Want to take the kids fishing, but not sure where to go?  We’ve rounded up some of the best places in and around Austin to cast your line. Find a shady spot to post up with a fishing pole and reel ’em in!  You can also check out Texas Parks & Wildlife for a full list of community fishing lakes here.

Anyone over the age of 17 needs a fishing license to fish in public waters. You can buy one at the Texas Parks and Wildlife site. If you are fishing in Texas State Parks, however, no license is required. 

The Best Fishing Spots Around Austin

— Barkley Meadows Park Ponds – 4529 S SH 130
Barkley Meadows Park contains two bodies of water: the Berdoll Pond, where the fishing policy is catch-and-release only, and Onion Creek, where you can bring your trophies home. The park is shady and peaceful and allows leashed dogs and kayaks.

— Barton Creek Greenbelt  – 200 S Lamar Blvd
This is one of the most wonderful places to spend a day while in Austin. Hike, wander, swim, lounge, or best of all,  fish for a bit.  It’s beautiful and serene and great for both kids and adults who enjoy a bit of nature right outside their homes.  With the many river banks that split off from the main trail, you’re sure to find a fishing hole all your own.

— Bright Lake – Old Settlers Park  – 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.
Old Settlers Park is a local favorite with Round Rock residents and for good reason.  A sunset viewed from Bright Lake’s fishing pier is almost as memorable as the catfish, perch, and bass stocked by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. And if you don’t have any luck on the waters, head to the disc golf area and forget your woes on 600+ acres of courses.

— Brushy Creek Lake Park – 3300 Brushy Creek Lake Rd.
Head up to Cedar Park to cast a line in the Brushy Creek Lake, which boasts picnic amenities and pavilions for rent. Non-motorized boats can be launched here if you want to take them to the waters, and kayaks are available for rent as well. These waters contain mostly bass.

— Lady Bird Lake – Access at several points
If you’re from Austin, you might call it Town Lake…and you probably know it’s the Colorado River. Whatever you want to call this body of water, it has pretty good fishing, and great views of the city, too.  Just watch out for paddleboarders!

— Lake Austin – Access at several points
Largemouth bass and more roam these conveniently located waters; Lake Austin is known as a place to snag a trophy in the form of an 8-10-pound fish. For the best luck, cast a line over some underwater vegetation in the morning or evening, as recreational boats can crowd the lake a bit during daytime hours.

— Lake Pflugerville – 18216 Weiss Ln.
Several fishing piers dot the shores of Lake Pflugerville, which also offers kayak and canoe rentals and walking trails. Cast a line here and you could bring in largemouth bass, channel catfish, or bluegill. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by some beautiful water.

Bright Lake — photo credit: @Mayvictorian

— Mansfield Dam Park – 4370 Mansfield Dr
Mansfield Dam Park has beautiful views of Lake Travis where families can picnic, swim in the secluded cove, fish, and play. There are bi-weekly stockings of channel catfish, rainbow trout, and white bass, but it all depends on what time of the year it is.

— McKinney Falls State Park – 5808 McKinney Palls Parkway
A short drive from Austin proper, McKinney Falls State Park is a Texan oasis – here, a fishing trip could turn into a multi-day affair if you choose to set up a tent in one of the park’s 81 campsites with electric and water hookups. Bank fishing along Onion Creek offers opportunities to catch bass, sunfish, and catfish. If you get bored of fishing, there are miles of hiking trails — plus, you can take a dip in the falls to cool off.  Click here to book advanced day passes online.

— Mills Pond  – 15108 Wells Port Dr. 
Mills Pond is a quiet escape from city life with a fishing pier, walking trails, and a floating boat dock that welcomes all non-motorized boats. It’s also dog-friendly provided your pup is on a leash.  This pond holds mostly catfish but has been stocked with rainbow trout in the past.

— Walter E. Long Lake – 6614 Blue Bluff Rd.
Catfish, sunfish, largemouth, and hybrid striped bass roam the waters at this conveniently located park, which also boasts picnic tables and grassy park space. Walter E. Long Lake is warm, even in winter, due to its function as a power plant cooling water,  which keeps the fish big and the vegetation lush. Entry is $5 per vehicle on weekdays and $10 on weekends.  Get more info on fishing at Walter E. Long Lake here.

Article contributed by Kelly McComas and updated in April 2024 by Do512 Family