Lake Travis Houseboat Blog
Posted on February 25th, 2010, by diane
Please feel free to post your experiences on our houseboat rentals. In addition, if you have tips or suggestions about Lake Travis in general, we welcome your comments.
19 comments 
Category:
March 6th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Lake Travis is 63.75 miles long, and its maximum width is 4.5 miles. The lake covers 18,929 acres, and its capacity is 1,953,936 acre-feet. The lake is considered full at an elevation of 681.1 msl. At this elevation the lake contains 382,092,882,600 gallons of water. There are 270 miles of shoreline around the lake. It has a maximum depth of 210 and an average depth of 62 feet. The lakes historic high level is 710.4 feet msl on December 25, 1991. Its historic low level is 614.2 feet msl on August 14 1951.
Lake Travis was created by the impounding of the Colorado River by the construction of Mansfield Dam in 1937- 41. The dam is 266.41 feet high. The length is 7,089.39 feet. At the base it is 213 feet thick. Ranch Road 620 built on top of the dam and the adjoining protective walls bring the actual height of the dam to 274 feet. The top of the dam is 750 feet msl. Its spillway elevation is 714 feetmsl. At this elevation the lake contains 636,691,999,536 gallons of water. It has 3 Pen Stocks which divert water to 3 turbines with a total electrical generating capacity of 93,000 kw. The Dam has 24 floodgates at 4,770 cfs each. Each floodgate is 8.5 feet in diameter.
As of today the lake level is 95 percent full. This should make for a great summer on the water!
March 6th, 2010 at 9:31 am
For all my fishing friends on Lake Travis, here are some suggestions:
Stripers roam this long lake in unpredictable fashion. In winter, they are caught in depths of up to 60 feet on spoons and live shad. But in warm weather, they can be caught in the shallows where they chase live bait. When the fish are shallow, topwater plugs and bucktail jigs are a good bet. Though both smallmouths and walleyes were stocked in the 1970’s, recent studies found no evidence of either species. Top game fish here are the striped bass and the Guadalupe bass.
Stocking History:
Largemouth bass — 1967
Florida bass — 1988
Channel catfish — 1971, 72
Striped bass — 1973, 74, 76, 78, 81, 83, 91
Blue catfish — 1979
Walleye — 1976, 77, 78, 79
Smallmouth bass — 1977, 78, 79
March 6th, 2010 at 9:34 am
The LTPA board has been busy setting the schedule for the upcoming year. The lake is currently above 658′ and rising. If the trend holds (knock on wood), this year will be the best ever.
Our dates for the LTPA runs are as follows:
> April 24th – PreSeason Run
> May 15th – South Austin Marine Run
> June 26th
> July 17th – Annual Carlos ‘n Charlies Run
> August 21st
> September 18th – Season Closer and Year End Party
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone on the lake this year and supporting all the wonderful charities that help many kids across Texas.
the LTPA
March 6th, 2010 at 9:37 am
Lake Travis chosen to host AquaPalooza
Updated: 1/28/2010 5:01 PM
By: News 8 Austin Staff
The Sail and Ski Center announced Thursday it’s been selected to host AquaPalooza’s Signature Event this year.
AquaPalooza is self-touted as “The World’s Largest Boat Party.” Organizers said they broke their own record, with a grand total of 15,600 boats and 84,000 people last year.
The event was created as a series of on-water celebrations held during the last two weekends in July. It was created by Sea Bass Boats as a free event open to boaters and non-boaters alike.
Laura Mitchell is a member of the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce. She said the low lake levels have been rough on local businesses and have prevented the festival from coming to Lake Travis in the past.
“Unfortunately the rains didn’t come and the lake levels continued to drop off, so we were not able to host the event,” Mitchell said.
Thanks to El Nino, water levels are improving on the lake. If weather patterns stay consistent, this summer should be perfect for AquaPalooza–which means a huge influx of cash for area businesses.
“It will create the most positive economic impact we have ever seen in the Lake Travis area. Our business community needs it, wants it, and we’re thrilled to have them come,” Mitchell said.
Kendra Clawson works for the Lower Colorado River Authority. She says making sure AquaPalooza is a fun and safe event is a concern.
“It’s going to take a tremendous amount of resources and a big team effort with not just LCRA. It’s going to be a team effort between all the local law enforcement, and also Austin Travis County, Texas Parks and Wildlife. Several agencies are going to be involved in this to make sure everyone stays safe out on the water,” Clawson said.
The event will be held on Lake Travis on July 31.
March 6th, 2010 at 9:46 am
SOME POPULAR EATING ESTABLISHMENTS ON LAKE TRAVIS. THEY USUALLY HAVE DOCKING FACILITIES.
Carlos’N Charlie’s
Carlos’N Charlie’s Austin is your Lake Travis headquarters for dining, drinks, and fun. They offer a full menu and are known for serving up the best drinks on Lake Travis. They have great live music acts.
