Influencers in the fishing community are voicing their opposition to the efforts aimed at removing hydrilla from Lake Austin, a vital aquatic plant that has contributed to a resurgence of large bass in the area. On a warm Wednesday afternoon, anglers Grant Langmore, Justin Rackley, and Jonathan Barzacchini enjoyed a successful fishing trip beneath the Pennybacker Bridge, where they caught numerous bass as the sun set.
Rackley, who noted the health of the bass they encountered, remarked, “I saw one of the healthiest bass I”ve ever seen, actually, one of those that you can just imagine it being long and it”s going to be like a state record.” He recalled that such a trip would have been impossible just a year ago due to the lake”s degraded ecosystem.
In the early 2000s, attempts to eradicate hydrilla led to severe ecological damage. The introduction of tens of thousands of sterile grass carp, which rapidly consumed the hydrilla, resulted in a drastic decline of aquatic vegetation in the lake. “I literally saw carp swimming off with reeds. Every little bit of vegetation they could get their mouths around,” Rackley stated, adding that the water quality deteriorated significantly without the plants.
However, a recent survey conducted by the City of Austin revealed a positive shift, with hydrilla coverage increasing from 5% to approximately 38% following summer storms and warmer temperatures. “I”ve started to come back because the grass is here and it”s beautiful, it”s clean, and it”s just really fun to fish out of,” Rackley said.
Barzacchini, a fishing influencer who moved to Texas after experiencing Lake Austin, echoed this sentiment. “We”ve got a steady incline of potentially legendary fishing, the fish are going to grow bigger,” he mentioned, emphasizing the importance of hydrilla as a habitat and food source for various aquatic species. He explained that fish utilize hydrilla for shelter, hunting, and resting, while the plant also acts as a natural filter, enhancing water clarity.
Langmore, who grew up in Austin and once held the record for the largest bass caught on Lady Bird Lake, expressed concern over ongoing proposals to remove hydrilla. He stated, “It”s a great time to go and catch the biggest bass of your life,” but fears that the new removal efforts could jeopardize his business.
This summer, the City of Austin introduced around 300 sterile grass carp into the lake to manage the hydrilla population, subsequently adding approximately 1,600 more to combat the recent growth. Barzacchini criticized this approach, saying, “I think the only solution that”s being played around with this is fighting fire with fire, and that is stalking another invasive fish.”
There are also plans by local business owners to lower the lake”s water level this winter, hoping to eliminate some hydrilla and facilitate maintenance on their properties. Langmore and other fishermen worry that these actions could severely impact their livelihood, given the economic significance of sport fishing in Texas, which has an estimated annual impact of $14 billion.
Langmore highlighted the consequences of removing hydrilla, stating, “Guys like me who make a living out here won”t be able to make a living anymore because the fishing is going to be horrible.” He noted that some individuals have begun to capitalize on hydrilla removal, with crews actively clearing it from docks.
Despite these challenges, the three anglers have observed significant improvements in fishing conditions this summer, which brings hope for the future. “I”m planning trips right now, seeing this grass back to this place in the spring,” Barzacchini concluded.
