Lake
Bastrop is a high-quality bass lake. It has been
heavily stocked with Florida largemouth bass. The TPWD
statewide annual tournament survey in 1997 ranked this
lake second only to Fayette County, using quality
indicators like average weight and bass caught per
hour. However, it is not noted for producing trophy
size bass. 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.
FISHING
COVER/STRUCTURE
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 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.
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.
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.
Location:
In Bastrop County, near the town of Bastrop
Size:
906 acres
Maximum Depth: 60 feet
Date
Impounded: 1964
Normal
Water Clarity: Clear to slightly stained
Water Level
Fluctuation: Rarely more than 1-2 feet
Aquatic
Vegetation: Hydrilla, milfoil, chara, pondweed
species, coontail, and eel grass.
