Southeast SA
Braunig Lake
KayakingFishing
Southeast SA
Victor Braunig Lake is a 1,350-acre CPS Energy cooling reservoir about 17 miles south of San Antonio off Highway 37, impounded in 1964. Together with neighboring Calaveras Lake, it was among the first reservoirs in the nation to use treated municipal wastewater as a supplemental water source for industrial cooling. The warm water discharge from the power plant keeps the lake significantly warmer than natural Texas lakes year-round, enabling a one-of-a-kind fishery: TPWD stocks approximately 1 million red drum (redfish) fingerlings annually into Braunig and Calaveras — the only two inland lakes in Texas to receive this coastal species. Red drum and hybrid striped bass both rate as excellent at Braunig, with fish congregating near the heated discharge outfall during winter months when the rest of the lake cools. Channel and blue catfish are also abundant, while largemouth bass fishing rates fair. A valid Texas fishing license plus a free CPS Energy permit — available at the lake — are both required before fishing. Maximum depth is 50 feet, and the shoreline is edged with cattails and bulrush, with rock riprap along the dam providing additional structure for holding fish.
Shade Details
Open water with no shade. Full sun on the lake and at all launch areas.
Conditions & Tips
Day use fee required. Warmer than most lakes year-round due to power plant. Quieter than Calaveras on weekends.
Levels stable — maintained for power plant cooling.