Calaveras Lake Fishing Report Guide
Calaveras Lake Fishing Report Guide
Hey there, fishing friends! Welcome to your ultimate guide for fishing at Calaveras Lake, Texas. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, Calaveras Lake is a fantastic spot for casting a line and enjoying the great outdoors. Let’s jump right in and discover everything you need to know about fishing at this amazing lake!
About Calaveras Lake Fishing
Calaveras Lake is a beautiful reservoir located near San Antonio, Texas. Known for its clear waters and thriving fish population, it’s a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The lake offers a serene and picturesque setting, making it a perfect getaway for a fishing adventure.
Calaveras Lake is located in Bexar County, Texas just 20 miles from San Antonio off of Loop 1604.
Calaveras Lake offers great fishing for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, White Bass, Yellow Bass, Trout, Walleye, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Red Drum, Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish.
Every year at Calaveras Lake, The TPWD – Texas Parks & Wildlife stocks Calaveras Lake with thousands of Redfish seedlings.
Calaveras Lake Resources
- Calaveras Lake TPWD Website
- Calaveras Lake Fishing Report
- Calaveras Lake Park Map
- Calaveras Lake Fishing Map
Calaveras Lake Fishing Details
Here’s a quick rundown of the essential details about Calaveras Lake:
- Water Surface: 3,624 acres
- Shoreline: 32 miles
- Average Depth: 20 feet
- Max Depth: 45 feet
- Surface Elevation: 500 feet
- Location: Bexar County, Texas
- Coordinates: 29.2764° N, 98.2790° W
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car, with several boat ramps and fishing docks
- Type of Lake: Reservoir
- Lake Amenities: Boat ramps, fishing docks, picnic areas, camping grounds, restrooms, hiking trails, swimming areas
Calaveras Lake is perfect for a family outing or a solo fishing trip. With its clear waters and abundant fish, it’s a must-visit for any fishing enthusiast.
Types of Fish in Calaveras Lake
Calaveras Lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it an angler’s paradise. Here’s a look at the types of fish you can catch and where to find them:
Red Drum
Red drum, also known as redfish, are a unique species found in Calaveras Lake. You can find them in deeper waters and around submerged structures. Early morning and late evening are the best times to catch these fish.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are abundant in Calaveras Lake. Look for them around submerged logs, rocks, and vegetation. They are most active during the cooler parts of the day.
Hybrid Striped Bass
Hybrid striped bass are often found in open waters and near the dam. They are known for their strong fight and are most active during the early morning and late evening.
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish are plentiful in Calaveras Lake. They are typically found in deeper waters and near the lake’s inlets. Night fishing can be particularly effective for catching these fish.
Blue Catfish
Blue catfish can be found in the deeper parts of the lake, especially near the dam and main river channels. They are known for their large size and strong fight.
Bluegill
Bluegill are commonly found in the shallower parts of the lake, near vegetation and structures. They are a great catch for kids and beginners.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle
Choosing the right bait, lures, and tackle is crucial for a successful fishing trip. Here are some recommendations for Calaveras Lake:
Red Drum
- Baits: Live shrimp, cut bait
- Lures: Soft plastics, spoons, jigs
- Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning rods, 10-20 lb test line
Largemouth Bass
- Baits: Live minnows, nightcrawlers
- Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic worms, jigs
- Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting rods, 10-15 lb test line
Hybrid Striped Bass
- Baits: Live shad, minnows
- Lures: Spoons, jigs, crankbaits
- Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning rods, 10-20 lb test line
Channel and Blue Catfish
- Baits: Stink baits, chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp
- Lures: Not typically used, focus on baits
- Tackle: Heavy rods, 15-30 lb test line, circle hooks
Bluegill
- Baits: Worms, crickets, small insects
- Lures: Small jigs, spinners
- Tackle: Light spinning rods, 4-6 lb test line
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- Unbeatable Value: This fishing lure kit contains two crankbaits that run at a depth of 9 to 14 feet and serves as a great addition to your tackle box to cover a huge range
- BERKLEY POWERBAIT POWER GRUBS FRESHWATER SOFT PLASTIC BAITS: Featuring irresistible scent and flavor, PowerBait Power Grubs baits have a bulky body for presence and easier rigging, making it an essential tool for anglers who want to catch more fish.
- DOUBLE-BLADE UNIQUE DESIGN – TRUSCEND fishing lures for bass uses a double-blade rotating tail design, which delivers a heavy sputter as it moves across the surface, create noise and commotion that fish can not ignore. It also “roll resistant” and works well at a variety of speeds. Interestingly, when the monster bass bites the top water fishing lures, its tail will close to prevent the bass from spitting it out.
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS – Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- ✅ Purpose and Size: These grubs for fishing attract a wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, panfish, bluegill, bream, roach, carp and more. Using grub fishing lures that imitate worms offers many advantages over live worms or minnows. These crappie lures are equipped with an optimal size hook and a rubber grub. The hook dimensions are 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and the length of the larva itself is 22 mm.
