Calaveras Lake, located southeast of San Antonio, Texas, is a notable reservoir that draws many to its waters. Formed in 1969, this man-made lake serves as a cooling pond for a series of power plants, contributing to its unique aquatic environment. Beyond its industrial purpose, Calaveras Lake has developed a reputation as a popular destination for anglers seeking diverse fishing opportunities.
Primary Game Fish
Calaveras Lake is home to several species of game fish that attract anglers, with Largemouth Bass being a primary target. These bass are typically sought in spring, from March through May, when they concentrate in shallow areas around rip-rap and bulrush along the shoreline. While Largemouth Bass can grow large, with a lake record of 13 pounds, anglers find a range of sizes.
Hybrid Striped Bass are another popular game fish in the lake, known for their strong fights. These fish are a cross between White and Striped Bass, inheriting traits from both parent species. Hybrid Striped Bass are available for much of the year, from January through August, with peak activity also occurring during the spring months. Most Hybrid Striped Bass caught range from two to five pounds.
Red Drum, a species usually found in saltwater, thrives in Calaveras Lake’s freshwater environment. These fish are stocked annually, as they do not reproduce naturally in freshwater. Red Drum in Calaveras Lake can reach large sizes, with a record catch measuring 41 inches and weighing 30 pounds. Anglers often find the best Red Drum action from March to September.
Channel Catfish are popular species in the lake, alongside Blue Catfish. Channel Catfish are more abundant, while Blue Catfish are larger, with a lake record of 31 pounds. These catfish can be caught year-round, though their peak fishing period is from March through May.
Unique Environmental Factors Supporting Fish Life
Calaveras Lake’s fish populations are shaped by its role as a cooling reservoir for the Calaveras Power Station. The power plant draws water from the lake, circulates it to cool its operations, and then returns the warmed water to the reservoir. This continuous discharge of warmer water influences the lake’s temperature, which in turn affects fish metabolism and growth rates.
The elevated water temperature allows species like the Red Drum, which are typically marine, to survive and grow in a freshwater setting. This warm water also plays a role in fish activity, often making fish more active, particularly during cooler months. However, the warmer water can also contribute to lower dissolved oxygen levels, especially during hot, calm periods, which can lead to fish kills. Fish kills are seasonal and common occurrences.
Additionally, the lake is partly supplied with treated wastewater, contributing to its water composition. This hydrological setup, combining treated water input with thermal discharges, creates a stable, warm-water environment that supports a diverse aquatic community not typically found in other freshwater lakes.
Other Aquatic Inhabitants
Beyond the primary game fish, Calaveras Lake supports a variety of other aquatic inhabitants. Common baitfish species, such as Threadfin Shad and Gizzard Shad, are prevalent. These smaller fish serve as a food source for the larger predatory game fish, forming an important part of the lake’s food web.
Other fish species present include Tilapia, including Blue Tilapia, and Carp. Tilapia and Carp, including invasive species, are often considered less desirable by anglers but contribute to the lake’s ecological balance. Sunfish, including Bluegill, Redear, and Warmouth, are also found in the lake and provide additional forage for the larger fish populations. Longnose Gar are also found in the lake.