Best Lake Buchanan Fishing Guide

Lake Buchanan is a 22,211-acre impoundment with a maximum depth of 132 ft on the Colorado River in the heart of the Texas hill country.

The lake is very unique in the fact that the East side of the lake Fishes like a Highland Reservoir with High bluffs Numerous rock piles and chunk rock banks. The west side of the Lake fishes like a Lowland reservoir with many shallow coves full of flooded brush and boat docks.

Located 11 miles west of the town of Burnett, Access to the lake is controlled By the lower Colorado river authority Through many public and private ramps. Camping on the lake is widely available at the public and private ramps and ranges from primitive to full RV hookups.

Bass fishing on Buchanan is extremely underrated. The lake has Very healthy populations of Native largemouth, Florida largemouth, and Guadalupe bass. The lake also sports healthy Populations of Striped, Hybrid striped and white bass. The main forage is Threadfin shad, Gizzard Shad, Bluegill and Red ear sunfish.

Water clarity varies with the lower third of the lake being normally clear and becoming more stained as you head north. The west side of the lake from Beaver Creek up to the mouth of the Colorado River is normally stained to turbid, Keeping the fish Shallow year round regardless of water temperature.

Patterns on Buchanan very from typical highland patterns on the East side with Jigs, Carolina rigs and deep crankbaits prevailing to typical lowland patterns on the Westside with Vibrashocks, Spinnerbaits, Shallow running cranks and weightless soft plastics being the norm.

Map of Lake Buchanan Fishing

If you want to fish a truly varied lake, view Bald Eagles, or just want to add a Guadalupe bass to list of species you have caught, then Buchanan just might be lake your looking for.

Lake Buchanan Guide Service

Welcome to Lake Buchanan Fishing Guide Service! Located just west of Burnet, Texas, Lake Buchanan Fishing Guide Service has been operating on Lake Buchanan since 1996, though I have been fishing Lake Buchanan for striped bass (stripers) for almost 20 years. This is striper fishing in Texas at its best!!

With Lake Buchanan Fishing Guide Service you’ll get honest, Texas-style customer service. My goal is for you to have a fantastic time fishing for (and catching!) stripers on beautiful Lake Buchanan. Just as important to me, is that you leave the boat with what you came for, FISH!

No matter what your age or skill level, I will patiently guide you in your quest for stripers. Lake Buchanan Guide Service specializes in striped bass fishing on Lake Buchanan exclusively, so you can be assured to leave with a catch.

About Lake Buchanan

Lake Buchanan Fishing Guide Service is located on Lake Buchanan on the Colorado River in Burnet County and Llano counties, west of the town of Burnet, Texas. Lake Buchanan is located about an hour Northwest of Austin, 95 miles north of San Antonio, 200 miles West of Houston or South of Dallas/Fort Worth.

The lake is approximately 23,200 acres with a maximum depth of 132 feet.

Lake Buchanan is one of the most abundant of the Highland Lakes of Central Texas. In 1995 over a million and a half striped bass were stocked in Lake Buchanan. A sportfishing trip on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill Country will be filled with excellent fishing in a beautiful setting. The cities of Burnet, Llano and Marble Falls are within a 30-minute drive of the lake and offer many amenities.

Lake Buchanan boasts many different fish including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Guadalupe Bass, Spotted Bass, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Striped Bass, Hybrids, White Bass, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Sunfish, Walleye, Saugeye, Trout, Shad. But keep in mind we’re looking for Stripers!

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Lake Buchanan Fishing Guides

Clancy Fishing Guide Service

512-633-6742

Clancy is a Highland Lakes Fishing Guide specializing in a Striper and Catfish Fishing Guide Service on Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake in Central Texas. My Highland Lakes fishing guide service specializes in Striped Bass, Trophy Catfish, and White Bass on Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake in the Highland Lakes of Central Texas just 60 minutes northwest of Austin and 90 minutes north of San Antonio. For the inexperienced, I will be assisting you with baiting, techniques, and any other information that you need. For experienced fishermen, I will go through my basic introduction but leave as much to you as you would like. – centraltexasfishing.com

Lake Buchanan Striper Fishing Guide Service

Buchanan, Texas 78609
(512) 755-1007

For my clients, I supply everything except food, drinks, and personal items, and I will clean and bag your catch for you. Striper fishing on Lake Buchanan is typically good year-round – even periods when the lake is “down”, the fish can actually be easier to catch. (keep this in mind during the next drought period!) Why, you ask? The fish are there, but there is less water for them to hide in! – trophystripers.com

