Exploring the area around Austin, Texas, will take you to any or all six of the Highland Lakes chain near the city. Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, Travis and Austin lakes are full of opportunities for activities that include sailing, scuba diving, hiking, birding or maybe just taking in the spectacular scenery in this area of the Hill Country.
Lake Buchanan
The Lower Colorado River Authority operates six dams on the lower Colorado River in Central Texas. Lake Buchanan Dam is a 70-year-old structure stretching for more than two miles and, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority, it is considered the longest multi-arch dam in the nation. Lake Buchanan covers 22,335 acres and is popular for its striper and white bass fishing. Visit the winery on the west side of the lake or ake a cruise through the Colorado River canyon. An annual regatta held each April draws hundreds to the many campgrounds and businesses in this area.
Lake Travis
Mansfield Dam, which created Lake Travis, is the only structure in the Highland Lakes chain specifically designed to contain flood waters in the lower Colorado River basin. The lake stores up to 260 billion gallons of flood waters, helping to prevent destruction downstream. It covers more than 18,600 acres and attracts boaters to its crystal clear waters year round. Large mouth bass and catfish are abundant and many anglers enjoy night fishing on the lake. It is also home to several sail boating and windsurfing regattas and, according to Travis County, has the only public clothing-optional park in Texas, Hippie Hollow.
Lake Austin
Tom Miller Dam creates Lake Austin, which covers more than 1,500 acres. The dam, built to provide hydroelectricity and store water, was originally named Lake McDonald, in the early 1900s. Large mouth bass with trophy potential are why most anglers are here. Fishing during the summer months is best done at night due to heavy recreational boating activity in the daytime.
Lake LBJ
Lake LBJ is powered by Wirtz Dam, mainly to provide hydroelectric power for a nearby power plant. Originally called Granite Shoals, the lake covers more than 6,500 acres. Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Caverns State Park are located a short drive from the lake.
Smaller Lakes
Inks Lake covers 637 acres. The dam has no floodgates and is one of the smallest in the Highland Lakes chain. Surrounded by granite hills, Inks Lake State Park adjacent to the lake offers guided activities including nature walks, geology hikes, fish seining, camping, backpacking, hiking, and golf.
Marble Falls Lake has the distinction of being the smallest in the Highland Lakes chain area. The lake covers 611 acres. This is a popular lake for fishing and boating. The annual Cigarette Boat Race is hosted in April and the Lakefest Drag Boat Races are scheduled each August.
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