Short answer: yes, children can fish at The Island on Lake Travis. The Island is a gated resort community at 3404 American Drive in Lago Vista, Texas, with a private fishing pier and a shoreline you can reach on foot from the villas. North Shore Vacation Rentals manages the villas here. Call or text us at (512) 267-4887 and we will help you pick one.
If you searched for a hotel on the water in Texas where your child could fish and came up empty, you are not alone. Most Lake Travis hotels are miles from the shore. The Island is a villa resort, not a hotel, and for a family with a young angler that is an advantage: you get a kitchen, room to spread out, and the water a few minutes’ walk from your door.
Can guests fish at The Island on Lake Travis?
Yes. There is a private fishing pier inside the gate, and guests fish from the shoreline too. Children can walk from the villas to the shoreline and the pier without getting in a car, any time of day, which matters when a child wants one more cast before bed or at first light.
One rule to pass along: the marina docks are for slip holders and their guests only. Please do not fish from the marina docks unless you rented a slip. The pier and the shoreline are where to fish. Lake Travis is public water, so state fishing rules apply wherever you cast.
What is biting in Lake Travis
Lake Travis holds largemouth bass (the main target for most anglers), white bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. Early morning is usually the best window, and water levels change what the shoreline looks like, so ask us what the lake is doing before you arrive. For the water level, see our Lake Travis water level guide.
Do children need a fishing license in Texas?
Anglers under 17 do not need a Texas fishing license. Adults who fish do. Texas Parks and Wildlife answers the rules on its fishing FAQ and sells licenses on its licenses page. Rules and fees change, so confirm with them before your trip. A parent who is only helping with a child’s line should still check the current rules for helpers.
Gear, kayaks, and a guide
You do not need to pack the garage. A Beautiful Place to Be Shop & Rentals, on The Island, rents kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and fishing gear, and also has pickleball and a 9-hole disc golf course across the island. Stop by the shop, or ask us and we will connect you.
If your child is new to fishing, or you want help finding fish, book a guide. Torwick’s Guiding Service (Captain Tyler Torwick, (512) 910-7255, book online) welcomes beginners and families, provides child-size life jackets, and includes rods, reels, and tackle. The trips are coaching trips that teach bass fishing. As listed in October 2026, a half day (4 hours) is $450 for up to two anglers (plus $50 for a third person), and a full day (8 hours) is $625. Trips meet at the Lago Vista Marina boat ramp or Arkansas Bend Park. Confirm rates and availability when you book.
When the fishing is done
The Island has three resort pools, hot tubs, a private marina, tennis courts, and an on-site restaurant and bar, so the rest of the family has plenty to do. A golf cart delivered to your villa makes it easy to get children and gear around. New to the area? Read what The Island on Lake Travis is and how to get here from Austin.
Villas to start with
- Villa 1101, Lakeside Poolside Paradise: one bedroom plus a sofa bed.
- Villa 1104: one bedroom, sleeps four.
- Villa 1111, Cove in the Hill Country: two bedrooms, sleeps six.
Who to call
North Shore Vacation Rentals manages vacation rentals at The Island on Lake Travis. If you are comparing places to stay near the water in Lago Vista, call or text (512) 267-4887 with your dates and the number of anglers in your group. You can also see everything available on our vacation rentals page.
Ready to plan a fishing weekend?
Call or text North Shore Vacation Rentals at (512) 267-4887, or browse villas at The Island on Lake Travis.
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