You’re driving through Baylor County, and the heat is already shimmering off the asphalt. You see the signs for Lake Kemp. If you’re a local or a dedicated angler, your first thought isn’t about the scenery—it’s about the depth.
Honestly, the lake kemp water level is a bit of a local obsession. It’s not just about whether you can launch your boat at the Moonshine ramp without scraping your hull. It’s about the survival of the Wichita Falls water supply and the health of a fishery that’s been around since the 1920s.
Right now, as we sit in mid-January 2026, the numbers look surprisingly decent. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Tulsa District), the pool elevation is holding steady at 1,143.62 feet.
For context, the "full" mark—or what the experts call the conservation pool—is 1,144 feet. We are essentially 97.6% full.
That’s a win.
But if you’ve lived in North Texas long enough, you know that "full" is a relative term that can change with one bad summer.
The Reality of the Lake Kemp Water Level
People often think a lake is just a giant bucket. You fill it up, you use it, and it goes down. But Kemp is weird. It’s managed by two different entities: the Wichita County Water Improvement District No. 2 handles the "conservation pool" (the water we actually use), while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the "flood pool" (the extra space used to stop the Wichita River from drowning everyone downstream).
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Because it’s shallow compared to some of the massive East Texas reservoirs, evaporation is a silent killer here. On a hot July day, the lake can lose more water to the Texas sun than the City of Wichita Falls actually pumps out for its citizens.
Why the 1,143.62 Mark Matters Today
If you’re planning a trip this weekend, that 1,143.62 elevation means almost every boat ramp is functional. You aren't going to find those "ghost piers" standing in the mud like you did during the brutal droughts of the early 2010s.
- Surface Area: Roughly 15,590 acres.
- Storage: We’re sitting on about 239,710 acre-feet of water.
- Release: Currently 0 cubic feet per second. They're holding onto every drop.
The stability we’re seeing in early 2026 is largely thanks to some decent runoff events late last year. However, the shadow of a La Niña pattern is looming. The Tarrant Regional Water District and other regional monitors have been sounding the alarm about a drier-than-average winter. In Texas, we’re always just three weeks away from a drought, or so the saying goes.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Fishing
I’ve heard guys at the bait shop complain that when the lake kemp water level drops even two feet, the fishing "dies."
That's just not true.
Actually, lower water levels can often concentrate the fish. When the water recedes from the brushy shoreline, the Largemouth Bass and Crappie have fewer places to hide. They move to the secondary points and the old river channels.
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If you’re out there right now with the water near the 1,144-foot mark, the fish are spread out. You have to work harder. You have to find those submerged structures—stumps, rocks, and the old "Big Wichita" riverbed—using your electronics.
Species Spotlight
- Channel Catfish: These are the kings of Kemp. They love the murky, loamy bottom. Use cut bait near the inlets.
- White Bass: They're starting to get active. Look for them to begin their spring run toward the tributaries if we get a few warm days.
- Striped Bass Hybrids: This is what brings the trophy hunters. They thrive in the open water when the oxygen levels are consistent, which they are when the lake is this full.
The Salt Problem: A Secret Struggle
Here is something nobody talks about at the campfire: salt.
The Wichita River watershed is naturally high in salinity. It’s a geological quirk. When the lake kemp water level gets dangerously low, the salt concentration spikes. This doesn't just make the water taste "off" for the folks in Wichita Falls; it actually stresses the fish.
During the historic lows, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) had to keep a close eye on "kills and spills" because the brine levels were getting sketchy. Fortunately, at 97% capacity, the salt is well-diluted. The water quality right now is about as good as it gets for this specific basin.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Logistics
If you’re heading out, don't just look at the gauge. Look at the wind.
Kemp is wide and relatively shallow, meaning a 15-mph wind from the north can turn the surface into a washing machine in about ten minutes.
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Access Points and Ramps
The City of Wichita Falls and the Water District maintain several access points.
- Moonshine: Generally the most reliable deep-water ramp.
- Kemp South: Great for campers, but can get crowded on holiday weekends.
- The Dam Area: Best for bank fishing if you don't have a boat.
The current 1,143-foot elevation means you don't need a 4x4 to launch. Your standard truck will do just fine on the concrete slabs.
The Future: Will it Hold?
We have to talk about the long game. The Lake Kemp dam was redesigned in 1969 to increase storage, but sedimentation is a real jerk. Every year, about 890 acre-feet of capacity is lost to silt and mud washing in from upstream.
Basically, the "bucket" is getting smaller.
What was 1,144 feet in 1970 doesn't hold as much water as 1,144 feet does in 2026. This is why conservation remains a massive deal for the North Texas Municipal Water District and surrounding agencies. Even when the lake looks "full," the margin for error is thinner than it used to be.
How to Track the Level Like a Pro
Don't rely on 10-day-old news. Things change fast in the Red River Basin.
- USACE Water Control: Check the Tulsa District’s real-time "SYOT2" gauge. It updates hourly.
- Water Data for Texas: This is the cleanest interface for seeing 12-hour and 24-hour trends. If you see the level dropping 0.05 feet a day without any rain in the forecast, that’s your evaporation at work.
- Local Forums: Honestly, the Texas Fishing Forum often has better "eyes on the ground" reports regarding ramp conditions than the official websites.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
- Check the Elevation: If it’s below 1,140 feet, proceed with caution near the shoreline.
- Update Your Maps: Sedimentation means old charts might be off by a foot or two in the shallows.
- Watch the Salinity: If there hasn't been rain in months, stick to catfish; the bass get sluggish when the salt spikes.
- Respect the Wind: If the gusts are over 20 mph, stay off the main body. It isn't worth the risk.
The lake kemp water level is looking solid for the start of 2026. Enjoy it while the gates are closed and the basin is full. Grab your 2026 freshwater endorsement, keep an eye on the horizon, and go catch some crappie.