If you’re driving southeast from downtown San Antonio, the landscape starts to flatten out into that classic South Texas scrub. You’ll see the massive chimneys of the Spruce and Deely power plants rising up like industrial monoliths against the horizon. That’s your landmark. You’re heading to San Antonio Calaveras Lake, a place that honestly defies most of the rules of traditional freshwater fishing. It’s a 3,600-acre reservoir that stays warm when everything else is freezing, and it’s arguably the best place in the state to catch a fish that belongs in the ocean.
Most people think of lake fishing as a spring or fall activity. You wait for the spawn, you hope for mild temperatures, and you pack it up when the Northers start blowing through Bexar County. Calaveras is different. Because it serves as a cooling pond for the CPS Energy power plant, the water temperature stays elevated year-round. It’s like a giant, lukewarm bathtub for red drum and hybrid striped bass.
The Red Drum Secret
It’s weird, right? Red Drum—or Redfish—are supposed to be saltwater fish. You find them in the flats of Rockport or the surf at Padre Island. But back in the 70s, Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) realized that these power plant lakes offered a unique ecosystem. They started stocking Calaveras with Reds, and the fish didn't just survive; they thrived.
They don't breed here, though. The water isn't salty enough for their eggs to stay buoyant, so the population is entirely dependent on consistent stocking. Every year, TPWD drops tens of thousands of fingerlings into these waters. What you get is a freshwater beast that fights twice as hard as any largemouth bass you’ve ever hooked.
If you’re hunting for Reds at San Antonio Calaveras Lake, you’ve gotta look for the structure. They love the rip-rap along the dam and the discharge canal where the warm water pumps back into the lake. Crawfish, tilapia, and shad are the main items on the menu. Honestly, if you aren't using live bait or something that mimics a desperate crawdad, you're just practicing your casting.
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When the Steam Rises
Winter is when this place shines. On a cold January morning, the air might be 35 degrees, but the lake water can be in the 60s or even 70s near the discharge. Steam rolls off the surface in thick, ghostly blankets. It’s eerie. It’s beautiful. And the fish are incredibly active because their metabolism hasn't slowed down like it does in nearby Medina or Canyon Lake.
Hybrid Stripers: The Silver Bullet
While the Redfish get the headlines, the Hybrid Striped Bass are the unsung heroes of Calaveras. These are a cross between White Bass and Striped Bass. They are aggressive. They are fast. They travel in schools that can make the water look like it’s boiling when they start busting shad on the surface.
You’ll see the regulars trolling with deep-diver lures or humdingers. If you see birds diving—terns and gulls—get over there immediately. Those birds are smarter than your $2,000 fish finder. They know the hybrids have pushed the shad to the top.
Dealing with the "Calaveras Crowds"
Let’s be real for a second. This isn’t a wilderness experience. You aren't going to find solitude here on a Saturday afternoon. The park—managed by Thousand Trails/Encore—is well-maintained, but it gets packed. You’ve got families grilling fajitas, kids running around the pier, and a line of boats at the ramp that can test the patience of a saint.
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The entry fees are a bit of a point of contention for some locals. It’s not a state park, so your Texas State Parks Pass won’t work here. You’re looking at a per-person daily fee, plus a vehicle fee, and a boat launch fee if you’re bringing the rig. It adds up. But for a world-class Redfish fishery 20 minutes from a major metro area? Most folks find it worth the spend.
Shore Fishing vs. Boat Fishing
You don't need a $60,000 bass boat to catch fish here. That’s the beauty of it. The "Crappie Wall" and the long stretches of accessible shoreline near the picnic areas allow bank fishermen to get in on the action.
- The Long Cast: If you're on the bank, you need distance. Use a long rod. Get that bait out past the first drop-off.
- Scent Matters: Freshwater Reds rely heavily on smell. Stink baits, cut shad, or even frozen shrimp (yes, really) work wonders.
- The Wind Factor: At Calaveras, the wind is usually your friend, even if it makes the water choppy. It pushes the baitfish toward the banks, and the predators follow.
Environmental Nuance and the Future
There is always a conversation about the "safety" of the fish in power plant lakes. People worry about heavy metals or runoff. TPWD and the Texas Department of State Health Services monitor this closely. Currently, there are no specific consumption advisories for San Antonio Calaveras Lake that differ wildly from other Texas reservoirs, but it’s always smart to check the latest updates. Most veteran anglers here are catch-and-release anyway, especially with the larger "bull" Reds that have been in the system for years.
The power plant itself is transitioning. With the Deely units retired and the shift toward different energy sources, the long-term temperature profile of the lake might change. For now, the "warm water discharge" remains the heartbeat of the lake’s ecosystem.
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Navigation Hazards You Can't Ignore
The lake is relatively shallow in spots. It’s deceptively dangerous if you’re running full throttle across the main body without looking at a map. There are old standing timber areas and submerged humps that will take a lower unit off a motor faster than you can blink.
Especially near the northern end where the Calaveras Creek feeds in, the silt has built up over decades. If the water level is even a foot or two low, those flats become a graveyard for propellers. Stay in the channels. Talk to the guys at the bait shop before you head out. They’ll tell you where the "new" sandbars have shifted after the last big rain.
Beyond Fishing: The Birds
If you don't fish, there’s still a reason to come down here. The birding is top-tier. Because the water doesn't freeze, it’s a massive stopover for migratory waterfowl. You’ll see Pelicans—huge White Pelicans—floating in groups that look like small islands. Osprey hunt here regularly. It’s a strange juxtaposition: heavy industry in the background and raw, wild nature in the foreground.
Strategic Tips for Your Trip
- The Early Bird Rule: The gate opens at 6:00 AM. If it’s a weekend, be there at 5:45. The line at the gatehouse can stretch back to the highway.
- Gear Up: Use at least a 20lb test line. A 25-inch Redfish in freshwater has an attitude problem and will snap light tackle like sewing thread.
- Shade is a Luxury: There aren't many trees right on the water's edge. Bring a canopy or a large umbrella. The South Texas sun reflects off that water and will cook you even in October.
- Tilapia Control: There are massive amounts of Tilapia in the lake. They are invasive, so if you catch them, you can't put them back alive. They also happen to be delicious, so bring a cooler.
San Antonio Calaveras Lake isn't your typical Texas swimming hole. It’s a working lake. It’s an engineered miracle that somehow became a premier destination for anglers seeking a saltwater fight in the middle of a cow pasture. Whether you're chasing a trophy Red or just want to watch the steam rise off the water while the sun comes up over the power stacks, it’s a quintessential San Antonio experience.
Actionable Next Steps for Success
If you want to actually catch something on your first trip, stop by a local tackle shop in San Antonio rather than the big box stores. Ask specifically for what’s hitting at Calaveras this week. Buy a "Calaveras Rig"—usually a specialized weighted float system that allows you to suspend bait at specific depths while casting from the shore. Check the wind forecast; if it's over 15 mph, the lake gets incredibly "trashy" and difficult to fish from the bank. Finally, ensure your fishing license has the saltwater stamp if you plan on keeping any Red Drum, even though you are miles from the coast.