Lake Lyndon B Johnson

The shoreline surrounding Lake LBJ is highly developed, with miles of bulkhead and boat houses that provide cover. Several creeks wind back off the main lake, providing shallow vegetative cover in the form of water willow and spatterdock. The area near the dam is rocky and clear, while the upper end of the reservoir is more sandy and stained. A small power plant is located in the Horseshoe Bay area, discharging hot water during the winter, when forage and game fish will concentrate in this area. Many submerged brush piles are hidden beneath the surface and can provide excellent angling opportunities if located. Don't expect these "honey holes" to be advertised, good electronic sonar equipment will be needed to find these structures.

Largemouth bass anglers have their best success on this reservoir during the spring and fall months. Largemouths are noted for staying shallow regardless of the time of the year. Flipping the scattered water willow patches with worms and jigs can be productive year round. When the bass aren't in the water willow, there are thousands of docks to flip and pitch to. Docks in the Colorado River arm of the lake near deeper water can be especially good. In the lower section of the reservoir where the water generally remains clear, topwater lures, metal flake willowleaf spinnerbaits, and shallow- to medium- depth crankbaits work well along rocky banks. In early spring (February-March) the many canals and small drains on this lake warm quickly, bringing in bass preparing for the spawn.

Starting in February, white bass begin their annual spawning run up the Llano and Colorado River arms. Productive lures for white bass include twister tail jigs, small hair jigs, small crankbaits, and small topwaters. Live-bait fishing with minnows is also productive. The Lions Club boat ramp in Kingsland offers close access for anglers wishing to fish for white bass in the upper reaches of the Llano River above Lake LBJ during the spawning run. Crappie fishing can be good on this lake, especially around docks and man-made brush piles. Stinkbaits and cutbaits work well for blue and channel catfish, while live bait is preferred by large flathead catfish.

Largemouth bass anglers have their best success on this reservoir during the spring and fall months. Largemouths are noted for staying shallow regardless of the time of the year. Flipping the scattered water willow patches with worms and jigs can be productive year round. When the bass aren't in the water willow, there are thousands of docks to flip and pitch to. Docks in the Colorado River arm of the lake near deeper water can be especially good. In the lower section of the reservoir where the water generally remains clear, topwater lures, metal flake willowleaf spinnerbaits, and shallow- to medium- depth crankbaits work well along rocky banks. In early spring (February-March) the many canals and small drains on this lake warm quickly, bringing in bass preparing for the spawn.

Starting in February, white bass begin their annual spawning run up the Llano and Colorado River arms. Productive lures for white bass include twister tail jigs, small hair jigs, small crankbaits, and small topwaters. Live-bait fishing with minnows is also productive. The Lions Club boat ramp in Kingsland offers close access for anglers wishing to fish for white bass in the upper reaches of the Llano River above Lake LBJ during the spawning run. Crappie fishing can be good on this lake, especially around docks and man-made brush piles. Stinkbaits and cutbaits work well for blue and channel catfish, while live bait is preferred by large flathead catfish.

Lake LBJ contains a moderate density largemouth and Guadalupe bass population. There is also a moderate density white bass population with runs occurring up the Llano River in the spring (February-May). Lake LBJ's white crappie population is the best of any of the Highland Lakes chain. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish are abundant and occur throughout the reservoir.

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