Lake Travis, a popular place for outdoor and water recreation

Lake Travis is located in Texas and was created by the impounding of the Colorado River when construction on the Mansfield dam began in 1937. The lake is 63.75 miles long. The lake provides vital water supply to Austin, Texas and is a highly desired area for a wide range of recreational water and outdoor activities.

The main purpose of the lake is as the primary flood control reservoir of the Highland Lake chain. Depending on the rainfall in the Colorado River with determine the level of the lake. One of the parks along the lake is Hippie Hollow the only clothing optional park in Texas.

The lake has a capacity of over 380 million gallons of water. There are 270 miles of shoreline around the lake with a maximum depth of 210 feet. Ranch Road 620 was built on top of the dam adjoining the protective walls of the dam. The lake has rocky banks, steep cliffs and clear water that is typical of a highland reservoir. The marina and floating boat docks are located in the lower end of the reservoir.

Water sports that take place on the lake include sailboats, windsurfing, ski boats, fishing and has mansion like houseboats floating on the lake. There are marina facilities at the lake along with public parks, boat ramp access and good hot summer weather.

There are many Marinas located in Lake Travis that stock all requirements for a day of boating. Fuel, drinks, food, clothing and swim suits are all available at the marina. There are trained crews at the marina are trained to help visitors have a safe day on the water. Boats and wave runners are available for rental along with all safety equipment required. There are restrooms at the marina along with boat slips, lifts and a pump out station.

Fishing regulations are in place on the lake and enforced by the LCRA. The lake produced good number of largemouth bass in the spring and fall, white bass in the spring, striped bass at the extreme lower end of the reservoir, blue, channel and flathead catfish occur throughout the reservoir. Largemouth bass are more common when the water level is high, mainly in the upper end of the reservoir. Spring is also the best time of year for sight fishing of spawning bass. To catch white and striped bass fishing at night around the boat dock at the lower end of the lake is highly recommended.

Anglers hoping to catch the striped bass should fish in the lower lake in April and May. The most common in the catfish population is the Blue Catfish, but many anglers have caught channel and flathead catfish.

There are many accommodation types available for visitors to Lake Travis. These may be large holiday homes, resorts, spas, ranches or Bed and Breakfasts. There are over 10 restaurants that are a short distance from the lake and able to satisfy any type of cuisine after a long day of water activities at the lake.