Walter E. Long Lake

Walter E. Long Reservoir contains excellent populations of largemouth bass and hybrid striped bass. Largemouth bass in the 8-10 pound range are commonly caught, but the reservoir is primarily noted for producing good numbers of slot sized (14-21 inch) bass. Hybrid striped bass are stocked annually, and fish larger than 5 pounds are prevalent.

This power-plant cooling lake has an abundance of bulrush along the periphery. During some years there is also an abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation (most commonly hydrilla and pondweed species). Because most of the shoreline is owned by the City of Austin, no private boat docks/houses appear along the water's edge, but there are distinct creek channels, dropoffs, and submerged tank dams in parts of the reservoir.

Largemouth bass fishermen should concentrate their efforts along the edges of submerged aquatic vegetation and in the bulrush that lines the perimeter of the reservoir. Try pitching/flipping plastic worms and jigs into the bulrush. Topwater baits can also be productive early and late in the day along the edge of the bulrush. If the submerged aquatic vegetation is abundant, lipless crankbaits cranked over the top of the grass can be effective. Other popular artificial lures include Carolina-rigged soft plastics and jerkbaits.

Walter E. Long Lake has special regulations on some fishes. Check current TPWD regulations before your trip.