Lake LBJ is located on the Colorado River in Burnet County, near the towns of Marble
Falls, Kingsland, and Granite Shoals. The surface area is approximately 6,500 acres and a maximum
depth: 90 feet. Lake LBJ contains a moderate density largemouth and Guadalupe bass population.
There are a few
smallmouth bass in the lower end of the reservoir. The reservoir
also has a moderate density white bass population with runs occurring up the
Llano River in the spring (February-May). Lake LBJ's white crappie population is
the best of any of the Highland Lakes chain. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish
are abundant and occur throughout the reservoir.
Fishing Cover/Structure: The shoreline surrounding Lake LBJ is highly developed, with
miles of bulkhead and boat houses. Several creeks wind back off the
main lake, providing shallow vegetative cover in the form of water
willow and spatterdock. As one travels up the reservoir, the water
changes from clear to slightly stained and shoreline development
becomes more sparse. Many submerged brush piles are hidden beneath
the surface and can provide excellent angling opportunities if
located. Don't expect these "honey holes" to be advertised, good
electronic sonar equipment will be needed to find these structures.
Largemouth bass anglers have their best success on this
reservoir during the spring and fall months. Largemouths on this reservoir are
noted for staying shallow regardless of the time of the year. Flipping the
scattered water willow patches with worms and jigs can be productive year round.
When the bass aren't in the water willow, there are thousands of docks to flip
and pitch to. Docks in the Colorado River arm of the lake near deeper water can
be especially good. In the lower section of the reservoir where the water
generally remains clear, topwater lures, metal flake willowleaf spinnerbaits,
and shallow- to medium- depth crankbaits work well along rocky banks. In early
spring (February-March) the many canals and small drains on this lake warm
quickly, bringing in bass preparing for the spawn.
Starting in February, white bass begin their annual spawning
run up the Llano and Colorado River arms. Productive lures for white bass
include twister tail jigs, small hair jigs, small crankbaits, and small
topwaters. Live-bait fishing with minnows is also productive. The Lions Club
boat ramp in Kingsland offers close access for anglers wishing to fish for white
bass in the upper reaches of the Llano River above Lake LBJ during the spawning
run. Crappie fishing can be good on this lake, especially
around docks and man-made brushpiles. Catfish anglers can find
channel, blue, and flathead catfish throughout the reservoir. Stinkbaits and
cutbaits work well for the blues and channel cats, while live bait is preferred
for large flathead catfish
Aquatic Vegetation:
Water willow, bulrush, and spatterdock (a variety of water lily).
Efforts to establish several native aquatic plants were initiated in
2000.