The Pier on Lake Travis
Once Located on Lake Austin, The Pier was a local institution and major piece of Austin’s history. As events would have it, in March 2007 The Pier’s doors and docks reopened, but this time on Lake Travis.
Johnny Fin’s
Johnny Fin’s floating patio is an oasis on Lake Travis. Choose a table outside, right on the water. The sunset and live music both will make this experience enjoyable.
Cafe Blue
Since Cafe Blue is open again. Some may remember that the name was slightly different, but the food remains some of the best on the lake. They also serve Sunday Brunch.
Tugg’s BBQ
Tugg’s is the only floating mobile BBQ restaurant on Lake Travis and you can find them right in Devils Cove nearly any weekend, barring bad weather our high winds. Tugg’s has a full menu including Brisket and other tasty items.
Lake House Cafe
From sunrise to starlit nights, the serene waters of Lake Travis provide a tranquil backdrop to an amazing dining experience. We invite you to join us at our Lakehouse, where every weekend we celebrate life.
The Blu Parrot
The Blu Parrot is the most laid back & memorable places for dancing and dining experiences on Lake Travis! Open Year Around! Come on Out!
March 29th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
The water levels on Lake Travis are back up to within just a few feet from their average for this time of year, and marina owners are starting to feel safer about moving their docks iEggstravaganza!
Saturday, March 27
2:00 p.m.
Lakeway City Park
Rain or shine
Come meet the Easter Bunny, pet animals in the petting zoo, jump in a moon bounce, make crafts, and hunt for over 10,000 eggs! Egg hunts are divided into age groups of 0-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. BYO Basket!
For more information contact Lynn by email or phone at (512) 314-7530
March 29th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
saturday, july 4, 2010
34th Annual Lakeway July 4th Celebration
We begin each year with the 8:30 AM Parade down Lakeway Drive. The Pageant at the Lakeway Activity Center. The Grand Marshal Speech follows starting at 10:30 am. This year, food, live entertainment, and fireworks will end the day at the Lakeway City Park beginning at 6:00 pm and ending at 10:00 pm.
March 29th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
saturday, july 4, 2010
Lago Vista Firecracker 5K and Fun Run
This Fourth of July, why run in the city when you can run in beautiful, senic Lago Vista on the north shore of Lake Travis! The 5K course isn’t your typical race: it features gorgeous views of the lake and terrain. There are slight hills, as well as downhill portions. Come experience the running community of Lago Vista, an overlooked, but excellent training ground. After the race, feel free to stay at the lake and enjoy Lago’s Fourth of July festivities, held on the shores of Lake Travis. Apart from the run, there is also a Community-wide parade, food, arts and crafts, family games and activities, live music, classic cars and more! At dark, there will be a firework show on the lake!
March 29th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
th Annual Lake Travis Relay
Lake Travis, Austin, TX, US
Saturday, October 10, 2009
9:00 am
A six-person open water, swimming relay race. Point to point course, approximately 12 miles. Six swimmers per team will each complete a 20-minute leg, then a 15-minute leg, then 10-minute legs until their team has completed the designated course.
No wetsuits, fins, snorkels, or any other artificial aids permitted.
Contact: Dr. Keith Bell, Race Director
Contact Phone: 512 327-2260
March 29th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
saturday, april 10, 2010
Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival
It’s all about the food and the music! This popular Louisiana themed event features the best in Louisiana cuisine prepared by concessionaires from Louisiana and Texas. Enjoy an extensive menu of Cajun seafood. The highlight of the show is 6000 pounds of jumbo crawfish and other bayou favorites. Enjoy dancers, juju mamas, and lots of beads and tokens. Music includes Cajun, Zydeco, Funk, Brass Bands, Blues, Rock, & Jazz . Belly dancers and late night burlesque shows will add to the excitement.
April 17th, 2010 at 6:43 am
You have hit the mark. In it something is and it is good idea. I support you.
April 17th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Thank you for hosting such a creative weblog. Your website happens to be not only informative but also very inventive too. There are very few people who can think to write not so easy content that creatively. we keep searching for content on a subject like this. I have gone in detail through dozens of websites to find knowledge regarding this.Looking to many more from your site !!
April 18th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
+1
April 20th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Good share,you article very great, very usefull for us…thank you
April 21st, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Thank you for your comments.
We hope to add more content soon. If you come across any Lake Travis related information, feel free to post up.
Diane
April 21st, 2010 at 10:30 pm
A landowner’s request to rezone 2.7 acres of Lakeway Airpark South property from aviation to single-family residential got off the ground April 7 despite the objections of several neighbors.
Lakeway Zoning and Planning Commission members approved East El Paso Medical Group’s request, 4-2, which will enable the company to develop six residential lots and a road on the seven-acre property on the airpark site.
A majority of the officers serving on the board of the Lakeway Airpark Association, a private entity that owns and operates the airpark, supported the company’s plans.
However, several board members and residents attended the meeting to voice their opposition against the request on the grounds that they bought their homes believing that future development would adhere to existing aviation zoning regulations.
