Fishing information for Lake Buchanan in Llano County, Texas, including documented fish, lake facts, access planning, cover, and official regulations sources.
Stocking records show that the following fish or strains were stocked here. A historical stocking does not by itself prove that a self-sustaining population remains today.
Buchanan has two noticeably different shorelines: rock and ledges characterize the dam area and eastern shore toward Silver Creek, while broad, flatter coves become important along the western side farther uplake. Water level determines whether brush in those coves is useful fish cover or dry ground.
The Beaver Creek-to-Colorado River reach is a starting area for spring white bass and striped bass. Carry small jigs for white bass and a larger shad imitation for stripers. Present the lure across a likely feeding lane, then vary its depth instead of changing colors after every cast.
| Water | Lake Buchanan |
|---|---|
| State | Texas |
| County | Llano |
| Surface area | 22,211 acres |
| Maximum depth | 132 feet |
| Storage capacity | 886,626 acre-feet (TWDB 2006 survey; original conservation pool at elevation 1020.5 feet; not current stored water) |
| Impounded | 1937 |
For largemouth bass, a crankbait is useful along rock; a jig or worm can be placed into flooded brush when water reaches it. Keep a cut-bait rig available if you want to switch to blue or channel catfish rather than continue searching for active bass.
Buchanan’s striped bass are sustained by stocking because they do not reproduce successfully in the reservoir. Their presence does not mean every deep area holds fish: locate forage and the depth of the school before choosing how far to lower a bait.
7 public or commercial access facilities are listed for Lake Buchanan. Listed facilities include parking at 6 sites, restrooms at 6 sites, courtesy docks at 2 sites, ADA access at 2 sites, and camping at 4 sites.
Useful fishing structure documented around Lake Buchanan includes brush and woody cover, ledges, and flats.
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.