Lake Dunlap’s 40-Foot Clear Water Is Back

By: David Sanchez

 Lake Dunlap is located in New Braunfels, Texas.  Kayak fishing is at its prime during this time of year.  Lake Dunlap had an unfortunate break in the Dam back in May 2019.  An aging spillway gate had collapsed, and the lake lost a lot of water and fish.  Since that rebuild of the dam, the water is holding steady, and the river channel has been measured at 40 feet deep.

    The big story is not that the depth is back, but that the water clarity is great. There is 6 to 8 feet of water clarity reported in the main part of the lake.  The hydrilla is still there, but the edges of the lake are clear, which makes sight casting a good option.  You may even be able to see beds and cruising fish in many areas of the lake from a kayak view.  Texas. Parks and Wildlife has added 41,100 Lone Star bass in 2025, and another 85,145 in 2026. Largemouth bass is the preferred fish to target. There are lots of 2-4 lb bass with some bigger ones around the docks. Crappie are schooled in the brush areas. You can jig for crappie that hang out around 10 feet deep. Catfish are noted to be excellent as well. Reports show that Channel and Blue Catfish are active on the drop-off of the river channel.

     There is a public boat ramp under IH-35 highway that has a cost-free ramp as well as car and boat trailer parking available.

     Here is what is working:

For largemouth, weightless Senkos in green pumpkin or watermelon red, wacky-rigged along hydrilla edges, and a small 3.5″ swim bait on a 1/8 oz head for sight casts. Topwater – a small walking bait or popper at first light over grass is money right now. And a Ned rig when they get pressured.

Crappie – 1/16 oz jighead with a Monkey Milk or electric chicken Bobby Garland, or live minnows under a slip cork if you want to slow down.

Cats – punch bait or cut shad on a Carolina rig drifted along that 12-20 foot channel break.

     Since the water is clear, I recommend 8- 10 lb fluorocarbon line. Try to avoid your kayak shadow covering the grass line. Early morning fishing is best to avoid ski boats and get the best site casting.