What You'll Find Below Longhorn Dam

The Colorado River below Longhorn Dam is a tailwater fishery that runs roughly 11 miles downstream to Lake Travis. The dam releases cold water year-round from the bottom of Lake Travis, which keeps the river cooler than the surrounding Hill Country and creates stable conditions that support a consistent population of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish. The water clarity varies with lake levels and recent rainfall, but the river typically runs clearer than the main lake body.

This section of river differs sharply from the warm, slow-moving water you'd find in the lakes themselves. The current is steady, the bottom is rocky and uneven, and the banks are lined with cypress, oak, and cedar. The river narrows in places and widens in others, creating pools, runs, and shallow flats that hold fish in different seasons. Access is straightforward from several public areas, and the fishing pressure is moderate compared to the main lake.

Key Takeaways

  • Smallmouth bass dominate the tailwater below Longhorn Dam, especially in spring and fall when water temperatures drop below 70 degrees.
  • The best access points are Longhorn Dam Park (free, day-use only), the boat ramp at Webberville Park, and several pull-offs along River Road on the north bank.
  • Largemouth bass, catfish, and carp are present year-round, but the river's cold, moving water favors smallmouth and makes summer fishing slower than spring or fall.
  • Wading is possible in low-water periods, but current and depth change with dam releases, so check the LCRA website before you go.

Smallmouth Bass in the Tailwater

Smallmouth bass are the primary target below Longhorn Dam because the cold tailwater mimics their preferred habitat. They hold tight to rocky structure—boulders, ledges, and the rocky banks—and feed most actively when water temperatures are between 55 and 70 degrees. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable seasons because the water stays in that range for weeks at a time.

In spring, smallmouth move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively on crawfish and small baitfish. Fish the rocky banks, shallow flats near the dam, and current breaks where the river widens. In fall, they're equally active as they feed before winter, and the same structure holds fish. Summer is slower because water temperatures can exceed 75 degrees, pushing smallmouth deeper and making them less willing to chase lures. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience—the fish are there, but they're sluggish and bite sparingly.

Effective lures include small crankbaits (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), tube jigs, and crawfish-pattern soft plastics. Live crawfish work well if you can find them, and small shiners are effective when smallmouth are feeding on baitfish. Cast toward structure and work the lure slowly—the current does much of the work for you, so a steady retrieve often outfishes aggressive jigging.

Largemouth Bass and Other Species

Largemouth bass are present below Longhorn Dam but less abundant than smallmouth because they prefer slower, warmer water. You'll find them in the deeper pools, around fallen trees, and in the slack water behind large rocks where the current slows. They're more active in summer than smallmouth are, making the hot months a better time to target them than to chase smallmouth.

Channel catfish and flathead catfish are abundant and often overlooked. Channel cats bite readily on cut shad, chicken liver, or stink bait fished on the bottom in deeper holes. Flatheads are nocturnal predators that hunt live baitfish—a live bluegill or shad on a heavy rig near deep structure can produce large fish after dark. Carp are also present and can be caught on dough balls or corn, though they're not a primary target for most anglers.

Access Points and Parking

Longhorn Dam Park sits at the dam itself and offers free day-use access, a small parking area, and a short walk to the river. The park is open sunrise to sunset and has no facilities beyond parking. This is the most direct access to the immediate tailwater, but the area can be crowded on weekends.

Webberville Park, located downstream on the south bank, has a boat ramp, parking, and picnic facilities. It's a better option if you want to launch a kayak or small boat to fish the middle and lower sections of the tailwater. The ramp fee is typically a few dollars, and the park is open during daylight hours.

River Road runs along the north bank and has several informal pull-offs where you can park and walk to the water. These spots are free and less crowded than the main parks, but parking is limited and facilities are nonexistent. The river is accessible from most of these pull-offs, though some banks are steep or overgrown.

Wading and Water Conditions

Wading is possible below Longhorn Dam, but water depth and current change with dam releases. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) manages dam releases based on downstream water demand and lake levels. Releases can happen with little warning, and water that was knee-deep can become waist-deep or dangerous within minutes. Before you wade, check the LCRA website or call their information line to confirm current release schedules.

The river bottom is rocky and uneven, with slippery moss-covered stones. Wear wading boots with good grip, and use a wading staff if you're unfamiliar with the river. The current is strongest near the dam and weakens as you move downstream. Early morning and late afternoon are the safest times to wade because dam releases are less frequent during those periods, though you should never assume the water won't rise.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Spring (March through May) is the most consistent season for smallmouth bass. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and low 70s, smallmouth move shallow to spawn, and they feed aggressively. Mornings and evenings are most productive, but fish bite throughout the day. The river can be high from spring runoff, which can make wading difficult but often improves fishing by bringing more food into the system.

Summer (June through August) is slower for smallmouth but better for largemouth and catfish. Smallmouth retreat to deeper, cooler water and bite less frequently. Largemouth are more active in the heat, and catfish bite well at night. If you're targeting smallmouth in summer, focus on early morning and late evening when water temperatures are lowest.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring for smallmouth fishing. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s and low 70s, and smallmouth feed heavily as they prepare for winter. The river is typically lower than in spring, making wading easier and structure more visible. Winter (December through February) is slow but not impossible—smallmouth are present but sluggish, and you'll need patience and precise presentations to catch them.

Gear and Tackle Recommendations

A medium-light spinning rod (6 to 6.5 feet) with 6- to 8-pound braided line works well for smallmouth in the tailwater. Braided line gives you better sensitivity to feel the rocky bottom and detect strikes, and it cuts through current better than monofilament. A fluorocarbon leader (12 to 15 pounds) reduces visibility in the clear water.

For largemouth and catfish, step up to a medium rod with 8- to 12-pound line. If you're fishing for flathead catfish at night, use a heavier setup (medium-heavy rod, 15- to 20-pound line) to handle larger fish and control them in the current. A headlamp is essential for night fishing, and a net makes landing fish easier, especially in current.

Bring polarized sunglasses to see fish and structure in the clear water. The sun reflects off the water and makes it hard to spot fish without them. A wading staff is useful if you plan to wade, and a small tackle box with a variety of lures and baits covers most situations. Sunscreen and a hat are necessary year-round—the Hill Country sun is intense even in winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from the dam itself?

Longhorn Dam Park allows fishing from the bank near the dam, but you cannot fish from the dam structure itself. The area immediately below the dam is the most productive for smallmouth, and it's accessible from the park's short walk to the water.

Do I need a boat to fish this section?

No. Wading and bank fishing are effective and require no boat. A kayak or small boat lets you cover more water and reach deeper sections, but many anglers catch fish from the banks and wading. Webberville Park has a boat ramp if you want to launch.

What's the difference between fishing here and fishing Lake Travis?

The tailwater is a moving-water fishery with cooler, clearer water that favors smallmouth and structure-oriented fishing. Lake Travis is a reservoir with warmer water, more largemouth, and more open-water fishing. The tailwater is more technical and rewards precise casting; the lake rewards covering water and finding depth changes.

Is there a Texas fishing license requirement?

Yes. You need a valid Texas fishing license to fish the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam. Licenses are available online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops in Austin.

How far downstream does the tailwater effect extend?

The cold-water tailwater effect is strongest for the first 5 to 7 miles below the dam. By the time you reach Lake Travis, the water has warmed and the river widens into the lake. The best smallmouth fishing is typically within the first 3 to 4 miles of the dam.