RAY’S Striper Fishing Guide Service

319 LAKEWOOD DR. BURNET TX 78611
512-825-8746

You can count on Ray Williamson to provide you with everything you need to catch stripers. I enjoy guiding novice and experienced fishermen on Lake Buchanan in the beautiful Hill Country of Central Texas. I enjoy teaching novice fishermen how to find the big ones and catch them. I’ve been fishing since I was 8 years old so have more than 35 years of fishing experience on Texas’ Highland Lakes and beyond! I’m not just a weekend guide. I live on Lake Buchanan and fish it every day. So I know how to fish the lake in all conditions and where to find the best fishing. – raysstriperguideservice.com

TH Fishing

(830) 265-0899

It can typically be 10-20 degrees colder during the winter months in the hill country compared to the metropolitan areas so make sure to come prepared, summertime it will be hot, long sleeves are recommended to stay comfortable and sunglasses are a must. Our techniques include live bait, down-rigging/trolling, vertical jigging spoons and jigs. Credit card must be on file to reserve a fishing charter with TH Fishing. Trips canceled within 2 weeks of trip date will be charged in full. Weather-related cancellations will not result in a charge fee, TH Fishing will make the call on weather conditions based on safety.- thfishing.com

Ken Milam Guide Service

245 Alexander Dr,
Tow, TX, 78672
325-379-2051

Ken Milam Guide Service offers half day or full day guided striped and hybrid bass fishing trips on Lake Buchanan in the beautiful Hill Country of Central Texas.
We furnish all bait, tackle and equipment and we will dress and bag your catch for you. All you need to bring is your Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing license and refreshments and we will take care of the rest! Striper fishing at its finest since 1981. – striperfever.com

Inks Lake Fishing Guide

(830) 265-8633

Absolutely nothing compares to a day of fishing with family and friends. This is especially true when the fish won’t stop biting. Lake Buchanan is famous for its natural beauty and incredible striper fishing. And while fishing is a relaxing sport, you might find that the fishing is so good on the lake that you don’t have much time to relax.
Jackie is a well known and experienced Lake Buchanan striper fishing guide who guides fishing trips on the Highland Lakes in Central Texas. With 17 years of guided fishing under his belt, Captain Jackie is ready to provide you with an unforgettable of day of incredible fishing in Texas Hill Country. – emptypocketsfishing.com

Fishing Guide Austin

203 Post Mountain Rd,
Burnet, TX 78611
(512) 773-5505

Professional guide Lee Benton has spent many hours on Central Texas Highland Lakes. Lake Buchanan is one of the more requested destinations of his clients. There’s a good reason for that. Lake Buchanan at certain times of the year is home to some of the finest and most diverse bass fishing in Central Texas, including large quantities of hybrid stripers, striped bass, white bass and of course our buddy the largemouth bass (black bass). – fishingguideaustin.com

Texas Crappie Fishing Service Lake Buchanan

213 Settlers Ridge Bertram, TX 78605
(512) 947-2550

Captain Jess Rotherham has been a professional Crappie fishing guide on Lake Buchanan for well over a decade, and he is ready to take you on a “good times” fishing trip – weather permitting, whenever you want to go. Many Lake Buchanan fisherman think the Crappie leave town so to speak during the Winter months, but Captain Jess still knows where they hide out. If you want to learn some of Jess’s reliable Crappie fishing methods, schedule a fishing charter on Lake Buchanan with him and find out why it’s recognized as one of the most popular lakes in Texas for fishing. – texascrappiefishingservice.com

Jim Crawford – Striper Guide Service

115 Broadmoor St.,
Meadowlakes, TX 78654
(512) 755-0453

For striper fishing on the Highland Lakes of Central Texas. Striped Bass guided fishing trips on scenic Lake Buchanan in Central Texas, only 60 miles from Austin, Texas. Enjoy a day on the lake with expert fishing guide, Jim Crawford. Jim Crawford has been a full time Striper Guide since 1985. Lake Buchanan is known for many kinds of fishing – catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, white bass and Striper. Jim Crawford Guide Service offers guided Striper fishing trips for every level of fisherman or woman! Our trips are great for families and kids! – striperguide.com

