Lake Austin Fishing Report: Bass, Whites, and Bigger Bites on Tap

Howdy folks, this is Artificial Lure with today’s Lake Austin fishing report for Monday, November 17, 2025.

Sunrise was at 6:55 a.m. and you can expect sunset around 6:30 p.m. That gives us about 11 and a half solid hours of daylight and plenty of time to get after it. The moon’s on a 10% waxing crescent, rising at 8:30 a.m. and setting at 9:46 p.m., which means fish should be active, especially close to major and minor solunar times. The day's peak bites hit from about 2:05 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. this afternoon, with smaller feeding windows right now between 8 and 9 a.m. and again after dark.

Weather this morning is cool and stable, with temps climbing fast after sunrise and a light southerly breeze. Water clarity has been very good this week, especially off the main channel and up by the dam.

As for the fish, recent action has been classic for this time of year: loads of *largemouth bass* still pushing up shad, plus some *white bass* schooling out mid-lake. Guides and anglers have reported solid catches the last few days, with both numbers and some trophy-size bucketmouths. Just last week, a 14-pound largemouth was certified on nearby Lady Bird Lake, and it’s no secret the same bloodlines run through Lake Austin—don’t be surprised if you tangle with one of those big ones.

The *best lures* this week have been shad-imitating swimbaits, soft plastics on a drop-shot or Texas rig, and mid-diving crankbaits bounced along hard-bottom points and creek mouths. During low light early and late, a Keitech Swing Impact on a jig head or a Rapala DT-10 in shad or chartreuse hues has really done damage—get that bait near the schooling activity and hang on.

A classic Carolina rig with a Strike King Scounbug or a watermelon red fluke has also produced several quality bites along the deeper outside grass edges. If they seem tight-lipped midday, downsize and slow-roll a soft plastic stick bait, or try a white bladed swim jig if the water has a touch of stain.

For *live bait*, medium shiners or small bluegill freelined along the docks remain hard to beat, especially if you're bringing kids or want to target some of the monster catfish reported recently. Several big blues over 30 pounds were caught in the last month, most on fresh cut bait fished deep near rock or brush.

For real-time hot spots, look for active schools between Walsh Boat Landing and the 360 Bridge—this stretch is still holding good bass, particularly where submerged grass and rocky points meet. The Bull Creek arm has also been steady for white bass and the occasional hybrid. Up near Emma Long Park, crappie are stacking up around submerged timber and brush piles—try a 1/16-ounce jig in chartreuse or black for fast action.

As always, boat traffic picks up around midday, so if you want quiet water and fish feeding shallow, get out early. Watch for birds working the surface and you’ll likely find hungry bass below.

Thanks for tuning in to the Lake Austin fishing report. If you enjoyed this, make sure to subscribe and stay sharp on all things angling right here. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI