Bass fever? Outside fever? It’s going to cool off around here soon and you might want to be on the water when it does, with your canoe or spinner baits and swim jigs in hand. The fish are biting and the cool current of the Colorado River is calling your name. We’re talking a lot about fishing and a little about floating in Fayette County, Texas. What a way to spend a fun fall weekend! And lots more to talk about in our October blog!
Easy fishing, easy camping – it’s all just plain easy.
It’s relatively easy to fish in Lake Fayette, or Fayette County Reservoir in Fayetteville, TX. The lake covers 2400 surface acres and is located about 10 miles from La Grange off of FM 1291. The warm water, manmade lake is pretty painless to navigate and is only 80’ deep in the deepest spots. We’re talking bass, tilapia, catfish and carp .
But the real jewel is the largemouth bass, some of the most sought-after game fish in the world.
The fishing is phenomenal for many reasons. Because it’s a small lake – you don’t have to go far to change techniques. You can go back into a cove, toss a few out, and if you’re not catching them, you move. But once you start hooking them, game on. If there are hazards, they’re marked. You can find all the regulations here.
The lake is maintained by the LCRA, (Lower Colorado River Authority) and has two park entrances. Each park has their own distinct amenities. Park Prairie Park and Oak Thicket Parkhave RV, tent camping and options for fishing along the bank. A lot more about them below. There are two launches, both easy to maneuver and few water skiers and kayaks. The lake mainly belongs to those that fish.
Great guides, sweet parks and the perfect picnic.
Pete Dodge has been fishing since he was two years old and is one fine bass fishing guide. He’s also a great resource for the ideal bait. Mark Franzen, Rick Denton and Bob Green are also local, highly knowledgeable guides. All of them use the latest GPS fish finders and know the lake like it’s their own backyard.
Westside Shamrock in Fayetteville (about 10 minutes down the road from the lake) and Old Park Lodge (directly outside the entrance of Park Prairie) are also good stops for bait, beer and lots more. And Jimmy will be more than happy to check you in to one of the three rooms at the lodge. It’s best to call him: 979.249.5828. There’s no website.
At Oak Thicket, there are cabins that could sleep more than four and screened in shelters with a place to cook. And there’s a large, covered pavilion perfect for large gatherings. It’s $5.00 to enter either park. At Park Prairie, you get a picnic table and a grill when you reserve your spot. And the well cared for walking trail will take you three miles around the lake. Swim. Chill. Enjoy!
Go here to book your spot in either park. Heads up: Book way ahead of time! These places are popular around here for a very good reason. And you can always call them directly and speak to Francie at Park Prairie or Deborah at Oak Thicket. They both rock and are outrageously knowledgeable about everything you need to know to enjoy your time there.
Just a reminder: You’re in small town America. There isn’t a Jack in the Box or large store nearby. If you’re around on the second Sunday of the month, the Knights of Columbus cook up a storm, serving up whole roasted chickens, ribs and sausages. Call 979.249.6003 to order ahead of time. The time, the place (in Fayetteville @ the St. John the Baptist Activity Center) and all you need to know is on the VM. The Catholic Daughters of America sell all the sides you would ever want – and desserts. It makes for the perfect picnic.
Kayaking? Canoeing? Chilling? It’s so you.
Don’t fish? It’s great weather for floating down the Colorado River. Take in a cool breeze, an easy current, bald eagles, cows chilling on the riverbank…..it’s so you. Check it: Whether by tube, canoe, kayak or whatever, here are some easy entry points to the river from La Grange. Bring your own floating device of choice.
Resources:
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/fayette/
https://www.lcra.org/parks/Pages/park-prairie-park.aspx
https://www.lcra.org/parks/Pages/oak-thicket-park.aspx
www.reserveamerica.com or 855.392.7638. They even have a number if you need a last-minute reservation (within 48 hours) – 979.249.3504.
Francie over at Park Prairie (you’ll meet her when you check in) was an amazing source for this blog. Thank you for all your knowledge! And this blog also wouldn’t have been nearly as informative without the expert input of Pete Dodge. We’re so grateful for the tour and for your time.
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There’s so much to do in Fayette County. Grab your bags and fishing poles and start that chic trip, that mancation or that family get together you’ve talked about like forever. Toss the kayak in the back and hit the road, Jack. We’re less than two hours from Houston, Austin and San Antonio but just far enough away for you to breathe in that fresh water scent and remember what the good life is all about.
Fayette County. Once you get here, you’ll get it.
