Texas Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Central Texas Region
Lady Bird Lake runs through downtown Austin, with bass, catfish and carp along the hike-and-bike trail.
Looking for the latest Lady Bird Lake river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Lady Bird Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Lady Bird Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Lady Bird Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Water is cooling, and bass are moving to points, creek mouths and shallow cover.
Streamers and crayfish patterns along the edges early and late in the day.
Stocking report
See the Texas Parks and Wildlife stocking reports for the latest stocking at Lady Bird Lake and other Texas waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lady Bird Lake, bring: Clouser Minnow #2-6, Woolly Bugger #4-8, Crayfish #4-6, Popper #4-8, Damselfly Nymph #10-12, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lady Bird Lake lake details
| Access | The downtown hike-and-bike trail. Only non-motorized boats. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 500 ft |
| Nearest town | Austin, Texas |
| Best season | Fall through spring |
| Fish | Largemouth bass, catfish, carp |
| Regulations | Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations before you go. A Texas fishing license with a freshwater endorsement is required for anglers 17 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 0X to 2X |
| Ice fishing | Does not freeze. |
| Camping | Camp outside Austin |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | No gas motors. Kayaks and paddleboards are common. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Bass slow down. Fish slow and deep.
Spring
Bass spawn in the shallows.
Summer
Hot. Fish at dawn and dusk.
Fall
Bass feed hard as the water cools.
How to get there
The lake is in downtown Austin.