Lake Buchanan
Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) • Built 1937 • 22,333 surface acres • 124 miles shoreline
Lake Buchanan
Notice / Caution Recommended
Level is 25.5 ft below normal pool (watch for shallow hazards), water temp is a comfortable 76°f, light winds around 8 mph, no active algae or safety advisories.
What to Know About Lake Buchanan
Lake Buchanan is the largest and northernmost reservoir of the Texas Highland Lakes chain. Unlike the narrower canyon lakes downstream, Buchanan features broad, open expanses of water that make it exceptional for sailing, wake sports, and open cruising. Granite gravel beaches and rugged Hill Country bluffs frame the shores. Watch for fluctuating water levels during dry cycles, which can expose sandbars and submerged granite reefs in the upper arm near Fall Creek.
Boat Ramps & Launches
Public concrete launches, usable lake elevations, and federal pass info🚤 Burnet County Park Public Ramp
Usable (Level OK)Located near the dam on the east shore offering quick access to deep water and main-basin cruising.
🚤 LCRA Black Rock Park Boat Ramp
Usable (Level OK)Premier LCRA park on the southwest shore offering well-maintained concrete ramp lanes and lakefront camping.
🚤 Llano County Park Boat Ramp (Tow)
Low Water CautionPublic access point serving the western shore near Tow, Texas. Popular with anglers targeting upper-lake striper runs.
🚤 Thunderbird Resort & Marina
Usable (Level OK)Full-service commercial resort and marina featuring pontoon rentals, wet slips, fuel dock, and waterfront cabins.
Full-Service Marinas
Fuel docks, wet slips, ship stores, and boat rentals⚓ Thunderbird Resort & Marina
Full-service commercial resort and marina featuring pontoon rentals, wet slips, fuel dock, and waterfront cabins.
Today's Fishing Outlook
Favorable feeding forecast today with the Waxing Gibbous (98% illuminated). Surface water is 76°F with a -0.01 pool (+0.00' in 24h). Fish will feed aggressively along windblown points and main-lake humps during the primary major window.
Fishing Regulations & Species
State Wildlife AgencyLake Rules & Boating Safety
A 100-foot no-wake zone is strictly enforced around all docks, marinas, boat ramps, and swimmers. All vessels must carry USCG-approved life jackets for each passenger.
Recent Community Reports
Real-time water clarity, hazards, and ramp wait times shared by boaters and anglers.
No community reports submitted in the last 24 hours for Lake Buchanan
Were you on the water today? Share water clarity, ramp conditions, or hazards to help fellow lake visitors.
Recommended Gear for Current Conditions
Algorithmically matched to today's water temperature (77°F), lake elevation, and weather forecast.
Bassdash UPF 50+ Performance UV Sun Protection Fishing Hoodie
Ultra-breathable moisture-wicking UV shield designed to prevent all-day open water sunburn and heat fatigue without overheating.
Taylor Made Products Low Freeboard Boat Fender & Dock Bumper
Lake is 25.5 ft low; exposed slips and low shorelines risk heavy hull scrapes from wake surges.
Earth Pak 20L Waterproof Heavy Duty Dry Bag with Phone Case
500D commercial grade PVC keeps phones, dry clothes, first-aid, and towels 100% dry through boat wake spray and sudden rain squalls.
Garmin Striker 4 Fishfinder with CHIRP Sonar & Dual-Beam Transducer
High-frequency CHIRP sonar pinpoints submerged humps, river channel dropoffs, bait balls, and suspended gamefish with crisp target separation.
Commercial Marinas & Featured Partners on Lake Buchanan
Verified marine operators, boat slip facilities, and licensed guide services.
⚓ Thunderbird Resort & Marina
Full-service commercial resort and marina featuring pontoon rentals, wet slips, fuel dock, and waterfront cabins.
Charter Guide or Boat Rental on Lake Buchanan?
Reach thousands of visiting boaters and anglers checking live water levels, surface temperatures, and ramp conditions before heading to Lake Buchanan.
Living on Lake Buchanan
Considering buying a lake cabin, dockable waterfront home, or retirement property on Lake Buchanan? Water levels, dock stability, and flood pool buffers are critical factors in waterfront valuation.
Managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) through Buchanan Dam. Buchanan serves as the primary water storage reservoir for the Highland Lakes system and can fluctuate significantly between wet and dry meteorological cycles.
Burnet, TX
Bluebonnet capital with historic courthouse square, antique shops, and Hill Country charm.
Llano, TX
World-famous Texas pit BBQ capital along the Llano River with deer hunting and craft breweries.
Kingsland, TX
Where the Llano and Colorado Rivers converge, famous for tranquil coves and resort living.