Best Lake Travis Fishing Guides

Fishing Guides Lake Travis

Lake Travis is the heart of the Highland Lakes Chain. It was impounded in 1942 and has a surface size of 18,930 acres. The entire lake is over 63 miles long and has about 270 miles of shoreline. It boasts deep clear water with a lot of rock bluffs that offer some very nice fishing activity. The maximum depth of Travis is 190 feet, and during the warmer months it is not uncommon to find fish at over 40 feet deep.

Lake Travis offers excellent numbers of largemouth bass, especially the Guadalupe bass. In the spring and the fall it is not uncommon to boat in upwards of 20-30 bass per day. The fishing is still fairly good on this lake during the heat of the summer because of the deep water.

Lake Travis is an 18,930-acre reservoir located in the northwest corner of Austin, Texas. It is the largest of the Highland Lakes chain and is fed by the Colorado River. Lake Travis is over 60 miles long and the deepest point is 190 feet in depth.

Lake Travis is home to several species of fish, with the Largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish being the most predominant species. On January 25th, 1993, James Penny set the lake record for Largemouth bass. The bass weighed 14.21 pounds and was 28 inches in length. Ray Ward set the record for blue catfish on July 16th, 2005, with a fish weighing 41 pounds and measuring 41 inches in length.; David McGruffy set the Flathead catfish record on May 18th, 2003, with a fish that weighed 24.69 pounds and measured 38.25 inches in length.

Due to the ever-changing water levels and the lack of significant vegetation, fishing can be both rewarding and challenging to even the most seasoned angler. The best places to fish for bass are points, docks, and especially the numerous coves scattered throughout the lake. During the spring and summer, watermelon flukes and worms, chrome rattletraps, and chrome topwater baits work well for Largemouth bass. Catfishing is best with nightcrawlers and bait shrimp. In the fall and winter months, pumpkinseed worms, shad or chartreuse crankbaits, and chrome topwaters work well for bass. Catfishing is best when using night crawlers or fresh cut bait.

Lake Travis abounds with water recreation. Since its water is crystal clear year-round, it naturally attracts water sport enthusiasts. From multi-class sailboat and windsurfing regattas to competition ski boat, cruisers, cigarette boats, and mansion-like houseboats. There is something for the whole family at Lake Travis. Campgrounds include Arkansas Bend, Mansfield Dam, Pace Bend Park, and Sandy Creek just to name a few. All of these facilities have boat ramps. There are numerous boat and Jet Ski rental opportunities around Lake Travis such as VIP Marina, Lakeway Marina, and Emerald Point Marina. For large parties, you can rent Large Marge”, a double-decker pontoon boat at Highland Lakes Marina. You can take a parasail ride at AirScape Parasail, ride down water slides at Volente Beach Waterpark, and the true naturalist can visit Hippy Hollow, a public clothing optional park.

  • To get to Arkansas Bend, take US Route 183 to FM 1431. Go south for eleven miles to Lohman’s Ford Road, turn left, and go four and a half miles to Sylvester Ford Road. Turn left and travel one and a half miles to the park entrance.
  • To get to the Mansfield Dam Park take FM 2222 to RR 620. Turn left, and travel south five miles. Turn right onto Mansfield Dam Road, just south of the dam. The park entrance is on your left.
  • To get to Pace Bend Park (thirty miles west of Austin), take Texas 71 west to RR 2322 (Pace Bend Park Road). Turn right, and travel four and a half miles to the park entrance.
  • To get to Sandy Creek Park, take FM 2222 (Bullick Hollow Road) west two and a half miles to FM 2769. Turn left and travel 4 miles to the town of Volente. In Volente, turn right onto Lime Creek Road and follow for six miles to the park entrance on the left.

Best Lake Travis Fishing Guides

Lake Travis Fishing Guide (Hardly Overtime)

6608 Bar K Clubhouse Ct, Lago Vista, TX 78645
(512) 626-3930

A fishing guide service focused on Lake Travis. John is a fishing guide who has lived in or around Austin, TX since 1999. He has over 15 years of experience fishing Lake Travis and been a fishing fanatic since he was 14. As a guide, he focuses on Lake Travis to pass on a great experience at a great price that is minutes away from Austin. – lagofishingguide.com

Texas Hawgs Guide Service

13800 Bullick Hollow Rd, Austin, TX 78726, USA
+1 512-762-0190

Lake Decker is fishing good right now. We are catching some pretty good ones with a few smaller ones mixed in. We are targeting shallow fish, and some are in the 5 pound plus range. Lake Travis is starting to fish good as well with a few fish in the post spawn pattern. You can catch some of those fish on top waters such as a spook over trees and rocks in 5-15 foot of water and crank baits and swim baits in the same depths. – texashawgs.com

Allen Christenson’s Fishing Guide

Austin, TX 78734, USA
512-261-3644

Allen has been fishing successfully on Lake Travis for over 30 years and is well qualified to serve as the most knowledgeable fishing guide on Lake Travis. Allen’s prime concern is that his clients catch fish and have an enjoyable learning experience. Since 1979 Allen has also provided his clients with successful trophy bass excursions to Fayette County and Calaveras Lakes. – txfishing.com

