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What Are the Highland Lakes Conditions This Fall? A Boater's Guide from Bay Marine

Nov. 13 2025 News By Rusty Weed

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What Are the Highland Lakes Conditions This Fall? A Boater's Guide from Bay Marine


Here at Bay Marine & Sports Center, we’re not just on the Highland Lakes—we’re part of the community. Lake LBJ is our home, and like any good neighbor, we keep a close eye on the entire chain.

With the cooler air and beautiful fall colors, it's one of the best times of year to be on the water. We get asked every day, "How are the lakes looking?" and "Is it a good time to get out?"

The short answer is: The Highland Lakes are in fantastic shape this fall.

This is one of the best fall seasons we’ve seen in years, with healthy water levels and active fish. Here’s our complete report on what you can expect from Lake Buchanan all the way down to Lake Travis.


🗺️ The Big Picture: Our Reservoirs Are Healthy


The most important news for boaters is the status of our two large "storage" lakes, Buchanan and Travis. Their levels dictate the health of the entire system.

  • Lake Buchanan: As of mid-November, Lake Buchanan is sitting at 95% full (around 1,018 feet). This is a massive improvement from last year, when it was hovering around 62% full. This healthy level means great conditions for boating and fishing up north.

  • Lake Travis: Travis is also in great shape at 80% full (around 668 feet). To put that in perspective, this time last year, it was only 44% full. This high level has opened up marinas, ramps, and coves that have been dry for seasons.

Our Expert Insight: Why are the lakes so healthy? We had a rainy spring, but more importantly, the new downstream Arbuckle Reservoir (managed by the LCRA) is now online. This new reservoir helps supply water to the coast, taking significant pressure off Buchanan and Travis. This is fantastic long-term news for water stability here in the Hill Country.


đź“Ť Your Home Base: Lake LBJ & The Pass-Through Lakes


While the storage lakes are our "gas tank," the pass-through lakes—LBJ, Inks, and Marble Falls—are our daily playground.

  • Lake LBJ: As our home lake, we can confirm conditions are perfect. Lake LBJ is a constant-level lake, and it’s holding steady at its ideal operating level (around 824.5 feet). The water is clear, stable, and ready for every kind of recreation, from wake surfing to a quiet cove cruise.

  • Lake Marble Falls: Like LBJ, Lake Marble Falls is steady and ready for boating.

  • Inks Lake: Are you wondering, "Why does Inks Lake look low?" This is a great example of local knowledge. This is a planned drawdown by the LCRA, which they do every few years to allow property owners to conduct dock maintenance. The lake is scheduled to begin refilling at the end of November, just in time for the holidays.


🎣 The Fall 2025 Fishing Report: What’s Biting?


Cooler water temperatures mean the fish are active and feeding. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) reports are solid across the chain. Here's a quick look at the fall patterns.

  • On Lake LBJ (Our Home): The bite is GOOD.

    • Bass: The morning bite is strong. Look for bass around grass and docks, hitting topwater baits and spinnerbaits.

    • Crappie: Anglers are reporting "fair" catches on brush piles in about 20 feet of water using minnows.

    • Catfish: The bite is "good" for catfish on mid-lake points in 20-25 feet of water.

  • On Lake Buchanan: The bite is FAIR to GOOD.

    • Crappie: This is the hot ticket. The bite is "good" on docks and offshore brush piles in 10-25 feet.

    • Bass: Largemouth bass are "good" on topwaters in the morning.

    • White & Hybrid Bass: Anglers report a "fair" bite on main lake humps and points.

  • On Lake Travis: The bite is FAIR.

    • Bass: Look for early morning schooling action on wind-blown points. There are a lot of fish relating to the newly-flooded brush and hydrilla, which is a direct result of the high water levels.


Your Trusted Partner on the Water


It's one of the best fall boating seasons we’ve had in a long time. The lakes are full, the fish are biting, and the weather is beautiful.

Before you head out, is your boat ready to take advantage of these perfect conditions?

Whether you need a routine fall service, are looking to upgrade for next season, or just want the latest dock-talk, our team at Bay Marine & Sports Center is here to help. We are your Highland Lakes experts, and our mission is to keep you safe and happy on the water.

Stop by our marina on Lake LBJ and say hello. We’ll see you on the lake!