Inks Lake State Park in the heart of the Texas Hill Country offers a premier fishing destination for anglers seeking a variety of species. From the sought-after largemouth and Guadalupe bass to the abundant sunfish, white bass, crappie, and catfish, this 831-acre reservoir provides a diverse and rewarding fishing experience.
Largemouth and Guadalupe Bass Fishing
Inks Lake is renowned for its impressive largemouth bass population, with the current lake record standing at an impressive 13.40 pounds, caught in 2024. These trophy-sized bass thrive in the lake’s clear waters, taking advantage of the abundant cover and structure, including rock piles, ledges, chunk rock banks, brush piles, gravel beds, and private boat docks. Anglers targeting largemouth bass can employ a variety of techniques, such as flipping and pitching to cover, working topwater lures, and using soft plastics and crankbaits.
In addition to the largemouth bass, Inks Lake also boasts a healthy population of Guadalupe bass, a unique species native to the Hill Country region. These feisty fish are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting nature, providing an exciting challenge for anglers. Targeting Guadalupe bass often involves using small, finesse-style lures and presentations.
White Bass and Crappie Fishing
The spring spawning run of white bass below the dam is a highly anticipated event for local anglers. During this time, the white bass congregate in large numbers, offering excellent opportunities for anglers to target them with a variety of lures and live bait presentations. White bass are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and provide a fun and fast-paced fishing experience.
Crappie fishing is also a popular pursuit at Inks Lake, with both white and black crappie species present. These tasty panfish can be found around submerged structure, such as brush piles and docks, and can be effectively targeted using small jigs and live minnows.
Catfish Fishing
Inks Lake is home to both channel and flathead catfish, providing anglers with the opportunity to target these hard-fighting and delicious species. Channel catfish can be caught using a variety of baits, including stinkbaits and cut shad, while flathead catfish are typically targeted with live bait, such as sunfish or small shad.
Fishing Regulations and Resources
Inks Lake State Park follows the statewide fishing regulations set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Anglers should familiarize themselves with the current regulations, which include special rules for bow fishing enforced by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).
To enhance your fishing experience at Inks Lake, consider utilizing the available resources, such as commercial maps and the free, downloadable camping guide of the Highland Lakes area provided by the LCRA. These resources can help you navigate the lake, identify key fishing spots, and plan your overall outdoor adventure.
Conclusion
Inks Lake State Park offers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re targeting trophy largemouth bass, exciting Guadalupe bass, or a variety of other species, this picturesque Hill Country reservoir provides a unique and memorable fishing destination. With its clear waters, abundant cover and structure, and well-managed fishery, Inks Lake is a must-visit for any Texas angler seeking an unforgettable fishing adventure.