Lodging, real estate, things to do, & more for Buchanan Dam, Tow and portions of western Burnet County can be found on menu on the left. Some of the most popular categories can also be found above.
Location: On the Colorado River in Burnet County and Llano counties, west of the town of Burnet.
Size: 23,200 acres
Maximum Depth: 132 feet
Date Impounded: 1937
Water Level Fluctuation: Considerable
Predominant Fish Species: Largemouth bass, catfish, white bass, and striped bass
Lake Buchanan
ACCESS/CAMPING There are five good boat ramps, four on the east side and one on the west side of the lake. The first ramp is on the east side of the dam off Texas Highway 29. Look for the brown sign (HWY 690) that points the way to the ramp. Burnet County Park, off FM 2341 at mid-lake, has recently built a new concrete two-lane ramp. This ramp is usually open during periods of low water. It is susceptible to a northwest wind, so watch the weather if you launch here. A concrete ramp, well protected from the wind, is located at Thunderbird Lodge off FM 2341 at (512) 756-4878. This private facility charges $5.00 to launch. Llano County Park, on the west side, offers a free ramp off FM 261. This ramp is well protected from the wind. Unimproved boat ramps are available at Cedar Point Recreation Area and at Colorado Bend State Park (915) 628-3240.
The Lake Buchanan area is home to two of the 22 Texas Hill Country wineries.
Colorado Bend offers access for anglers wishing to wade fish for white bass in the upper reaches of the river above Lake Buchanan during the spring spawning run. Camping is available at Colorado Bend, Canyon of the Eagles, and also at Inks Lake State Park, just a short drive from Lake Buchanan. This is a popular park, so it's a good idea to make reservations well in advance. Many private facilities on Buchanan offer camping, fishing piers, and docks. For details, check the Buchanan/Inks Chamber of Commerce website.
FISHING REGULATIONS All fish are currently regulated under statewide regulations, with the exception of white bass, which has a 12-inch minumum length limit. The 12 inch minimum for white bass is designed to protect females from harvest before they reach sexual maturity.
Lake Buchanan - Visitor Guide: Directory Listings