Fishing is the perfect leisure activity for all ages, especially children! It’s calming, peaceful, and (most of the time) rewarding. So, get in touch with your inner fisherman and check out these spots to cast your line in Austin. Most of these fishing spots are in town, but some are a little more out of the way.
Before you head out on the water, make sure to bring a pole and sign up for your fishing license! All fishermen and women must have a valid fishing license to fish in public fresh or saltwater, unless you’re under the age of 17. There are various fishing packages to choose from including year-round, day passes, and type of water.
Here’s our list of the best fishing spots in Austin!
Kingfisher Pond
Travis County East Metro Park, 18701 Blake Manor Road
A great pond in East Metro Park to catch catfish and Rainbow Trout. There are plenty of regulations guides posted around the pond.
Bullfrog Pond
Travis County East Metro Park, 18701 Blake Manor Road
Also located in East Metro Park, this pond has plenty of Catfish and Rainbow Trout as well.
Lake Bastrop
603 FM 1441, Bastrop
Lake Bastrop is the perfect lake for catching high-quality Bass. Channel, Blue, and Flathead Catfish are also stocked here. This lake is much larger than your neighbor ponds, stretching about 906 acres, with various creek channels to explore.
Lady Bird Lake
Access to lake at several points
Fish in the middle of downtown Austin! Lady Bird Lake is great for Bass and Sunfish fishing as well as some Catfish. Most fishing is done on the banks of the lake in the overhanging brush, tree roots, and cattails.
Bright Lake
3300 East Palm Valley Boulevard, Round Rock
Located in Round Rock, this fishing spot is a great spot to catch Bass, Catfish, and Perch. Fishers can fish in a canoe or fish from the fishing pier.
Brushy Creek Lake
3300 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park
This scenic park is the perfect place to fish. Either set up in a non-motorized boat or on the fishing pier. The lake is 38 acres, with plenty of Catfish and Rainbow Trout.
Mills Pond
15108 Wells Port Drive
This quiet neighborhood park features walking trails and a great pond with a fishing pier. The pond is stocked with Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, and Rainbow Trout!
Shirley McDonald Park Pond
4390 Brushy Creek Road, Round Rock
This park is known for its beautiful pond with great fishing. Not only are there several different types of fish you can fish for, there are tons of ducks, turtles, and other wildlife that stroll around the park.
For a complete list of Texas fishing, visit Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Featured photo via @texasfreshwaterfisheriescenter
