If you’ve lived around Central Texas long enough, you know that Lake Buchanan is basically a giant, unpredictable mood ring for the Highland Lakes. One year it’s a moonscape of red granite and dried mud, and the next it's lapping at the doorsteps of the fishing cabins. Honestly, keeping track of it feels like a full-time job for those of us who just want to know if we can launch a boat or find a decent spot to sit with a fishing pole.
Right now, the lake buchanan water level today is sitting at approximately 1,017.70 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level).
To put that into perspective, the "full" mark—what the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) calls the conservation pool—is 1,020 feet. So, we are currently about 2.3 feet below full. That’s actually fantastic news. If you remember the grim days of 2023 and 2024 when the lake was hovering 15 or 20 feet low, seeing it this close to the top feels like a small miracle.
Where the Water Stands Right Now
Checking the gauges this morning, specifically the one at Cedar Point, the water has been holding remarkably steady. We saw a tiny dip from 1,017.74 feet yesterday down to the current level, but in the grand scheme of things, that’s just the lake breathing.
Most people don't realize that the LCRA recently simplified things. As of January 2025, they stopped using that confusing "seasonal" pool system where the target level changed depending on whether it was summer or winter. Now, the goal is a flat 1,020 feet all year. This makes it a lot easier for us to judge exactly how "low" the lake actually is.
At the current level, the reservoir is roughly 94% full.
Think about that for a second. We’re holding over 830,000 acre-feet of water. For a lake that has a maximum design depth of about 132 feet near the dam, being this high up means the underwater topography has completely shifted for the fish—and for your boat's lower unit.
Boat Ramps and Accessibility
You’ve probably been to Buchanan when the "unimproved" ramps were just long stretches of sand leading to nowhere. Not today.
Most of the major concrete ramps are in great shape. The two-lane ramp at Buchanan Dam (the privately operated one near Highway 690) is wide open. If you prefer the east side, Burnet County Park off FM 2341 is usually a safe bet when the water is within five feet of full, which it is.
- Thunderbird Lodge: Their ramp is well-protected from the wind. It’s $20 to launch, but if the wind is whipping from the northwest, it's worth every penny.
- Black Rock Park: This is a fan favorite for a reason. The ramp is concrete, protected, and the LCRA keeps it in good repair.
- Canyon of the Eagles: Just a heads up—they don't have a boat ramp. People get confused about this all the time. They have a great fishing pier, but if you're pulling a trailer, you’ll want to drop in further south.
The Fishing Report: What’s Biting?
When the water is this high, the fish move. The old "honey holes" that worked when the lake was 10 feet low are now under 20 feet of water.
Bass are currently being caught in the 5 to 10-foot range. Since the water temperature is hovering around 55 to 60 degrees, they’re starting to think about pre-spawn staging. If you’re heading out, throw a spinnerbait or a chatterbait around the flooded timber and rocky points.
Stripers and Hybrids are the real stars of Buchanan. They’re currently hanging out in deeper water, mostly between 22 and 36 feet. Most of the local guides, like Captain Cory Vinson or Aaron Dick, are reporting success with live bait or jigging spoons. If you see birds diving mid-lake, get over there—the white bass are likely pushing shad to the surface.
Catfish are, as usual, reliable. With the water up, they’ve moved into the newly submerged brush and timber. Using cut shad or prepared "stink" bait in about 25 feet of water near the river channel is your best bet.
Why the Level Matters for Your Safety
Higher water sounds safer because you aren't worried about hitting a stump in the middle of the lake, right? Kinda.
Actually, Buchanan is famous for its "hidden" hazards. Even at 1,017 feet, there are granite humps that sit just a foot or two under the surface. When the lake is full, these are harder to see because you don't have the breaking waves or the "bleaching" of the rocks to tip you off.
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Also, the "Upper End" near the Colorado River mouth is a different beast entirely. The current can move debris like logs and entire trees into the main body of the lake. If we’ve had recent rain upstream near San Saba or Menard, watch out for floating "widow-makers" that can take out a prop in a heartbeat.
Looking Back: A 20-Year High
It’s worth noting that just about six months ago, in July 2025, this lake hit a 20-year high. It actually touched the 1,020-foot mark for the first time since 2005. That massive surge was a result of heavy rains that effectively ended the long-term drought that had been choking the Highland Lakes for years.
Comparing today’s level to the historical January average of 1,010.49 feet, we are actually 7.3 feet above where the lake usually sits this time of year. We are in the "good old days" of Lake Buchanan water levels right now.
Real-World Advice for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head out this weekend, here’s the reality on the ground:
- Watch the Wind: Buchanan is huge and shallow. A 15-mph wind can turn the surface into a washing machine. If the wind is out of the north, stick to the southern shore or the protected coves near the dam.
- Check the Gauges: Don't just take my word for it. The LCRA Hydromet site updates every 15 minutes. If you see a sudden jump in "Discharge" from the dam, it means they are moving water downstream to Lake Inks, which can create currents you wouldn't expect.
- Fuel Up Early: There aren't as many gas docks on Buchanan as there are on Lake LBJ or Travis. Make sure you have plenty of fuel before you head to the upper end; it’s a long haul back to the dam if you run dry.
- Permits and Fees: Many of the ramps require a small fee ($10-$20). Bring cash. Some of the automated kiosks are finicky with credit cards in the cold.
The lake buchanan water level today makes it one of the best recreation spots in Texas right now. While Lake Travis is still struggling a bit more to reach full pool, Buchanan is the "storage tank" that is currently keeping the whole system healthy.
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To stay safe and make the most of the high water, you should download the LCRA WaterLoop app. It provides real-time floodgate operations and level alerts directly to your phone. Also, if you’re fishing, double-check the latest TPWD weekly fishing report specifically for Buchanan, as the "stained" water conditions from recent runoff can change which lure colors are working from day to day.