Southeast SA
Calaveras Lake
KayakingFishingBirding
Southeast SA
Calaveras Lake is a 3,624-acre CPS Energy cooling reservoir located 20 miles south of San Antonio off Loop 1604, impounded in 1969 to serve the Calaveras Power Station. Like neighboring Braunig Lake, Calaveras receives warm water discharge from power plant operations and was among the first reservoirs in the country to incorporate treated wastewater in its water supply — conditions that sustain an unusual fishery far inland. TPWD stocks roughly 1 million red drum fingerlings annually into Calaveras, making it one of only two freshwater lakes in Texas with a sustaining redfish population. Redfish, hybrid striped bass, and catfish all rate excellent; largemouth bass rate good. The warm discharge zone is especially productive in winter, when fish stack up near the outfall as temperatures in the rest of the 45-foot-deep lake cool. Channel catfish are the most actively pursued species year-round, while the redfish draw anglers seeking a coastal fishing experience without the drive to the coast. Camping, shore fishing, and boat access are managed through a county park lease; a Texas fishing license and a CPS Energy permit are both required before fishing.
Shade Details
Open water with no shade. Full sun on the lake surface and most launch areas.
Conditions & Tips
Warm water year-round due to power plant. Fishing is productive in winter when other spots are slow. Bring shade — none available.
Lake levels relatively stable due to power plant cooling needs.