There are more fish than this sign lets on…
As a city gal, fishing has just never really been something I’ve gotten into, and certainly not fishing in Mueller. As a small child living in Florida I did go fishing with my Grandpa Ed, but I broke his reel each and every time we tried. But I cherish those memories with my grandfather nonetheless. And I hear fishing is a relaxing way to spend some time with your thoughts when you’re not also dealing with an accident prone child too. Some also look at fishing as a cheap way to procure dinner. I prefer the Taco Bell drive-through myself, but to each their own, right?
Speaking of catching fish, I see TONS of people fishing in the lakes in my neighborhood, Mueller, smack dab in the middle of the city of Austin. How’s that for finding your zen? I just hope those intrepid anglers also hit up the Taco Bell drive-through on the way home, because the fish in the Mueller lakes are strictly catch and release. The lakes are part of the storm water collection ecosystem, and as such you can’t swim in the lakes, let alone eat anything from them.
With that disclaimer out of the way, I did want to share some info about fishing in Mueller because (I’m told) fishing is a wonderful pastime!
I need a License to Fish Mueller?
Nope! Here’s the official statement on the matter:
Though the park and Lake are owned by the [Property Owners Association] POA, we have a public access easement allowing the public to use the park and lake freely. The POA rules state that catch and release fishing is permitted, but fish may not be taken home … We encourage anyone to fish!
The Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing regulations state that on private water and private land, you may fish with the owner’s permission. And the permission is given to all!
What Fish Are In The Mueller Lakes?
The Southwest Greenway sports an informational sign as shown on the right. There are also a few fish missing from the sign.
- Bluegill – the ones I’ve seen have tended to be less than four inches long
- Yellow Perch – I haven’t seen these
- Fathead Minnow – I’m not sure I can catch these without a net
- Mosquito Fish – As long as they reduce the mosquito population, I’m going to leave them well alone.
- Catfish – More on this later
- Rainbow Trout – From February 2nd 2014
Turtles and Ducks – yes I know these aren’t fish, but please be careful of these critters when you’re angling. My son hooked a turtle briefly, which was quite traumatic for both parties.
What Fish Can I Expect to Catch in Mueller?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) stocks Mueller Lake Park with rainbow trout, and stocked Mueller Lake with 1200 rainbow trout in 2014.
These are for catching and eating – an exception to the rule.
In 2016, they stocked 2,374 rainbow trout. In 2015, they stocked 2,032 rainbow trout. So… this is probably one of the times in life that it is acceptable to have expectations!
Quite a catch at Lake Park
What Tackle Do I Need?
This section is not especially exhaustive – just things other people have told me worked for them. Many residents and visitors have caught fish on simple float / bobber setups, though some use lures and Texas rigged lures.
Rainbow trout can be caught on drop sinker rigs, egg sinker rigs and split shot rigs. Bread, sweetcorn, spam and artificial lures apparently work well too. Smaller hooks work great – maybe a size 10 or 12, though some anglers with lures and hooks set for wide mouth bass have found bites too. Use a thinner line – somewhere between 5 and 8 pound line.
What Has This Got to Do With Mueller Real Estate?
I could make a strained quip equating the available homes in Mueller to the “plenty of fish in the sea”, or how I can be your guide to the best spot to fish for your dream home, etc… but honestly, I can’t stop thinking about when Taco Bell is going to bring the Mexican Pizza back. And I really just wanted to share another reason why life is so incredibly good here in Mueller. Did I mention we’re also super close to a Taco Bell?
Anyway, if you want to find out more about Mueller, or houses, or tacos (especially tacos), please get in touch here or call +1 (512) 829-1351.