Barefoot Fishing Tours

(512) 261-5121

Barefoot Fishing Tours, a Lake Travis Fishing Guide, is Charles Whited, a dominant force in Central and South Texas on the tournament trails. His record speaks for itself with two angler of the year titles and one runner up. He has won countless tournaments, with twice as many 2nd and 3rd place finishes. His most impressive streak occurred in the 2006-2007 seasons which he was crowned the best one vs. one angler in the State of Texas followed by a record-breaking win on Choke Canyon with 5 bass weighing over 45 pounds. When you are fishing with Charles, you will definitely have a good time catching lots of fish. – barefootfishingtours.com

FISHING GUIDE AUSTIN

203 Post Mountain Rd, Burnet, TX 78611
(512) 773-5505

Lee Benton is a professional Texas fishing guide and tournament angler with more than 20 years of local bass fishing & guiding experience. If you’re ready to experience the best fishing Central Texas has to offer, join him for a day on the water. We are happy to customize a fishing charter for you or your group on Lake Travis, Lake LBJ, Lake Austin, Lake Buchanan or several other lakes by request. – fishingguideaustin.com

BassMan Austin

(512) 394-4348

Professional and Family Oriented Austin Texas Bass Fishing Guide Service. Come join me, Robert Brown, Austin Texas Bass Fishing Guide, for a great day of guided bass fishing in central Texas on lakes Amistad, Austin, Bastrop, Belton, Buchanan, Choke Canyon, Falcon, Fayette County, LBJ, Stillhouse and Travis. My guided bass fishing trips are always family friendly and a great way to spend the day. – bassmanaustin.com

Torwick’s Guiding Service

(512) 910-7255

My guide service stands out with the quality of equipment you will be using and boat you’ll be fishing from. If you plan to bring a friend or a family member, you’ll enjoy fishing out of a 21-foot boat, trust me! In addition to just catching fish, I focus my trips on education. If your focus is learning how to be a better angler, let’s talk over the phone before your trip and discuss expectations and what you want to get out of hiring a guide. – torwicksguidingservice.com

Git Bit Guide Service

512-773-7401

Mike Hastings draws from his extensive background as a professional angler since 1993 to provide the most comprehensive guide service available. His total commitment to the sport and future of fishing ensures that every trip an informative experience. Experienced anglers will appreciate his extensive knowledge of the lakes and productive fishing techniques. Beginners will enjoy learning to catch fish as Mike provides instruction in a patient undefective manner. Git Bit Guide Service will work hard to provide a memorable fishing trip tailored to your interests. – gitbitguideservice.com

Central Texas Fishing Guide, LLC

713-732-2876

Randal Frisbie is a licensed professional fishing guide and local tournament angler who lives on the North Shore of Lake Travis. Randal has been providing guide services and fishing several local tournaments and tournament trails since 2012. Whether you’re new to fishing and want to learn more about techniques or a seasoned anglers wanting to learn the ropes of tournament fishing, Randal can show you how to break down the lake and find fish. – centxfishingguide.com

John Gilbert Fishing Guide

512-913-2756

John Gilbert Fishing Guide (Lake Travis and Lake LBJ). Specializing in Crappie, White Bass and Catfish. Fishing with John Gilbert is a truly UNIQUE and FUN experience. John catches fish 90% of the time and he’s easy-going so you’re going to have a great day. FISH, FISH, FISH & more FISH is what it’s all about. Fishing trips on Lake Travis and Lake LBJ are available in 1/2 day and full day trips. John’s 18 ft 9″ Blue Wave boat can accommodate 4 fishermen/women. – johngilbertfishingguide.com

Austin Fishing Guide David Townsend

(512) 565-1379

When you’re looking to charter a fishing guide service, I know you have plenty of choices. What you’re really looking for is a great experience. My name is David Townsend and it’s my mission to offer the most courteous, professional and fun charter fishing guide service to all my clients. Whether you’re after that big bass or just want to get out and enjoy nature while fishing one of the many beautiful Central Texas lakes – you’ve come to the right place for an enjoyable day on the water. – austinfishingguide.com

Lake Travis Fishing with Don Steussy

512 922-5728

Born and raised in Austin, graduated from McCallum High School, served in the Marine Corps. Guide fishing and tournaments fishing for 30 years. I have fished several Bass Clubs. Also have fished Honey Hole (Semipro tournament) and started a Bass fishing club in 1993. – texastravisfishingguide.com

When Should You Plan a Lake Travis Fishing Trip?

Fishing for largemouth bass on Lake Travis is greatest in the spring and fall, although they can be caught all year. Depending on a number of conditions, your Lake Travis fishing guide will employ a range of strategies to capture largemouth bass.

Topwater baits can entice largemouth to strike on the surface when they are suspended over points and drop-offs. When the water is clear in the spring, sight fishing becomes one of the most thrilling methods of catching largemouth bass (also known as black bass).

White bass can be caught in late winter and early spring as they migrate to large creek tributaries to spawn. Striped bass can be caught in some portions of the lake if largemouth bass fishing becomes difficult on hot summer days.

Guadalupe bass may also be fished all year. These fish are normally found in moving water because they are a species native to the Colorado River, however they can be found throughout Lake Travis.

If possible, target different bass species on a single fishing expedition. Simply ask your fishing guide what’s been biting, and you may tailor your trip to capture whatever fish is on your bucket list. A full or half-day charter is available, and there is plenty of space to explore on Lake Travis.

Map of Lake Travis Fishing