Some homeowners described a meeting that took place last fall between Dr. Rene Arredondo, a Lakeway resident and member of the medical group, and property owners and Lakeway Airpark Association members that dispelled some rumors and forged an understanding among all the parties.
April 21st, 2010 at 10:32 pm
The educators who topped the Lake Travis Independent School District’s “2009-10 Teacher of the Year” awards would have made late Ed McMahon would be proud.
On March 9-10, LTISD’s ‘prize patrol’ consisting of Superintendent Dr. Rocky Kirk, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Diane Frost, and Executive Director for Administrative and Human Resource Services Susanna Russell made surprise visits to each campus and announced the winners.
Joined by each respective school principal, the group walked into the honorees’ classrooms and presented them with a bouquet of flowers and wall plaque as students and colleagues cheered.
The following educators have been selected as the 2009-2010 LTISD campus Teachers of the Year:
• Kelly Bender, Bee Cave Elementary (5th grade)
• Janet Butler, Lake Pointe Elementary (2nd grade)
• Tina Pe§a, Lake Travis Elementary (Discovery)
• Cathy Pankonien, Lakeway Elementary (1st grade)
• Rosemary Torres, Serene Hills Elementary (2nd grade)
• Paige Abbott, Hudson Bend Middle School (7th/8th grade History)
• Wendi Daniels, Lake Travis Middle School (Science/Discovery)
• Lou Anthony, Lake Travis High School (Math/Science)
April 21st, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Brad Paisley to head Lake Travis 2010 AquaPalooza 2010
Brad Paisley will soak up Lake Travis this summer as the headliner for the AquaPalooza 2010 Signature Event on July 10.
The Grammy Award-winning country music artist will top the bill of Sea Ray Boats’ annual on-the-water concerts from noon-7:30 p.m. at The Reserve at Lake Travis.
Sea Ray officials said the timing couldn’t be better to secure Paisley’s talents. He recently released the single “Water” and performed at the American Country Music awards. His H2O World Tour this summer will kick off May 21 and stop at more than 75 cities in the U.S., Canada and Europe over the next 12 months.
As in-demand an act as Paisley is, AquaPalooza organizers Sea Ray and host dealership Sail & Ski Center took the risk of upsetting some early birds by moving AquaPalooza’s original date from late July to accommodate the singer’s tour schedule. They also opened the dam to a flood of Facebook posts speculating on who or who would not be inked to play.
“We’re very excited to have a performer of Brad Paisley’s caliber headlining this year’s Signature Event,” said Rob Noyes, Sea Ray vice president of marketing. “His tour will be the biggest one of the summer.”
Paisley has collected three Grammy Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards and 13 Country Music Association Awards. He has released eight critically acclaimed studio albums and has accumulated sales of more than 10 million units. His most recent album, American Saturday Night, was ranked as Time magazine’s No. 1 album of 2009 in any music genre.
As of press deadlines, Paisley was nominated for four ACM awards: Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist, Album of the Year for American Saturday Night and Video of the Year for “Welcome to the Future.”
Concert planners envision he will draw a fleet of concertgoers to this year’s Signature Event.
Sea Ray has been riding a wave of growing crowds pulling up in their boats, personal watercraft, kayaks and more to take in AquaPalooza concerts since the events first kicked off in 2006.
Most of the events take place during the last two weekends in July. The concerts are free and open to all boaters, not just Sea Ray owners.
Last year, an estimated 15,000 boats and 84,000 guests attended 123 events across the country and overseas in such countries as Austria and Australia. Country singer Alan Jackson headlined the 2009 Signature Event at Lake Martin, Ala., and Taylor Swift, Everclear, Cracker and Soul Asylum have performed at previous AquaPaloozas.
“It won’t be easy to top the 2009 Signature Event, but we think the Lake Travis community, Brad Paisley, Sail & Ski and Sea Ray are up to the task,” Noyes said.
Already, Sail & Ski Center is billing July 4-10 as AquaPalooza Week culminating in the on-the-water concert.
Sail & Ski has partnered with Lake Travis, Lake LBJ-Marble Falls, Cedar Park and Lago Vista chambers of commerce to offer $40 wristbands sold online that are valid for other licensed AquaPalooza Week events, cover charges and discounts at restaurants, spas, stores, hotels, marinas and other participating locations.
May 3rd, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Boys & Their Toys Austin™ is our signature fundraising event which brings together all things MAN; cars, boats, planes, motorcycles, sports and electronics and combines them with great food, fine wines and entertainment. Our first inaugural 2009 event was attended by over 450 guests in a private VIP setting who shared in a wonderful display of machinery and culinary delight at the beautiful Reserve at Lake Travis.
Our 2010 Event will be held in May and we are currently organizing sponsors, vendors and exhibitors. The event will be held over two days proceeded by a private VIP evening of food & entertainment with live & silent auctions. This event will be opened to the public for Saturday and Sunday and we expect over 5,000 visitors.
If your company or organization would like to participate in this upcoming extravaganza, please contact us at info@onpegasuswings.org or http://www.onpegasuswings.org/