5 Family-Friendly Places to go Fishing in Austin

While many folks frequent Austin, Texas, for the music, food, and entertainment scene, there’s also fantastic fishing opportunities in the area. The state’s capital is 274 square miles in area, making it the 11th largest city in the U.S., and has over 7 square miles of combined waterways, lakes, rivers, and ponds, providing many diverse places to go fishing in Austin. If you’re loading up the family for a fishing getaway, Austin might be the place for you. Here’s your go-to list of five family-friendly places to go fishing in Austin, Texas.

1. Lake Bastrop

Lake Bastrop is a 906-acre lake known for catching high-quality largemouth bass and catfish. Since it’s located in proximity to Bastrop State Park, there are many recreational activities to choose from if the young anglers get restless such as hiking, camping, and watercraft rentals.

2. Lady Bird Lake

If you’re vacationing in downtown Austin and want to add a little fishing fun nearby, this is the lake for you. This lake is a section of the Colorado River with the Austin skyline as a beautiful backdrop. Largemouth bass can be caught from the shore and there’s a productive dam nearby as well.

3. Bright Lake

Located in Old Settlers Park, Bright Lake is stocked with bass, catfish, and perch by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Fish from shore or use the onsite fishing pier. There are sports fields onsite if want to switch gears and burn energy at the baseball fields.

4. Moby Dick’s Private Pond

Wondering where to fish in Austin away from the crowds? Make a reservation at Moby Dick’s 4.5-acre private pond for a more exclusive experience. Catch big bass, catfish, perch and crappie. Fish from one of the shaded docks or rent a bass boat with a trolling motor. There’s also a picnic area and BBQ grills available.

5. Meadow Lake

Meadow Lake is a reservoir on the Guadalupe River located within the 70-acre Meadow Lake Park. It’s one of the great places to go fishing in Austin for largemouth bass and is also stocked with catfish. There are numerous picnic tables and playgrounds onsite to make for a fun-filled day with the family.

Now that you know where to fish in Austin, be sure to check out the fishing laws and regulations in the state, especially as it pertains to fishing licenses. Want more fishing spots? Here are a few more to choose from. Happy fishing!