Best Fishing Spot Locations
Finding the best fishing spots can make all the difference. Here are some top spots at Calaveras Lake:
The Dam
The dam area is great for catching hybrid striped bass and blue catfish. The deep waters and rocky structure provide an ideal habitat for these species.
Inlets and Outlets
Channel catfish are often found near the inlets and outlets of the lake. These areas provide a constant flow of food, making them prime spots.
Submerged Structures
Look for submerged logs, rocks, and brush piles for largemouth bass and bluegill. These structures provide shelter and attract a variety of fish.
Open Waters
For hybrid striped bass, the open waters of Calaveras Lake are the best. They often school in these areas, making them easier to find and catch.
Shallow Bays
Shallow bays are excellent for bluegill fishing. These areas warm up faster and attract smaller fish, which in turn attract bluegill.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations
To make the most of your fishing trip to Calaveras Lake, here are some tips and recommendations:
- Early Morning and Late Evening: These times are usually the best for fishing as fish are more active during cooler parts of the day.
- Weather Conditions: Pay attention to weather conditions. Overcast days are often better for fishing than bright, sunny days.
- Fishing License: Ensure you have a valid Texas fishing license before heading out.
- Safety Gear: Always carry safety gear, including life jackets, first aid kits, and plenty of water.
- Local Regulations: Be aware of local fishing regulations and size limits for each fish species.
- Stay Patient: Fishing requires patience. Enjoy the process and the beautiful surroundings of Calaveras Lake.
Calaveras Lake Fishing Reviews
Here are some positive reviews from anglers who have enjoyed fishing at Calaveras Lake:
- Jake R.: “Calaveras Lake is a gem! I caught the biggest red drum of my life here. The lake is beautiful and the fish are plentiful.”
- Emily S.: “Had a fantastic time fishing with my kids. They caught lots of bluegill and had a blast. Highly recommend for family outings.”
- Mike T.: “Great spot for hybrid striped bass. The early morning bites are amazing. Can’t wait to come back!”
- Rachel L.: “Love the variety of fish at Calaveras Lake. We had a great day catching catfish and bass. The facilities are well-maintained too.”
- Tom H.: “Calaveras Lake never disappoints. The fishing spots are fantastic and it’s a peaceful place to relax and fish.”
Top-Rated RV Parks, RV Resorts, and Campgrounds Near Calaveras Lake
If you’re planning to stay overnight or for a few days, here are some top-rated RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds near Calaveras Lake:
Braunig Lake RV Resort
- Features: Spacious sites, picnic areas, restrooms, showers
- Amenities: Water and electric hookups, dump station, Wi-Fi
- Distance to Lake: About 5 miles from Calaveras Lake
Alamo River RV Resort
- Features: Quiet and secluded, nature trails, fishing pond
- Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities
- Distance to Lake: Approximately 10 miles from Calaveras Lake
Calaveras Lake Park
- Features: Lakeside camping, boat ramps, picnic areas
- Amenities: Water and electric hookups, restrooms, showers
- Distance to Lake: On-site, right by the lake
Traveler’s World RV Resort
- Features: Modern facilities, swimming pool, clubhouse
- Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities
- Distance to Lake: Around 15 miles from Calaveras Lake
Hidden Valley RV Park
- Features: Beautiful views, spacious sites, nature trails
- Amenities: Water and electric hookups, restrooms, showers
- Distance to Lake: Approximately 20 miles from Calaveras Lake
Calaveras Lake Fishing Summary
Calaveras Lake is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. With its diverse fish population, beautiful surroundings, and excellent amenities, it’s no wonder so many people love fishing here. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, Calaveras Lake offers plenty of opportunities for a memorable fishing experience. Pack your gear, gather your family and friends, and head out to Calaveras Lake for an unforgettable fishing adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What types of fish can I catch at Calaveras Lake?
You can catch red drum, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, and bluegill at Calaveras Lake.
2. Do I need a fishing license to fish at Calaveras Lake?
Yes, a valid Texas fishing license is required to fish at Calaveras Lake.
3. What are the best baits to use for fishing at Calaveras Lake?
The best baits include live shrimp, live minnows, nightcrawlers, stink baits, and cut bait, depending on the type of fish you’re targeting.
4. Are there any camping facilities near Calaveras Lake?
Yes, there are several camping facilities near Calaveras Lake, including Braunig Lake RV Resort, Alamo River RV Resort, and Calaveras Lake Park.
5. What is the best time of day to fish at Calaveras Lake?
Early morning and late evening are typically the best times to fish at Calaveras Lake, as fish are more active during these cooler parts of the day.
That’s it for our comprehensive guide on fishing at Calaveras Lake! We hope you found this guide helpful and that it gets you excited for your next fishing trip. Tight lines and happy fishing!
