What You'll Find at Woodlawn Lake

Woodlawn Lake is a 343-acre urban reservoir in south-central San Antonio, stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. The lake sits inside a city park with paved parking, restrooms, and a boat ramp — making it one of the most accessible freshwater fisheries in the metro area. You can fish from the bank along most of the shoreline, or launch a boat if you have one.

The lake averages 15 to 20 feet deep in the main basin but shallows to 3 to 6 feet along the edges and around the cypress trees that line parts of the shore. Water clarity varies with season and recent rainfall; after heavy rain the lake can turn murky for a few days, but it clears quickly. The park itself is open sunrise to sunset, and fishing is permitted year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Woodlawn Lake holds largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill within a city park that offers free parking, a boat ramp, and restrooms.
  • Bank fishing is productive along the cypress-lined shoreline and near the dam; boat anglers should focus on deeper structure in the main basin.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent bass activity; summer requires early morning or evening fishing to avoid heat and algae blooms.
  • A Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older, and the lake has a 5 mph speed limit that keeps the water calm for anglers.

Bank Fishing the Shoreline and Shallow Structure

Most of the shoreline is accessible on foot, and the best bank fishing happens along the cypress trees on the north and east sides of the lake. These trees create shade and hold baitfish, making them natural gathering points for bass. Fish a soft plastic worm or a small crankbait along the tree line, working it slowly and pausing near any visible root structure or fallen branches.

The dam area on the south end also holds fish, particularly catfish and larger bass. The current created by the spillway attracts baitfish, and catfish move into the deeper water near the dam structure. If you fish there, bring heavier tackle — 15 to 20-pound test — because the bottom is rocky and snags are common. Early morning and late evening are best; midday pressure from swimmers and paddleboarders can push fish deeper.

Bluegill are abundant in the shallows, especially near any submerged vegetation or dock pilings. A simple ultralight rod with a small jig or live cricket will produce steady action, and bluegill are a good option if bass are slow or if you're fishing with children.

Boat Fishing and Deeper Water

The boat ramp is on the west side of the park and is free to use. The lake has a 5 mph speed limit, which keeps the water calm and makes it ideal for kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats. The deeper main basin — roughly the center of the lake — holds bass that suspend over structure or hold near the bottom during the heat of the day.

If you have a depth finder, look for drop-offs where the lake bottom falls from 8 feet to 15 feet; these transitions often hold bass. Jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits all work in deeper water. The lake is small enough that you can cover most of it in a morning, so don't hesitate to move if you're not getting bites in one spot.

Catfish fishing from a boat is productive year-round. Use chicken liver, cut shad, or stink bait on a simple three-way rig, cast it out, and wait. Catfish are most active at night, but they bite during the day too — just expect slower action in bright sunlight.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Spring (March through May) is the most reliable season. Bass move shallow to spawn, and you'll find them in 2 to 6 feet of water near cover. Bluegill spawn at the same time, so they're also aggressive and easy to catch. Water temperatures range from 60 to 75 degrees, which is ideal for most lures.

Summer (June through August) can be productive if you fish early or late. The lake can develop algae blooms in July and August, which reduce visibility and concentrate fish in deeper, clearer water. Catfish bite better at night during summer, and bass often move to the deepest holes during the day. If you fish midday, focus on shaded areas under trees or near the dam.

Fall (September through November) is nearly as good as spring. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s and 70s, and bass become active again. This is also a good time for catfish, which feed heavily before winter. Winter fishing is slower but still possible; catfish remain active, and bass bite sporadically on slow-moving lures near the bottom.

What to Bring and Park Rules

Bring a Texas fishing license if you're 17 or older. You can purchase a one-day license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or at most sporting goods stores in San Antonio. No license is required for children under 17, and no license is needed to fish with a rod and reel for catfish if you're using live bait only — but a license is still required for bass and bluegill.

The park has restrooms, picnic areas, and paved parking. There is no entrance fee. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat — the park offers little shade away from the shoreline. The 5 mph speed limit is enforced, so don't expect to see jet skis or fast boats; the lake is quiet and calm.

Live bait is available at tackle shops near the park, or you can catch bluegill and use them as bait for catfish and larger bass. Artificial lures work just as well and are easier to carry if you're walking the bank.

Getting There and Parking

Woodlawn Lake Park is located at 1400 Woodlawn Avenue, south of downtown San Antonio. From I-37, take the Southcross Drive exit and head east; the park entrance is clearly marked. Parking is free and plentiful, with spaces near the boat ramp and along the main park road. The park is open sunrise to sunset, and fishing is permitted during those hours.

If you're coming from downtown, the drive is about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. The park is also accessible by public transit — the VIA bus system has stops near the entrance, though you'll want to check the current route and schedule on the VIA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Woodlawn Lake?

No. Bank fishing is productive along the shoreline, especially near the cypress trees and the dam. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but plenty of anglers catch fish from the bank year-round.

What's the best lure for largemouth bass at Woodlawn?

Soft plastic worms in dark colors (black, purple, green) work well in spring and fall. In summer, try crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet, or jigs fished slowly near the bottom. Live shiners or bluegill also work if you want to use bait instead of lures.

Can I fish at night?

The park closes at sunset, so night fishing is not permitted. However, early morning (one hour before sunrise) and late evening (one hour before sunset) are both productive times and fall within park hours.

Are there any size or catch limits?

Texas has statewide limits: largemouth bass have a 14-inch minimum length with a five-fish daily limit, and catfish have no size limit but a 25-fish daily limit. Bluegill have no size limit and a 25-fish daily limit. Check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations before you fish, as limits can change.

Is the water safe to swim in?

The park has a designated swimming area, but water quality varies. After heavy rain or during algae blooms, the water may not be safe for swimming. Check with the park office or the San Antonio Parks and Recreation website before bringing children to swim.