Headed down to Austin this weekend for a Bachelor party, but I am bringing the boat! Never fished Lake Austin and always wanted to, so now is my chance.
Any advice on where to launch? I am staying near Mary Quinlan Park, but I am not sure if that ramp is available or not?. Any areas to focus on first, lure selection or options, and any other advice is greatly appreciated. Just trying to make the most of this trip in a short amount of time.
Thank you for your time.
-Allen

Quinlan is fine to launch. That end of lake (north) is my favorite. Fish might be spawning now.

Rocks, docks, and vegatation (not much hydrilla anymore) is where the fish will most likely be. Lipless crankbaits, plastics, jigs, chatterbaits all work well.

The rec boaters are becoming a problem this time of year on the weekends.

My first trip was back in September. Hopefully, the wake boats are still in dry dock. I am serious when I say there were times last September that I seriously wondered if I was bass fishing in Texas or surfing in Maui. Area 2 to 3 miles south of Lake Travis Dam was pretty good to me. Seemed to be where I could find a little grass at the time. Drop shot caught 10-12 fish anywhere between 4-8 foot. I am sure there are fish much shallower now. I learned what is above the water often tells you what is under it. Look for areas with small rock slides (Not Boulders) and start shallow, work out to about 4-5 foot. good luck.

Hey, good luck to ya when ya get on the water. I'm headin' down Monday for my first time also for 3days. Fishing with Ryan Wags Tues. he seems to be on them, hope there still there next week. He might be able to give ya some tips, give him a call.

The first wave of big fish have spawned and already moved out. There is plenty of big fish still shallow, but don't be afraid to fish deeper. This past week we have caught several fish over 6 lbs in 12 - 18 fow. My favorite way to fish for these fish is a deep diving crankbait slow rolled and a Santone 3/4 - 1 ounce jig stroked off the bottom.
When fishing a little deeper, don't be surprised to catch the biggest fish of your lifetime on Lake Austin...!
With that said, the north end of the lake has been pounded the last two months. With most of the grass gone, the bass have spread out all over the lake, which makes the lake fish HUGE. I know of several fish over 10 pounds caught south of 360 bridge in the last 5 days... Those fish were deep.

The wave/wake/ski and flea boats are out in force!
Take your Dramamine, Hold on and enjoy the ride!

I'm headed there to take my brother in law and nephew fishing for the first time on Austin. What should we throw color wise? Not trying to hijack a thread here I'm just curious!!!