Under 2 Hours From Austin Is Texas' Premier Fishing And Boating Paradise Named After A President

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, there is a lot to like about the Texas Hill Country region. Geological features ranging from rolling hills and granite domes to clear spring creeks and deep-water lakes are accented by an array of unique flora and fauna. One of the Hill Country's defining features is the Texas Colorado River, which slices through the mid-section of the region as it makes its way to the open Gulf. Along the Hill Country portion of this 600-plus-mile-long river, a series of dams has been erected, creating a chain of lakes that provide even more outdoor recreation opportunities. Less than two hours northwest of Austin, one of those water bodies, Lake LBJ, has become a premier destination for fishing and boating.

The lake is named after the 36th president of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson, who was born, raised, and educated in the Hill Country, where his political career began. As a member of congress prior to his presidency, Johnson played a crucial role in garnering federal funding for the lake, which was impounded in 1951. 

Although these lakes are all in succession along the same river and together comprise Texas' spectacularly scenic Highland Lakes region, they are far from homogenous. Covering 6,432 acres, Lake LBJ is the third largest. Each reservoir also has its own unique characteristics, as well as water level issues. As a result, the individual bodies of water are destinations for somewhat different activities. In the case of Lake LBJ, it has become renown as an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and water sports.

Lake LBJ has a reputation as a solid choice for several popular freshwater gamefish, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass. It is considered the top lake in the region for crappie fishing and one of the most consistent places to catch largemouth bass. Much of the quality and consistency of the fishing here has to do with the lake's water level. Unlike some other reservoirs in the Highland Lakes Chain, which see rises and drops, Lake LBJ maintains a steady water level. This allows the fishing action to remain good throughout the year, even throughout the winter months.

Another reason for the good fishing action on LBJ could be its natural and artificial structures. Aquatic vegetation like water willow and spatterdock is found throughout the lake, alongside dense shoreline development. This lake, which has 270 miles of shoreline, features many bulkheads, docks, and boathouses. All of these structures provide outstanding fish habitats and are often where anglers concentrate their efforts. Plus, a power plant near Horseshoe Bay often emits hot water in the winter, drawing even more fish during the colder season.

As for access, the Cottonwood boat ramp near the dam on the south end of the lake is operated by the LBJ Yacht Club and Marina. It is open to the public, but there is a fee to launch. On the opposite side of the lake, Kingsland Lions Park has both a boat ramp and day-use area with some shore fishing access. In between, there are numerous small parks with ramps and day-use areas.

Lake LBJ's steady water level also makes it a popular choice for boating and water sports in the Hill Country. Pleasure boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and wakeboarding are all popular. The number of boat ramps, coupled with the lake's 90-foot depth and relatively open water main lake area, makes it ideal for boats of all sizes. However, LBJ is not completely obstruction-free. In particular, there's a sand bar at Sunrise Beach, but its shallow waters actually add to the allure of boating on Lake LBJ, as it is often the setting for boat-and-float gatherings and parties.

In addition to boating, paddling is quite popular on Lake LBJ. The many small, secluded coves and arms off the main body of the lake are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Swimming is also a fun way to enjoy the cool, clear water of Lake LBJ. While swimming from boats parked on the sand bars is one option, there are also numerous parks with dedicated areas, like Granite Shoals Lake Estate, Sunrise Beach Village, and Aspen.

To reach Lake LBJ from Austin, it's a simple matter of taking State Highway 71, which incidentally runs right past Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Accommodations can be found in several of the communities surrounding the lake, including Horseshoe Bay, the underrated Texas lake city with tropical vibes, world-class golf, and family-friendly charm, on the southwest side of the lake. On the north end, Kingsland has a variety of lakefront rentals, as well. Kingsland is also an ideal jumping-off point to visit other nearby attractions, such as Inks Lake State Park, the lakeside getaway with shady trails and peaceful waters.