What You'll Find at Landa Park

Landa Park is a spring-fed lake in New Braunfels, Texas, about 30 miles northeast of San Antonio. The park sits on the grounds of a larger recreation area that includes picnic facilities, swimming beaches, and boat rentals. The lake itself is roughly 70 acres and fed by the Comal Springs, which keeps the water cool year-round — typically between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

The lake holds largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Bass fishing is the main draw for anglers, though the lake is also popular with families and swimmers, which means it can get crowded on weekends and holidays. The water clarity varies with season and recent rainfall, but the spring-fed nature means it stays relatively clear compared to many Texas lakes.

Access is straightforward: you enter through the main park gate, pay a day-use fee, and can launch from the public boat ramp or fish from the bank. The park is open year-round, though hours and amenities vary by season.

Key Takeaways

  • Landa Park is a 70-acre spring-fed lake in New Braunfels with consistent water temperatures around 70 degrees, making it fishable in winter when other Texas lakes are cold.
  • Largemouth bass are the primary target, with catfish and sunfish also present; early morning and late evening produce better results than midday.
  • The lake is part of a public recreation area with a day-use fee, boat ramp, and bank access, but expect crowds on weekends and during summer.
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations apply: you need a valid fishing license, and bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit with a five-fish daily bag limit.
  • Spring water keeps the lake fishable year-round, but water levels can drop during drought periods, affecting boat access and fishing conditions.

Bass Fishing Seasons and Conditions

Largemouth bass at Landa Park are most active in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). During these periods, water temperatures sit in the 65–75 degree range, and bass move into shallower water to feed. Early morning and late afternoon are your best windows — the midday sun pushes bass deeper, and the lake's popularity with swimmers during daylight hours adds noise and activity.

Winter fishing (December through February) is viable because the spring water stays warm relative to other Texas lakes. Bass are less aggressive in cold water, but they're still present and catchable if you fish slowly and use smaller lures or live bait. Summer (June through August) is the slowest season for bass — they retreat to deeper water and the heat makes fishing uncomfortable. Many anglers switch to catfish during summer, which feed better at night.

Water level fluctuates with rainfall and drought. During dry periods, the boat ramp may become difficult to use, and fishing from the bank becomes more practical. Check with the park office before visiting if you're planning to launch a boat during late summer or drought conditions.

What Gear and Bait Work Best

For largemouth bass, medium-power spinning or baitcasting rods with 8–12 pound test line are standard. Topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics (4–6 inch worms or creature baits) all produce at Landa Park. The lake has submerged timber and vegetation in shallow areas, so lures that can be worked through cover without snagging are useful. Early in the season, when water is cooler, slower presentations work better than fast retrieves.

Live bait — shiners, shad, or crawfish — works well for both bass and catfish. If you're targeting catfish specifically, chicken liver, cut bait, or prepared stink baits are effective and require minimal equipment; a simple rod with a basic sinker rig is enough. Catfish at Landa Park feed throughout the day but are most active at dusk and after dark.

Sunfish (bluegill, redear) are abundant and easy to catch on small jigs, spinners, or live crickets. They're a good option if bass aren't cooperating or if you're fishing with children.

Access, Fees, and Park Hours

Landa Park is located at 1300 Landa Street in New Braunfels. Day-use entry requires a fee, which varies but typically ranges from $5 to $8 per vehicle. The park is open year-round, though specific hours change seasonally — generally 8 a.m. to sunset in winter and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in summer. Call ahead or check the New Braunfels Parks and Recreation website for current hours before you go.

The public boat ramp is available during park hours. Boats under 20 feet are common here; larger boats are less practical because of the lake's size. Bank fishing is free once you've paid the day-use fee, and there are designated fishing areas around the perimeter. The park has restrooms, picnic areas, and parking, though parking can fill up on weekends.

Overnight camping is not available at Landa Park itself, but New Braunfels has several RV parks and campgrounds within a few miles. The town also has hotels and vacation rentals if you're planning a longer stay.

Texas Fishing Regulations at Landa Park

You must have a valid Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing license to fish Landa Park. Licenses are available online through the TPWD website, at sporting goods stores, or at the park office. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting briefly.

Largemouth bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no minimum size but a 25-fish daily bag limit. Sunfish (bluegill, redear) have no minimum size and a 25-fish daily bag limit. These regulations are current but can change; check the TPWD website or the current fishing guide before you fish to confirm.

No live baitfish may be transported into the lake from outside sources — all bait must be purchased locally or caught from the lake itself. This rule prevents the introduction of invasive species and diseases.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the most popular season: water temperatures are ideal, bass are active, and the weather is mild. Expect the park to be busier on weekends, especially if the weather is good. Fall (September through November) is nearly as good and slightly less crowded than spring, making it a solid alternative if you prefer quieter fishing.

Summer brings swimmers and families, which means daytime fishing is noisier and less productive. If you fish in summer, plan for early morning (before 8 a.m.) or evening (after 6 p.m.) sessions. Winter is the quietest season and offers consistent fishing because of the warm spring water, but you'll need patience and slower techniques.

The lake's popularity with non-anglers is both a pro and a con: the park is well-maintained and accessible, but you won't have solitude. If you're looking for a quiet, remote fishing experience, Landa Park is not the right choice. If you want reliable access, decent fishing, and amenities, it's a solid option.

Nearby Alternatives and Considerations

If Landa Park is too crowded or if you want to explore other options, the Comal River (which flows from Landa Park) offers wade fishing and tubing access downstream. The Guadalupe River, about 20 minutes away, is larger and holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. Canyon Lake, roughly 45 minutes north, is a much larger reservoir with more solitude and bigger bass, though it requires a longer drive.

Landa Park's main advantage is convenience and year-round fishability due to the spring water. Its main limitation is size and popularity. Choose Landa Park if you want a quick outing near San Antonio or if you're visiting the New Braunfels area for other reasons. Choose a larger lake or river if you want more space, bigger fish, or fewer crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Landa Park, or can I fish from the bank?

Bank fishing is productive and requires no boat. The lake has designated fishing areas around the perimeter, and you can reach good structure from shore. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more area, but it's not necessary for success, especially in spring and fall when bass are shallow.

What's the water temperature like in winter?

Spring-fed water stays between 68 and 72 degrees year-round, even in winter. This makes Landa Park one of the few Texas lakes where winter fishing is practical. Bass are less active in cold water, but they're still present and catchable with slow presentations and small baits.

Can I bring my own boat, or do I have to rent?

You can launch your own boat from the public ramp during park hours. Boats under 20 feet are most practical for this lake. The park also offers boat rentals if you don't have your own. Check the park office for current rental rates and availability.

Is Landa Park good for beginners?

Yes. The lake is small enough to learn quickly, bass are present and catchable, and the park has amenities and support. Bank fishing is easy, and catfish or sunfish are reliable if bass aren't cooperating. It's a good place to practice before moving to larger, more complex lakes.

What should I do if the water level is low?

During drought, the boat ramp may become unusable. Bank fishing remains viable. Call the park office before you visit to ask about current water levels and ramp conditions. If you're planning to launch a boat, confirm access is available rather than arriving and finding the ramp closed.