Lake Nasworthy is a great example of a well-managed city lake that delivers real fishing. San Angelo takes care of this lake and it shows in the fish populations - the striped bass program in particular is impressive for a 1,400-acre reservoir. I'd target the striper schools on the main lake at first light in fall when they push shad against the surface near the dam.
Today's Bite Score · October 8, 2026
Above average conditions worth planning a trip
🌘Waning Crescent
Lake Nasworthy Fishing Report
October FishingMonthly fishing report · October patterns and techniques
Lake Nasworthy anglers are experiencing October conditions that bring changes to fish behavior and activity levels. As water temperatures drop this month, fish begin adjusting their patterns and positioning throughout the lake. October presents anglers with distinct opportunities as aquatic life responds to shifting environmental conditions, making this an interesting time to fish the lake.
In October, anglers are finding that different species respond to the month's changing conditions at varying depths and locations. Fish positioning shifts as they adapt to cooler water temperatures, with species beginning to move toward areas that provide optimal conditions for the month ahead. Understanding where fish are holding in October requires attention to depth changes and structural features that become increasingly important as the season progresses.
The bite is strongest when anglers employ techniques and baits suited to October conditions at Lake Nasworthy. Anglers targeting active species this month should focus on presentations that match the feeding behavior fish display in October. Success comes from matching approach and bait selection to the specific activity levels anglers are finding at the lake during this period.
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Lake Nasworthy Fishing Strategies by Species
Seasonal patterns and techniques by target species · Verified against official sources
Lake Nasworthy is a 1,400-acre City of San Angelo reservoir on the South Concho River in Tom Green County, Texas. Impounded in 1930, it is one of the older municipal reservoirs in West Texas and has been managed for both water supply and recreation for nearly a century. The lake benefits from active fishery management by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, including striped bass stocking that has created a quality striper fishery unusual for a lake this size. San Angelo State Park runs along a significant portion of the lake's shoreline, providing excellent public access and facilities. TPWD regulations apply: verify current limits at tpwd.texas.gov before fishing.
Lake Nasworthy Largemouth Bass Fishing Report
Largemouth bass are well-established in Lake Nasworthy and provide consistent fishing throughout the year. The lake's variety of habitat - rocky shorelines, coves with scattered brush and vegetation, dock structure from the residential areas, and the deeper main basin - supports a healthy bass population. Spring bass fishing from February through May is the prime season, with fish moving to the shallow coves and the rocky points to spawn. Texas-rigged worms and spinnerbaits worked along the rocky banks and the scattered brush produce quality bass during the prespawn. Summer largemouth fishing on Lake Nasworthy requires adjusting to the heat of west-central Texas summers. Early morning fishing near the vegetation edges and the shaded dock structure in the developed residential areas produces the most summer bass. The rocky bluffs along the San Angelo State Park shoreline hold smallmouth-like bass behavior from the largemouth, relating strongly to the hard structure. Carolina rigs and drop-shot rigs worked along the rocky transitions in 8 to 18 feet produce fish during summer midday. Fall is an excellent season for largemouth as cooling temperatures trigger feeding in the shallower coves. Verify Texas largemouth bass regulations at tpwd.texas.gov.
Lake Nasworthy Striped Bass Fishing Report
Striped bass are the signature species at Lake Nasworthy, supported by active Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stocking in this South Concho River reservoir. The striped bass program gives Lake Nasworthy a trophy fishing dimension well beyond what the lake's modest size would suggest. Stripers in Nasworthy use the main lake basin and the deeper channel areas, feeding aggressively on the shad population. Fall striper fishing is the most exciting season when schooling stripers push shad to the surface in explosive feeding frenzies visible across the main lake. Spring and early summer striper fishing involves locating fish on sonar in the 15 to 25 foot range over the main basin and working jigging spoons, crankbaits, and swimbaits vertically through suspended fish. Trolling large crankbaits along the main channel is a productive approach for covering water and finding active striper schools. Lake Nasworthy striped bass reach quality sizes in the productive South Concho water, with fish over 10 pounds regularly encountered. The area near the dam and the main channel depression hold the highest striper concentrations during summer. Verify current striped bass size and bag limits at tpwd.texas.gov.
Lake Nasworthy White Bass Fishing Report
White bass are abundant in Lake Nasworthy and complement the striper fishery with fast-action schooling fishing throughout the year. The spring white bass run occurs when fish migrate toward the South Concho River inflow in February and March. White bass stacking below the lake's upper reaches during the spawn respond aggressively to rooster-tail spinners, small jigs, and crankbaits worked in the current areas near the creek inflows. Summer and fall white bass on Lake Nasworthy school in the main lake basin with striped bass, often in the same areas and at similar depths. The two species are sometimes caught together when targeting schooling fish on the surface. Jigging spoons and small crankbaits worked through surface schools produce white bass and stripers simultaneously. White bass average 12 to 15 inches in Lake Nasworthy with larger fish possible. Shore fishing along the San Angelo State Park shoreline produces white bass as well during schooling activity near shore. Verify current white bass regulations at tpwd.texas.gov.