Rhino Brothers Outdoors

1106 Hi-Line Drive
Tow, Texas 78672
512-716-9395

There’s nothing better than reeling in your first catch of the day, and we’d love the opportunity to catch more than a few with you. We operate our boat year-round, so you don’t have to wait for your catch. Lake Buchanan, TX has some of the absolute best Striped Bass fishing around, and we know just where to find ’em. – rhinobrothersoutdoors.com

Boss Striper Guide Service

Paradise Point 1001 Lakeshore Loop
Tow, Texas
(512-567-6147)

Boss is the premier fishing guide on Lake Buchanan. Rick chose Boss because he wanted to make sure all of his clients were well taken care of. We provide everything you need, bait, rods & reels and filet and bag your catch. The only thing you’ll need to take care of are food & drinks, and of course an ice chest to carry your catch home. Be sure you bring your current, valid Texas fishing license . Kids under 17 can fish without a license. – rickransom.com

Jerry Moore Fishing

512-756-7333

Jerry Moore has retired….After enjoying over 32 years as a Professional Fishing Guide, Jerry has decided to retire and move to Arizona. Jim is the premier fishing guide on Lake Buchanan. Jerry chose Jim because he wanted to make sure all of his clients were well taken care of. – jerrymoorefishing.com

Lake Buchanan Vacation Planning

Bald Eagle Safari

Black Rock Park– Camping, playground, swimming, fishing, and boating right on Lake Buchanan.

Burnet County Park– East side of Lake Buchanan.

Burnet Chamber of Commerce– 512-756-4297

Buchanan Dam Visitors Center– (512)793-2803
Spectacular view of largest of Highland Lakes; Telescopes in building near dam. Houses local chamber of commerce, and museum that features construction of Buchanan Dam, dedicated in 1937 and one of the largest of it’s kind in the U.S. Living history videotape, old photographs, exhibits on area history, xeriscape garden. Visitors enjoy feeding huge school of fish that congregate below observation deck. Open daily 9a.m.-5p.m. Tours of dam from chamber office, weekends, early April-early fall, 10a.m., and 2 and 4p.m.

Canyon of the Eagles Lodge and Nature Park– 940 acres with 800 acres of nature preserve that is home to the American Bald Eagle, the black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler. The park offers camping, an outdoor amphitheater, lodge, swimming pool, restaurant, RV sites, hiking, and an observatory for stargazing.

Delaware Springs Golf Course– 512-756-8951

Highland Lakes Golf Club– 512-793-2859
Enjoy scenic lakeside golfing on beautiful Inks Lake. 9-hole course.

Eagle Eye Observatory– 1-800-977-0081
Located at Canyon of the Eagles. Public access to several large telescopes for observing astronomical sights or set up your own telescope of their deck. Offers many programs, including “Star Parties” and you can book your own “Star party!.”

Fort Croghan Museum– 1-512-756-8281
Check out old guns, furniture, , carriages. See restored, stone and log busildings and arestored poweder house.

Highland Lakes Confederate Air Force Air Museum– 512-756-2226
See WWII fighter planes, photos, memorabilia and firearms. Located at the Burnet Municipal Airport.

Inks Lake State Park- camping, swimming, boating, golf, hiking. 2,000 acres on Inks Lake southeast of Buchanan Dam. Camping, shelters, trailers, rest rooms picnicking, groceries, fishing, swimming, boats, golf, nature study, hiking. Access via Texas 29 east, south on Park Road 4.

Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery- 512-793-2474
Thousands of fish are bred in the scientific facility’s ponds. Lakes from across the country are stocked from here. It is of interest regarding aquaculture, but has limited sight-seeing. There are no aquarium exhibits. Take Texas 29 east to Park Road 4, then south on Park Rd. 4, and follow the signs. Buchanan Dam, Texas.

Hill Country Flyer Steam Train– 512-477-8468
Roundtrip from Cedar Park to Burnet every weekend, March-October.

Longhorn Cavern State Park – 877-441-CAVE(2283), 800-792-1112
Cave tours, nature trails, snack bar, museum of Indian artifacts, Civil War and frontier items.

Nightengale Archaeological Center at Kingsland
830-598-5261 if no answer call 1-800-776-5272 ext. 6714 Prehistoric site home to more than 170,00 flint tools, arrowheads and other artifacts. Public tours available.

Post Oak Farm & Guest Ranch 512-756-4647 Horseback Riding

Rancho Rocoso 512-756-1427 Horseback Riding

Vanishing Texas River Cruise at Canyon of the Eagles
The premier ecological tour of Texas! Even more than that, gorgeous views. A great time for the entire family (while you’re fishing of course!).

