Finally got to fish for the first time since the week before Christmas. Put my kayak in at Austin HS at 6:30 am. The air temp was a balmy 39 degrees, but the water in the main lake was 57.8 according to my Lowrance. Water was crystal clear, no flow at all and judging by the algae on the rocks and scum on the surface by Red Bud Island I'm thinking it hasn't flowed in awhile. Level is just a tad low.

Headed up Barton Creek all the way to the pool. Water temp in the creek was 62.3, was surprised that the creek was so much warmer than the main lake. On my third cast with a shad colored Strike King Bitsy Minnow I caught my first fish of 2020. This guy:


Caught five more in about 30 minutes. By then the sun was up and I figured I'd hit the main lake for LMB. In December there was a school of about six 2-4 lb LMB on the south bank of the creek, holding in a fallen tree in about 6' of water. I tried a lipless crankbait and a jerk bait. No joy. Tried a weightless Texas Rigged Senko. No joy. Tried one of Leo's tiny jigs. No joy. Figured they must not be there. Paddled up and sure enough...about 6, 2-4 lb LMB laughing hysterically at me.

On the main lake I tried the lipless crankbait, jerkbait and worm on all of the transition points where there was a steep drop between 4' of water and 12'. Not a bite. Tried my small crankbaits for sunfish in my usual spots, nothing. It wasn't just me. Saw at least four other kayaks out fishing and no one had any luck on the main lake.

At least I got some decent exercise paddling up and around Red Bud Island. Saw a lot of wildlife, including three blue heron tearing up a school of minnows, and judging by the unspeakable activities I saw going on it is box turtle mating season. I found out if I tell my Apple Watch that I'm doing an outdoor walk, it will map my route. Says I covered 9.02 miles. Not a great day of catching, but a fun morning of fishing. Was nice to be back on the water after two months. Hope to fish again this Sunday, either LBL or maybe one of the coves on Travis.

Great report John, thanks for sharing.

Great post and nice fish. Great way to get the New Year Started! Good job. Got a feeling it is going to be a super 2020!



Side Note: Will be fishing LBL a lot this year. Love that lake!

I agree great post John! That is a nice long ear you caught and he saved you from the skunk.
I wish you would have said you caught all those laughing bass on the tiny jig but sometimes the fish just don't cooperate.
The tiny jig is more of a summer bait when the mayflies are around as it mimics them. So please give them another try during the warmer months. Thank you for giving them a try

Great post and report Thanks for sharing

Solid post and a solid Redbreast. Good job!



Side Note: Will be fishing the LBL a couple of times this upcoming late spring and summer!

Super post and a nice fish to start the New Year. Good job. Love those Austin post!

Thanks for the post!