Lake Nasworthy Catfish Fishing Report
Catfish are abundant in Lake Nasworthy and represent one of the lake's most popular fisheries for local San Angelo anglers. Channel catfish are most common and occupy the flatter, muddier bottom sections of the lake and the deeper channel areas near the South Concho River arm. Blue catfish are also present in the deeper areas near the dam. Night fishing from shore along the San Angelo State Park banks and the public access areas with cut shad, stink bait, or chicken liver produces consistent catfish from late spring through early fall. The West Texas summer heat drives catfish into the deepest available water during the day, but night temperatures and the cooler depth of the reservoir basin concentrate catfish in the channels after dark. The South Concho River arm on the upper end of the lake holds catfish near the bottom in the channel areas year-round. Trotlines and jug fishing are popular among local anglers familiar with the lake's catfish haunts. Lake Nasworthy catfish average 2 to 6 pounds with trophy fish over 15 pounds taken from the deeper sections. Verify current Texas catfish regulations at tpwd.texas.gov.
Lake Nasworthy Crappie Fishing Report
Crappie are present throughout Lake Nasworthy and provide good panfish action around the available structure in this clear-water West Texas reservoir. The dock structures along the residential shoreline on the northeast end of the lake and any submerged brush and timber hold the most consistent crappie populations. Spring spawning crappie move into 3 to 8 feet near brush and dock pilings in March and April, and this is the most accessible fishing of the year. Crappie jig-minnow rigs and small jigs under a slip-float near brush produce spawning fish. Post-spawn crappie move to deeper structure and the shaded areas under docks in the summer heat. Vertical jigging with small tube jigs and minnows near the dock structure in 10 to 15 feet produces summer crappie. The clearer West Texas water of Lake Nasworthy means crappie can be more structure-dependent than in murkier lakes. Fall crappie fishing improves as fish return to mid-depth brush piles in the main lake. San Angelo State Park access provides some shore fishing for crappie near the park's dock and fishing areas. Verify current crappie regulations at tpwd.texas.gov.
Lake Nasworthy Bluegill Fishing Report
Bluegill are plentiful in Lake Nasworthy and provide accessible panfish action for shore anglers and families at the San Angelo State Park facilities along the lake. The shallow coves with vegetation and the rocky shoreline areas hold bluegill in good numbers from spring through fall. Spawning bluegill concentrate in the protected sandy areas of the coves in May and June, and small jigs, crickets, and worms under a bobber catch fish consistently during this period. San Angelo State Park's fishing pier and bank access areas are excellent spots for bluegill fishing without a boat. The clear water of Lake Nasworthy makes bluegill visible in the shallows during warm months, and sight fishing to bedding bluegill is a fun technique. Larger bull bluegill over 9 inches are caught near the deeper dock structure and the brush piles that also hold crappie. Bluegill serve as important forage for the striped bass and largemouth in Nasworthy. There is no minimum size for bluegill in Texas - verify current bag limits at tpwd.texas.gov.
Before you head out, check your line. If it's been sitting on the reel all winter or has seen a lot of rocks and timber, it's worth replacing before a serious trip. I order most of my braid from Reaction Tackle and have been happy with it.
Top Fish to Target in Lake Nasworthy
Lures for Lake Nasworthy
Tackle matched to this lake's species and structure.
One thing I always check before a big trip is my main line. For most of the presentations that work here, you want braid. The sensitivity makes a real difference, especially when fish are finicky. I've been ordering from Reaction Tackle for a while now and haven't looked back.
About Lake Nasworthy
Lake Nasworthy is a 1,400-acre City of San Angelo reservoir on the South Concho River, impounded in 1930 to serve as a water supply and recreation resource for the city. Located in Tom Green County in far west-central Texas, the lake sits in a semi-arid landscape characteristic of the Edwards Plateau transitioning to the West Texas plains. The clear, blue-green water, the rocky shorelines, and the scenic terrain surrounding the lake make Nasworthy an attractive destination beyond the fishing alone.
San Angelo State Park access. San Angelo State Park encompasses a significant portion of the Lake Nasworthy shoreline, providing public access, camping, picnic facilities, and boat launch areas. The state park's presence along the lake is a significant asset for anglers who want public access to the fishing without a private marina or club membership. The park also protects habitat along the shoreline from development and maintains the natural character of much of the lake's banks.
Striped bass fishery program. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's striped bass stocking program in Lake Nasworthy is the standout feature of the fishery. Striped bass have thrived in the South Concho River reservoir environment, creating a quality trophy fish opportunity in a city lake setting. The combination of stripers, white bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill gives Lake Nasworthy exceptional species diversity for its modest size and far West Texas location.
Access and facilities. San Angelo State Park provides the primary public access to Lake Nasworthy, with boat ramps, fishing piers, and camping. Additional access is available through City of San Angelo parks along the residential sections of the lake. San Angelo is accessible from US Highway 87 and US Highway 67. Obtain a Texas fishing license and verify all current regulations at tpwd.texas.gov before fishing Lake Nasworthy.
