Fishing at Medina Lake, Bandera County, Texas

• Overview

  In Texas, Medina Lake belongs to Bandera County. Scrub and brush runs right down to the water. This is big water, about 8.3 sq miles, and in a wind it behaves like a small sea. There is roughly 45 miles of bank, and each arm behaves like its own water. It is the biggest water on our Bandera County list. The closest town, Lakehills, is 3.1 miles away. It is 29 miles to San Antonio, the nearest city. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Medina Lake

  Surveys put the deepest water at about 151 feet. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Species logged nearby in open biodiversity records include smallmouth bass, Florida largemouth bass, walleye, white bass and bluegill. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. At Medina Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 49°F in January up to 82°F in July. The season is continuous, with heat as the only real check. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Medina Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. For a change of water, Diversion Lake is 3.2 miles distant. Check the position at Medina Lake before loading the car.