What to expect below Longhorn Dam

The Colorado River below Longhorn Dam near Burnet, Texas holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in a stretch that runs roughly 15 miles downstream to Lake Buchanan. The dam creates a tailrace — a zone of cooler, oxygenated water that holds fish year-round, though the river widens and slows as it moves away from the dam structure. Access is limited compared to the reservoirs themselves, and you will need to know where public entry points exist and what the current water release schedule looks like, since dam operations change water levels and flow rates throughout the day.

This section of river differs from the lakes above and below it. The tailrace immediately below the dam is narrow and fast-moving, favoring techniques that work in current. As you move downstream, the river broadens and the current slows, creating deeper pools and slower banks where different species congregate. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons; summer heat can push fish deeper and into shade, while winter cold slows feeding but concentrates fish in the deepest holes.

Key Takeaways

  • The tailrace below Longhorn Dam holds smallmouth and largemouth bass year-round due to consistent water temperature and oxygen levels from dam releases.
  • Public access is limited to a few specific points; the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) manages access and publishes a map of public fishing areas on their website.
  • Water releases from the dam change throughout the day and affect water level and current speed, so check the LCRA release schedule before you fish.
  • Smallmouth bass respond well to live shiners and crawfish in the fast water near the dam; largemouth bass and catfish hold in slower pools downstream.
  • A Texas fishing license is required; no special stamp is needed for this section of river.

Access points and parking

The most direct access to the tailrace is at the Longhorn Dam park area itself, located off Texas Highway 29 near Burnet. This area has a boat ramp and parking, though space fills quickly on weekends. The LCRA maintains this facility and charges a day-use fee; check their website for current rates and hours. From here you can launch a small boat or wade into the shallower sections near the ramp.

Downstream access is more limited. The river passes through private land for much of its course toward Lake Buchanan, but the LCRA has designated a few public fishing areas along the banks. These are marked on the LCRA's Colorado River access map, available on their website. Parking at these spots is typically a small pullout; arrive early if you plan to fish a weekend day. Some of these areas are walk-in only and do not have boat access.

If you plan to fish from a boat, launching at Longhorn Dam is your primary option. The ramp is concrete and maintained, but it can be crowded during peak hours. Alternatively, you can launch from Lake Buchanan's public ramps downstream and work your way up into the tailrace, though this requires a longer run and more fuel.

Species and seasonal patterns

Smallmouth bass are the signature fish of the tailrace. They prefer the rocky, current-swept areas immediately below the dam and hold tight to structure — boulders, ledges, and the dam face itself. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak seasons; water temperatures in the 60s to low 70s trigger aggressive feeding. Summer smallmouth move deeper and become less predictable, though early morning and late evening can still produce. Winter fishing is possible but slower; fish are lethargic and concentrated in the deepest pools.

Largemouth bass inhabit the slower pools and backwater areas as you move away from the dam. They prefer softer structure — fallen trees, vegetation, and the inside bends of the river. Largemouth are more active in warmer water than smallmouth, so summer can be productive if you fish early and late. Fall and spring remain the most consistent seasons.

Catfish (both channel and flathead) are abundant and often overlooked. They feed throughout the year and are most active at night. Live baitfish, chicken liver, and stink baits work well. Flatheads prefer live shiners and are most active in summer and fall. Channel catfish bite year-round and are a reliable option when bass fishing is slow.

Sunfish (bluegill, longear, and redear) are plentiful and provide good action for beginners or anyone looking for a quick outing. They respond to small jigs, live crickets, and worms. Spring spawning season (April through June) concentrates them in shallow water near the banks.

Tackle and techniques for the tailrace

The fast water below the dam demands tackle that works in current. For smallmouth, use 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with live shiners or crawfish. Cast upstream and let the current carry the jig into structure; smallmouth often strike on the drop. Crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet and hold a tight wobble in current also work well. Spinning rods in the 6- to 6.5-foot range with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line give you the sensitivity to feel the bottom and detect strikes.

