Located just outside of Aggieland in the heart of the Brazos valley, Lake Bryan is the closest lake for anglers in the Bryan/College Station area. However, the lake doesn't have the greatest reputation for fishing. In fact, most anglers I've discussed the lake with described it as a "dead sea". And for game fishermen, it may be. TPWD claims the lake is a great crappie fishery, but the crappie fishing is honestly mediocre at best. Crappie anglers are much better off making the 40-minute drive to Lake Somerville. But for catfish and carp anglers, Lake Bryan is a haven - sort of.
Lake Bryan is absolutely full of both catfish and carp. However, the carp don't seem to grow over 3lb-4lb (even though the lake record common is 20.00lb; but that carp was caught in 1998). Most anglers blame the lack of nutrients in the lake, as it is a power plant cooling reservoir. The catfish don't grow to their full potential either, with the average catch being 1lb to 4lbs, but you will occasionally catch a decent-sized blue or channel cat over 6lbs.
And there's a plus; Lake Bryan contains mirror carp as well, which are a rare catch in Texas. I've personally caught two fully-scaled mirrors from the lake. Neither was over 3lbs, but it was still an awesome experience to land my first mirror carp this close to home. We've also caught 3+ carp in single evening sessions before at the lake, so quantity can sometimes make up for the lack of size.
As for rigs and bait, the simpler, the better. Since the lake is full of small catfish as well as carp, using method feeders and packbaits almost isn't worth the effort. As soon as you cast out and set your bells/bite alarms, you'll be getting a bite. The best method we've found for Lake Bryan is freelining bread on a light-action combo with a #2 octopus hook. If you're not familiar with freeline fishing or fishing with bread, check out our previous how-to blog post on freelining bread: https://texasroughfishing.wixsite.com/txrf/post/how-to-freeline-bread-for-carp-catfish
The best spots to try for carp in Lake Bryan are near the reeds and along the rocks that make up the Lake Bryan 'dam'. If you're after catfish, you'll do well almost anywhere in the lake; however, one particularly good spot to start is the boat ramp, pier and surrounding area.