Fall Creek Vineyards– 512-476-4477
Combining European wine-making tradition and California technology with Texas Hill Country soil and climate, Fall Creek Vineyards has received national attention for their award-winning wines. Stop by for a taste! Open for complimentary tours and tastings, Sat. noon-5p.m.; tastings and sales only, Mon., Wed., Fri. 11a.m.-5p.m. Take Texas 261 to Bluffton, then F. M. 2241 northeast 2.2 miles past Tow.

Lost Creek Vineyard– 325-388-3753
Winery with a tasting room. Llano, Texas.

Lake Buchanan Adventures Outfitters & Guide
512-756-9911 Canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching. Guided adventure trips.

Lone Eagle Air– 512-917-3109 Seaplane, sightseeing from Buchanan Dam.

Buchanan Dam, Texas

Buchanan Dam is a small resort and retirement community that grew at the construction site of the dam whose name it bears. It is a popular center for extensive tourist activity on and around Lake Buchanan.

From camping, cabins, cottages, resorts, motels, hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts, lodging in the Buchanan Lake area is plentiful. Click here for places to stay on and around Lake Buchanan, Texas.

Buchanan Dam, owned by LCRA, creates Lake Buchanan. The 70-year-old structure is an architectural rarity. Stretching for more than two miles, Buchanan is considered the longest multiple-arch dam in the nation. Builders no longer use the design because the amount of labor required makes construction too expensive. Today’s dams require far less labor, but a thousand times more materials. Buchanan lake and dam were the first completed in the Highland Lakes chain and were built primarily to store water and supply hydroelectricity. They are named for U.S. Rep. J.P. Buchanan, who helped secure federal funds to complete the project after the original builder declared bankruptcy. LCRA completed construction from 1935 to 1937. For information about parks on Lake Buchanan, see map of parks and preserves.

BUCHANAN DAM, TEXAS. Buchanan Dam is on the south shore of Lake Buchanan and on State Highway 29 eighteen miles from Llano in Llano County. It was initially the site of a construction camp established to build the first of the major flood-control and power-generation facilities on the Colorado River. The project was originally known as Bluffton Dam for the nearby town of Bluffton, but the name was changed to Hamilton Dam, perhaps because its location had been surveyed in 1926 by an engineer named Hamilton. Some say it was named after G. W. Hamilton, vice president of the Middle West Utility Company of Chicago, a company that represented the Insul interests active in developing electrical power distribution in Texas. The Emery-Peck and Rockwood Development Company undertook the construction of the dam in 1931 and established a post office and a settlement of several hundred workers supported by commercial, medical, and recreational facilities. In 1932 bankruptcy forced the closing of the project. United States Congressman James Paul Buchananqv secured federal funds to revive the project in 1934, whereupon the dam, post office, and town were renamed in his honor. The dam was dedicated on October 16, 1937. The town grew steadily as a recreational center, reaching a population of over 1,000 in 1974, when it had numerous businesses. In 1990 the population was 1,099. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Walter E. Long, Flood to Faucet (Austin: Steck, 1956).

• Location: Burnet and Llano counties, 414 river miles from the Gulf of Mexico
• When built: Started 1931, completed 1935 to 1937
• Dimensions: 145.5 feet high, 10,987.55 feet long, 215.11 feet thick at the base, 34 feet thick at the top.
• Lake area: 22,335 acres
• Primary purpose: hydroelectric power, water supply
• Generating capacity: 51.3 megawatts
• Water supply storage capacity: 285 billion gallons
• Floodgates: 37 Discharge capacity: 355,000 cubic feet per second (cfs)
• 7 large floodgates @ 19,000 cfs each 30 small floodgates @ 7,250 cfs each 3 turbines @ 1,500 cfs each
• Original name: Hamilton Dam

DETAILS ON LAKE BUCHANAN

• Elevation when full: 1,020.35 feet above mean sea level (msl) (five feet below top of dam)
• Top of dam: 1,025.35 feet above msl
• Volume when full: 875,566 acre-feet Historic high: 1,021.4 feet above msl on Dec. 20, 1991
• Historic low: 983.7 feet above msl on Sept. 9, 1952
• Normal operating range: May to October: at or below 1,018 feet above msl
• November to April: at or below 1,020.35 feet above msl
  100-year flood level at dam: 1,021 feet above msl 500-year flood level at dam: 1,022 feet above msl
• Dimensions: 30.65 miles long, 4.92 miles at widest point