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Lake Buchanan is the first and largest lake in the six-lake Highland Lakes chain. It spans 22,452 acres and is known for bass fishing and spotting bald eagles. LCRA photo

The Highland Lakes explained

The Highland Lakes are a series of freshwater lakes along the lower Colorado River in the Hill Country region of Texas. The lakes are formed by dams built and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to generate power and help with flood management. They also draw visitors to the area year-round for water recreation and fishing

Let us introduce you to the Highland Lakes.

The six lakes that make up the chain from top to bottom are Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (aka Lake LBJ), Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin. Each lake has its unique attributes. Burnet County is fortunate to have all but one of the lakes within its border.

Lake Buchanan, the oldest and largest of the Highland Lakes, was formed after the construction of Buchanan Dam in 1938. One of two reservoirs on the chain, it spans 22,452 acres. It is known for excellent year-round fishing. Bird watchers flock to the area seasonally to spy on bald eagles and hundreds of other feathered friends. 

Inks Lake was formed in 1938 with the construction of Inks Dam. It spans 798 acres. Inks Lake State Park and Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery hug the entire east side of the lake and offer a multitude of recreational opportunities. 

Lake LBJ was formed in 1951 after the completion of Wirtz Dam. Lake LBJ spans 6,432 acres and offers fairly stable water levels, making it the most popular of the lakes for boating, wakeboarding, and skiing. 

Lake Marble Falls, the smallest of the Highland Lakes, emerged in 1951 following the construction of Starke Dam. The “Great Falls” of Marble Falls are on the bottom of the 613-acre lake. Like Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls has a near-steady water level, making it a great spot for boating, personal watercraft, and paddling as well as fishing.

Lake Travis, the longest of the Highland Lakes at 65 miles, was formed in 1942 with the completion of Mansfield Dam and covers 19,044 acres. It, too, is a reservoir and has ever-changing water levels depending on drought conditions. It is popular for fishing as well as boating and water sports.

Lake Austin was formed in 1940 upon completion of Tom Miller Dam and covers 1,830 acres. It is located entirely in Travis County. 

The best place to enjoy lakes and hills in the heart of Texas is from a vacation rental, which can be found online at HighlandLakesofBurnetCounty.com.  

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