’s a thrilling freshwater catch for everyone!

The best fishing spots on Lake Travis

The best fishing spots on Lake Travis are jealously guarded by local anglers, but we’ve got a shortlist of some of the places you’re most likely to reel in a big one:

• Underwater structure. When you head out into open water, look for the lake’s underwater structure. Fish love hiding in sunken logs, rock formations, and vegetation.

• Creek channels. You can also look for creek channels, like Big Sandy Creek and the Cypress Creek Arm. These areas act like fish highways, and you’re bound to get a bite from something passing through.

• Mansfield Dam Park. Mansfield Dam Park has some of the deepest water in the reservoir, and the steep drop-offs on either end of the park are beloved by fish, especially bass.

• Pace Bend Park. Pace Bend Park has tons of rocky bluffs. Bass tend to hug these shores looking for food – just like your bait. Head to the west side of the park for the best catches.

Get everything you need for your Lake Travis fishing trip at Northshore Marina

Northshore Marina at the Hollows is your home base for all of the best Lake Travis activities, including fishing. Our spacious wet slips are the perfect place to store your fishing boat for year-round access – complete with Wi-Fi, electricity, and freshwater supply.

Before you head out, you can stock up on food and drinks at our ship store. Plus, you can take advantage of amenities like our fuel dock, member lounge, and air-conditioned restrooms and showers. 

At Northshore Marina, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service – there’s a reason that we’ve been awarded “Outstanding Marina of the Year” six times! Whether you’re heading out for an early morning fishing trip, relaxing on the docks, or attending one of our exclusive events, we’re here to make sure you have a premium experience.

Ready to reel in a trophy catch? Contact Northshore Marina today!