Lake Austin

Austin, Travis County, Texas, USA

Lake Austin, a popular reservoir on the Colorado River, is a vibrant recreational spot right in the heart of Austin, Texas.

1,600 acres

Surface Area

35 ft

Average Depth

54 miles

Shoreline

1939

Created

Beth Carter

Broker Associate - Carter + Picone Group

Beth is one of Austin’s top realtors and a trusted expert on Lake Austin luxury properties. As a member of the Elite 25 (top 1% of Austin agents) and Luxury League, she has earned the Texas Monthly Five Star Award every year since 2011, making her a go-to choice for Lake Austin buyers and sellers.

512-799-7427

beth.carter@compass.com

www.BethCarterAustin.com

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About Lake Austin

Lake Austin was formed in 1939 after the completion of Tom Miller Dam, which was constructed to provide flood control, hydroelectric power, and a steady water supply to the fast-growing city of Austin. Unlike nearby Lake Travis, which is known for dramatic water level changes, Lake Austin benefits from a controlled water system, ensuring a consistent depth that makes it ideal for year-round recreation. The lake stretches 22 miles long, with a surface area of about 1,600 acres and an average depth of 35 feet, bordered by tree-covered bluffs and residential neighborhoods.

Geographically, Lake Austin winds like a river through a deep canyon of the Texas Hill Country, giving it a unique character compared to wider lakes. Its calm waters are fed from the bottom of Lake Travis, which keeps the lake surprisingly cool, even during the hottest Texas summers. This cooler water, combined with the controlled flow, has made Lake Austin a premier fishing destination, particularly for largemouth bass, which thrive here in both size and number. Today, Lake Austin is not only a recreational hub but also a symbol of Austin’s balance between urban living and natural beauty.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Location: Austin, Travis County, Texas
Length: ~22 miles
Surface Area: ~1,600 acres
Average Depth: ~35 feet
Shoreline: ~54 miles
Year Created: 1939 (Tom Miller Dam)
Elevation: ~492 feet above sea level
Water Source: Colorado River (release from Lake Travis)
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, catfish, carp, sunfish, crappie

Lake Austin Vacation Homes For Rent

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Lake Austin EVENT GUIDE

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Lake Austin DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Swimming: While most of the shoreline is privately owned, public access points such as Emma Long Metropolitan Park offer sandy swimming beaches with designated areas safe for families.

Boating & Water Sports: With stable water levels and long stretches of calm surface, Lake Austin is perfect for wakeboarding, water skiing, wake surfing, tubing, and jet skiing. Kayakers and paddleboarders also find calmer coves near the parks and residential areas.

Fishing: Lake Austin is nationally known for trophy bass fishing. Largemouth bass are the star species here, with some record catches weighing more than 13 pounds. Other popular species include catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Anglers often fish near submerged vegetation, docks, and under bridges.

Hiking & Nature Trails: Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park and Emma Long Park both feature trails with panoramic views of the lake and access to natural wildlife habitats.

Picnicking & Family Recreation: Lakeside parks offer shaded areas, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and playgrounds. Families often spend the entire day here enjoying the mix of water and land activities.

Wildlife Observation: Birdwatchers can spot herons, kingfishers, and ospreys, while the wooded banks may reveal deer, raccoons, or turtles basking in the sun.

Access, marinas & ramps

Public Boat Ramps: Lake Austin has multiple public launch sites, including Walsh Boat Landing, Emma Long Park, and Mary Quinlan Park. These ramps provide access for motorboats, kayaks, and small craft.

Marinas & Rentals: Several marinas line the lake, offering fuel stations, storage, and boat rentals. Popular options include Lake Austin Marina, Oyster Landing Marina, and privately operated boat clubs where visitors can rent ski boats or pontoons.

Parks & Public Access: Emma Long Metropolitan Park is the largest public park along Lake Austin, offering campsites, a swimming beach, and picnic grounds. Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park provides quieter, more natural access points.

Shoreline Access: Much of the shoreline is privately owned, so visitors should plan to use designated ramps and parks for entry. Parking at ramps can be limited during peak summer weekends, so early arrival is highly recommended.

Safety & regulations

Boating Rules: Speed restrictions apply in narrow stretches, near marinas, and residential docks. Boaters are advised to maintain safe distances from swimmers and paddleboarders.
Life Jackets: Required by law for children under 13 and strongly encouraged for all boaters and water sports participants.
Fishing Regulations: A Texas Parks & Wildlife fishing license is required for anglers aged 17 and older. Bag and size limits are enforced for bass and catfish.
Water Quality & Environment: Since the water comes from the cold depths of Lake Travis, it is cleaner and cooler, but invasive aquatic plants such as hydrilla have historically been a concern. Efforts are ongoing to manage vegetation to maintain safe boating lanes.
General Safety: The lake is popular and often crowded, especially on summer weekends. Boaters should remain vigilant and respectful of no-wake zones.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Downtown Austin: Just minutes away, visitors can enjoy Austin’s live music scene, world-class restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Lake Travis: Upstream, Lake Travis offers a larger body of water with sandy beaches and cliffside parks. Perfect for a day trip if you want variety in your lake adventures.
Barton Springs Pool: Located in Zilker Park, this spring-fed pool remains 68°F year-round and is one of Austin’s most beloved swimming holes.
Texas Hill Country: Drive west for rolling hills, wineries, and small towns such as Dripping Springs or Marble Falls, each with its own charm.
Mount Bonnell: A short hike provides panoramic views of Lake Austin, the downtown skyline, and Hill Country sunsets.

Events & community

Lake Austin is deeply woven into the fabric of Austin’s outdoor lifestyle. Fishing tournaments are regularly held here, attracting anglers chasing trophy bass. Summer months bring an influx of recreational boaters, often gathering for holiday weekends or informal flotillas. Local businesses host lake-side events, from paddleboard yoga classes to live music at marinas. The Fourth of July often sees firework reflections on the water, while holiday lighted boat parades add winter magic. With its unique position inside a major metropolitan area, Lake Austin embodies the blend of city culture and lake community spirit.