Lake Travis, a large and deep reservoir spanning over 18,622 acres, is a central feature of the Colorado River system in Central Texas. Impounded in 1942, this body of water serves multiple purposes, including flood control, water supply, and extensive recreation. The reservoir supports a diverse fish community, including heavily targeted game species and a robust forage base. This overview identifies the various fish species present and the environmental conditions influencing their populations.
Primary Angler Targets
The most actively pursued species in Lake Travis are Black Bass and Catfish. Largemouth Bass are abundant, offering high catch rates, but they trend toward smaller sizes compared to other Texas reservoirs. The reservoir also holds the native state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe Bass. Guadalupe Bass are typically found in the 12- to 15-inch range, and the lake produced a former state record specimen of 3.69 pounds.
Catfish populations are also a major draw, dominated by the Blue Catfish. Blue Catfish were stocked decades ago and now maintain a self-sustaining population. These fish can reach significant sizes and are typically caught using cut bait. Channel Catfish are present in lower densities, and Flathead Catfish are targeted with live bait, especially during the evening.
White Bass offer seasonal angling opportunities, particularly during spring spawning runs up the Pedernales and Colorado River arms. Striped Bass were historically stocked but are now present in low densities, mainly in the lower, deeper sections. Anglers targeting these temperate bass often concentrate efforts near the dam during the summer, utilizing deep-water structures.
Secondary and Forage Species
Several other species contribute to the lake’s ecosystem as secondary targets or as the foundation of the food web. The sunfish complex, including Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Redbreast Sunfish, forms a primary prey base for larger game fish. These panfish are plentiful and accessible in shallower areas, making them popular for beginning anglers.
Crappie, both Black and White varieties, are present, though the fishery is not strong compared to the bass and catfish populations. Other less frequently targeted fish include Common Carp, Longnose Gar, and Spotted Gar, which occupy various ecological niches. The overall forage base, consisting primarily of Threadfin Shad and Gizzard Shad, is adequate to support the sport fish populations.
Lake Travis Habitat Factors
The physical characteristics of Lake Travis shape the distribution and behavior of its fish species. As a deep, steep-sided reservoir within the Edwards Plateau, the lake is characterized by rocky banks and cliffs. The maximum depth is approximately 190 feet, which contributes to thermal stratification during warmer months.
Water clarity is generally clear, or slightly off-color in the upper sections, influencing how fish relate to cover and depth. This clear-water environment, combined with the lake’s tendency for extreme water level fluctuations, limits the establishment of aquatic vegetation. Consequently, game fish often suspend over deep water or orient themselves to submerged points, ledges, and rocky structure.