Lake Travis Fishing Report - June 2018

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Water Level: 661.80

Water Temp: 81 degrees

Near record heat in May and extended drought conditions across much of Central Texas has pushed surface temps to 81 degrees and has water levels dropping rapidly. Summer bass on Lake Travis are notorious for suspending, which can make them difficult to locate. Here’s where I’ve been finding them and how I’ve been catching them:

There are multiple patterns that are producing right now for me and my clients. Early in the mornings, I’ve been targeting schooling activity that is happening all over the lake. I’ve been finding schooling fish over very deep water near creek and main river channels, points, and around marinas. Bass have been schooling on Lake Travis for a couple of months now and have been getting fishing pressure for just as long. As a result, they have become conditioned to traditional schooling baits and have become more difficult to catch. For example, the top water bite that was so great in April is no longer producing. To trick these “pressured” fish, I’ve gone with horizontal, finesse presentations worked just under the surface on light tackle. Small swimbaits, finesse jerkbaits, and flukes have been producing.

There are still some quality-sized fish mixed in with the smaller schoolers but I am finding them much deeper. Big flutter spoons and jigging spoons have been producing for these fish. While spooning, you never really know what you’re going to get. Recent charters have been producing Striper, White Bass, and even Catfish along with some really nice quality bass (up to 6 lbs.). There is definitely a thermocline that has setup from the 25-35’ zone BUT there are still plenty of fish well below the 35’ zone. Today’s 8 lb. Striper caught out of 95’ of water is proof of that!

After the sun gets high, I’ve been catching bass on ledges in 25-35’ on Texas-rigged and Carolina-rigged soft plastics. If my clients are skilled enough, we’ve also been catching them by skipping soft plastics underneath boats and boat slips to target bass that have moved in to take advantage of the cooler water under the shade. Covering water is the key to maximizing your day with these patterns.

When the sun gets high, pleasure boaters flood the lake and can create some serious boating hazards. Trimming your motor down in rough water makes it much easier and safer to navigate. Also be sure to wear your life jacket and attach your kill switch.

Guided Fishing Trips
For updates or to book a trip, give me a call at 915-217-5263 or email me at raytomasits@yahoo.com

Tight Lines!

Ray Tomasits - Hill Country Bass Coach

www.hcbasscoach.com