Low lake levels don't stop boaters

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Boaters in central Texas hope the water cooperates through the holiday weekend, as the area’s two most popular lakes face a major hurdle.

One public boat ramp remains at both Lakes Buchanan and Travis, as the water level continues to drop. Lake Travis boaters were starting the holiday weekend early and were already lining up Thursday.

Lining up to launch a little early, the Crosier family planned to beat the weekend crowd. As Lake Buchanan continues to drop though, they barely made it in the water at all. Take a tour of Lake Buchanan below:

“So far, the longest line I’ve had is like two or three boats ahead of me,” said boater Curtis Croiser.

This lone public ramp was their last resort for fishing from their boat; something they just bought for this trip.

“Well, we’ve asked other people,and they haven’t seen it this low,” said boater Michelle Croiser.

With water levels thirteen feet below the July average, the Crosiers are glad they didn’t wait to bring their grandsons to Buchanan.

Boater Cameron Entringer said he could definitely tell the lake levels were low because he was able to see tree stumps.

Those stumps are good hiding places for the fish the Crosiers are catching. But they’re also obstacles for the family and their new boat.

While the weekend might be too crowded to launch from this spot on the lake, they plan to come back next year, early like this time.

“Even though the water’s s low, there’s still plenty of water here. Just getting in and out of it might be the problem,” said Curtis.

The ramp near Mansfield Dam on Travis and the one at White Bluffs Park on Buchanan will remain open through the weekend. After that, boaters will likely have no ramps for a while.

Other lakes along the Highland Chain, which don’t have fluctuating water levels, are bracing for an overflow of boaters in the future.

Below is a map of the open boat ramps:

View Boating options in a larger map