Lake
Characteristics
Location:
Power cooling reservoir located 10 miles
east of LaGrange in Fayette County
Surface area: 2,400 acres
Maximum depth: 70 feet
Impounded: 1978
Water Conditions
Conservation
Pool Elevation: 390 ft. msl
Fluctuation: Stable
Normal Clarity: Slightly to moderately
stained
Reservoir
Controlling Authority
Lower Colorado River Authority
3700 Lake Austin Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 473-3200 or 1(800) 776-5272
Aquatic
Vegetation
Hydrilla, marine naiad, and pondweed species
Predominant Fish Species
Lake Maps
No detailed contour maps are available through controlling authority. A few commercial maps are available.
Fishing Regulations
Use of trotlines is prohibited in Fayette County Reservoir. There is a 14- to 24-inch slot limit on largemouth bass. Bass 14 inches and less or 24 inches and over may be retained, but only one bass 24 inches or greater may be retained each day. Bass within the 14-24-inch slot limit must be released. All other species are managed with statewide regulations.
Angling Opportunities
Fayette County Reservoir is first and foremost a largemouth bass lake. Statewide annual tournament surveys consistently rank this lake at or near the top using quality indicators like average weight and bass caught per hour. Large numbers of two- to five-pound fish are available and relatively easy to catch at most times of the year. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish have been stocked. The lake record flathead catfish weighed 79.25 pounds and was 50 inches long. Redear sunfish also provide a fishery, with many fish exceeding 8 inches.
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |
 |
|||
| Catfish |
 |
|||
| Redear sunfish |
 |
Fishing Cover/Structure
Standing timber provides cover in the back of some coves. Submerged aquatic vegetation is present in limited quantities. Submerged tank dams, drop offs, roadbeds and creek channels also provide structure. Fayette County Reservoir is a power plant cooling reservoir. This elevates water temperatures and keeps bass active during winter and early spring. The warmest water can be found in the discharge canal, which also has currents that attract large schools of baitfish.
Tips & Tactics
Largemouth bass anglers can be
successful year round in Fayette, but the
most productive time is between December and
June. A lipless crankbait can be very
effective in the spring, and allows anglers
to quickly cover water. Chrome/blue and red
are popular colors. Another extremely
effective artificial bait is a
Carolina-rigged centipede (french fry) or
lizard. Fish slowly around points, along the
dam or along drop-offs. A suspending
jerkbait, such as a Rogue or Thunderstick,
also works well in the early spring. As the
water warms, a floating model works better.
Topwater baits like chuggers and buzzbaits
can produce early and late in the day, or on
cloudy days when fished in shallow water,
over or along the edge of the vegetation.
Medium diving crankbaits are also popular
with Fayette County regulars, fished over
the top of the grass and along creek channel
edges. Many bass anglers use live bait such
as minnows and waterdogs. This is a good
choice for families with children, as these
baits are very effective and easy to fish.
Schooling bass can also be caught in the
main lake during the summer using top water
lures or small spoons. When the school goes
down, a small plastic grub fished on light
line works well.
Channel and blue
catfish can be caught using
stinkbait or cutbait, whereas
flathead catfish prefer
live bait and are often caught by largemouth
bass anglers working crankbaits along the
dam. Redear sunfish can be
caught in the late spring and summer using
earthworms or crickets. Look for these fish
bedding in shallow water or suspended along
the edge of the weedline.
