Lake Travis is one of the most popular lakes in Texas. It’s a quick drive from Austin, and it’s also a hotspot for fishing, cruising, birdwatching, and water sports. But where does the water in Lake Travis come from? The expert staff at Northshore Marina at the Hollows is here to answer all your questions and share our favorite Lake Travis activities.
Lake Travis History
In 1942, the Lower Colorado River Authority started construction of the Mansfield Dam, forming the reservoir we know today as Lake Travis. The purpose of Lake Travis is to supply water, electric power, recreation opportunities, and flood control to the region – but it’s not the only one of its kind.
Lake Travis is part of a string of reservoirs called the Highlands Lakes. Each lake has its own individual dam to control the water levels throughout the Colorado River Basin. Lake Travis, however, is by far the largest of the lakes, with the ability to contain up to 256 billion gallons of flood water, and it is also one of the clearest lakes in Texas. Lake Travis spans nearly 19,000 acres, running 65 miles upriver from the western end of Travis County up to the Max Starcke Dam and southwest of Marble Falls.
The Lakes and Dams
Lake Travis is part of the larger Highland Lakes system and its contributing dams, including:
- Lake Travis – Mansfield Dam
- Lake Buchanan – Buchanan Dam
- Lake Lyndon B. Johnson – Wirtz Dam
- Lake Marble Falls – Max Starcke Dam
- Lake Austin – Tom Miller Dam
- Inks Lake – Inks Dam
Due to its massive size, Lake Travis is the primary flood control management reservoir for all the Highland Lakes. So, its water levels can greatly fluctuate by 10 to 20 feet from rainfall in the Colorado River Basin. This creates a challenge for boat slips. However, true, deep water floating marinas like the Northshore Marina at the Hollows avoid this issue, maintaining service no matter the water level.
The Rivers and Creeks
The Colorado River is the main artery that pours into Lake Travis, controlled by the Mansfield Dam. However, the Pedernales River also contributes substantially to the lake’s water. Throughout the Lake Travis reservoir, you can find eight contributing creeks, including:
- Hamilton Creek
- Double Horn Creek
- Alligator Creek
- Cow Creek
- Big Sandy Creek
- Cypress Creek Arm
- Long Hollow Creek
- Bee Creek
Things to Do on Lake Travis
What does all this mean for recreational activities on Lake Travis? There are plenty of opportunities for the whole family! Boating is one of the top things to do on Lake Travis.
The lake, rivers, creeks, and coves – like the infamous party spot, Devil’s Cove – provide opportunities for leisure boating, scuba diving, water sports, and swimming. We recommend renting a wet slip to take advantage of everything Lake Travis has to offer.
Lake Travis also has some of the best fishing in Texas. Lake Travis is frequently stocked by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission with sought-after freshwater fish, including Florida largemouth bass, striped bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, and even walleye. Whether you’re a novice or pro, there is a thrilling catch just waiting to be discovered in every shaded nook or muddy loll.
Whether you’re on a boat or the shore, Lake Travis is also the perfect place for birding. You can spot rare finds like the painted bunting and the golden-cheeked warbler. To connect with other birdwatchers, join Travis Audubon, the region’s oldest conservation society.
Both on and off the water, Lake Travis is the center of a lot of exciting events. This massive lake is dotted with marinas that host unique fundraisers, parties, and parades all year round. Northshore Marina’s annual Start of Summer Party, Docktobefest, and Lighted Boat Parade can’t be missed!
Explore Lake Travis with Northshore Marina at the Hollows
Northshore Marina at the Hollows is your premier location for things to do on Lake Travis. We are a hotspot for the best Lake Travis activities, including boating, fishing, birdwatching, and water sports.
We pride ourselves on offering the highest level of service possible, which has earned us the Marina Association of Texas Marina of the Year Award a staggering six times.
Northshore Marina offers a wide variety of amenities, including:
- A fully-stocked ship store
- Fuel docks
- Covered wet slips with electric, fresh water, and Wi-Fi
- A relaxing common area with a flatscreen TV, barbecue pit, and lounge chairs
Contact us today to discover what Lake Travis and its tributaries have in store for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Travis a natural lake or manmade?
Lake Travis is not a natural lake. It is manmade, created as part of the Highland Lakes reservoir project. Lake Travis and its dam, the Mansfield Dam, help control water levels throughout the Colorado River Basin.
What recreational activities are available at Lake Travis?
Lake Travis has tons of recreational activities, including boating, water sports, scuba diving, birding, and fishing. Many marinas, like Northshore Marina at the Hollows, also offer fun events throughout the year.
Can you fish on Lake Travis?
Yes, you can fish on Lake Travis – in fact, it’s one of the best fishing spots in Texas. The lake is regularly stocked with bass, catfish, and walleye. You can either fish from the shore or head out onto the lake in a boat.
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