Calaveras Lake
Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics
Lake Characteristics
Location: 20 miles south of San Antonio off Loop 1604
Surface area: 3,624 acres
Maximum depth: 45 feet
Impounded: 1969
Water Conditions
Normal water levels: Summer 485.0 ft. msl, winter 484.0 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 1-2 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately stained
Camping & Recreational Facilities
Thousand Trails Management Services
(210) 635-8359
Reservoir Controlling Authority
CPS Energy
PO Box 1771
San Antonio, Texas 78292
(210) 353-2158
Aquatic Vegetation
Cattails and bulrushes
Predominant Fish Species
- Red drum
- Hybrid striped bass
- Channel & blue catfish
- Largemouth bass
Lake Records
Current
Fishing Report
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report
Lake Maps
Provided at entrance point
Fishing Regulations
This reservoir has special regulations on some fishes. See bag and size limits for this lake.
Angling Opportunities
Channel catfish are the most sought-after species followed by hybrid striped bass, red drum and largemouth bass.
| Species | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass |  |
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| Catfish |  |
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| Hybrid Striped Bass |  |
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| Red Drum |  |
Fishing Cover/Structure
The main cover is provided by cattails and bulrush along the shoreline. Structure includes rock rip-rap along dam, intake canal and other stretches of shoreline.
Tips & Tactics
The peak fishing period for channel catfish is March through May, although they are harvested year round. Best baits include stinkbaits, tilapia, chicken liver and shad. March through August are great months to catch the red drum. Crawfish and tilapia are very good natural baits, while good artificials include gold and silver spoons and rattletraps. The extended period of January thru August is a good time to catch hybrid striped bass with the peak occurring March thru May. Good natural baits include chicken liver, sunfish and shad, while good artificials include spoons and rattle traps. The best time to catch largemouth bass is in spring with the peak being March thru May. The fish are found concentrated in the bulrush and along the rip-rap found at the dam and intake point. The majority of largemouth bass are harvested with artificial lures such as plastic worms, crank baits and spinner baits.