Lake Travis Fishing Report - July 2025

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Water Level: 673.31

Water Temp: 83.4 degrees

For as long as I've lived here, I don't remember ever getting this much rain in our watershed in July. For the first time since 2020 the LCRA had to open its flood gates on Lake Buchanan. While our watershed desperately needed the rain, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who had loved ones impacted by the storms. This is truly one of the most tragic weather events I've seen since moving here in 1997.

On July 4th, Lake Travis was over 43 ft low. As of this writing the lake has risen more than 34 ft and is just 8 ft low! The flood gates are still open and I expect the lake level to rise even further. When this is all said and done, Lake Buchanan will be FULL and Lake Travis should be close to FULL.

Now onto fishing. The rapidly rising level on the lake has definitely displaced the fish and spread them out. Prior to the flooding, I was having good success targeting schooling fish around main lake marinas first thing in the morning. That pattern has all but vanished since the lake has come up. Fortunately for us, there are now miles upon miles of new flooded bushes and vegetation for fish to occupy.

I've been on the lake four times since the water levels have come up and my clients have caught fish on every trip, including some quality-sized fish. Newly flooded vegetation on main lake structure has been producing the best. Most fish I've been finding have been in 18 ft of water or less. In the mornings there are "wolf packs" of bass actively searching for food in and above the newly flooded bushes. Finesse swimbaits, flukes, and wacky-rigged Senko's having been working. A Texas-rig worked slowly through the bushes on these same points has also been getting bit. As the lake level stabilizes, more and more fish will move up into the newly available cover and be catchable. Bottom line, if you're fishing bushes, you should feel confident that fish are coming to you! As this happens, I expect the shallow bite to be outstanding. For those of you who are tired of staring at your forward-facing sonar the whole day, this will be your time to just put your trolling motor down, tie on your favorite spinnerbait, chatterbait, or topwater and go fishing.

If you plan to get on the lake soon, please be aware of water hazards. With all of the flooding in our creeks and the flood gates open, there is definitely some debris in the water. Submerged logs, tree branches, or dock material just below the surface can be very dangerous. Areas to avoid right now include Sandy Creek (from halfway back to Jones Brothers Park) and far "up river." While I can't speak for the rest of the lake, the main lake from Arkansas Bend down to the dam has been pretty clear.

For those of you wanting to get out on the water, I would love the opportunity to take you fishing. If you're interested in booking a trip, please give me a call at 915-217-5263 or email me at raytomasits@yahoo.com. You can also book online via the "Book Now" link on my website - www.hcbasscoach.com

Stay Safe and Tight Lines!

Ray Tomasits - Hill Country Bass Coach

www.hcbasscoach.com