For largemouth in the slower pools downstream, switch to soft plastics — 4- to 6-inch worms or creature baits — rigged Texas-style. Cast to structure and work the bait slowly. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 10- to 12-pound monofilament is standard. Topwater lures can be effective early and late in the day, especially in summer.

Catfish anglers should use heavier rods (7 to 8 feet, medium-heavy) and 15- to 20-pound line. Set up a simple rig: a three-way swivel with a sinker on one leg and a 2- to 3-foot leader with a circle hook on the other. Use live shiners for flatheads or cut baitfish and stink baits for channel cats. Fish the deepest holes and let the current work for you.

Water releases and timing

Longhorn Dam is operated by the LCRA for flood control and water supply. Water releases vary throughout the day and week depending on downstream demand and rainfall. High releases create fast current and murky water; low releases slow the river and clear it. Check the LCRA's real-time release schedule on their website before you fish — it updates hourly and tells you whether conditions are improving or deteriorating.

Early morning is often the best time to fish, regardless of release schedule. Water is cooler, fish are more active, and you will have fewer people on the water. If releases are scheduled to increase during your planned outing, fish early and plan to leave before the water gets too fast and high. Conversely, if releases are dropping, the afternoon can be productive as the water clears and slows.

After heavy rain, the river can be too high and turbid to fish effectively. Wait a day or two for the water to settle and clear. The LCRA website will show you when releases are dropping, signaling that conditions are improving.

Regulations and licensing

A valid Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, at most sporting goods stores, or at the Longhorn Dam park office. A one-day license is available if you do not want a full-year license. No special stamp or endorsement is needed for this section of river.

Bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. Catfish have no minimum size and a 25-fish daily bag limit. Sunfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily bag limit. Check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations before you fish, as rules can change. Possession limits apply to fish you take home; catch-and-release fishing has no limit.

The area below the dam is open to fishing year-round during daylight hours. Night fishing is not permitted in the immediate tailrace area, though some downstream sections may allow it — check the LCRA access map for specific rules at each location.

What makes this stretch different from the lakes

Lake Buchanan (above Longhorn Dam) and Lake Travis (below the dam) are both large reservoirs with different fishing dynamics. The tailrace below Longhorn Dam is a narrow, current-driven environment that mimics a river more than a lake. Fish here are adapted to moving water and respond to different presentations. Smallmouth bass, which prefer cooler, oxygenated water, thrive in the tailrace but are less common in the warmer, slower lakes.

The tailrace also offers a more intimate fishing experience. You can wade or fish from a small boat in a confined space, rather than navigating a sprawling reservoir. This makes it a good choice for anglers who prefer structure-focused fishing and do not want to run long distances to find fish.

The trade-off is access. The tailrace has fewer public entry points than the lakes, and water level changes can make some areas unfishable. Plan ahead, check the LCRA schedule, and be prepared to adapt if conditions change during your outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wade in the tailrace below the dam?

Yes, but only in designated areas and only when water releases are low. The Longhorn Dam park area has shallow wading zones near the boat ramp. Check the LCRA release schedule before you wade — high releases create dangerous current and rising water. Never wade near the dam face itself; the current is too strong and unpredictable.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most consistent. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are actively feeding, and the weather is comfortable. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slow. Winter is possible but requires patience and deeper presentations.

Do I need a boat to fish this section?

No. You can wade or fish from the bank at several public access points. However, a small boat gives you more flexibility to reach different pools and structure. If you launch at Longhorn Dam, you can cover more water and fish more effectively than from shore alone.

How far downstream can I fish from Longhorn Dam?

Public access extends roughly 15 miles downstream to Lake Buchanan. Beyond the designated LCRA access points, most of the river runs through private land. Stick to marked public areas and respect posted property boundaries.

What should I do if the water is too high or murky?

Check the LCRA release schedule and wait for releases to drop. High water usually clears within a day or two. If you must fish in high water, use darker lures and work slower presentations near the bottom. Catfish bite better in murky water than bass do, so that may be your best option.