Real Estate Photographer in Canyon Lake, TX

With Labor Day weekend here, and despite rain in the forecast, visitors to Canyon Lake can expect scenic waters and plenty of recreation. Still, boating access remains limited.

The deadly Fourth of July floods swelled the lake, boosting levels to heights the drought-stricken reservoir hadn’t seen in years. While the water has since stabilized, the surge briefly allowed some ramps to reopen, though levels are now gradually declining.

Over the past several weeks, Canyon Lake has shown a gradual decline in water levels. As of noon on Friday, August 29, Canyon Lake is 67.7% full, with a mean water level of 892.18 feet, according to Water Data for Texas. This is slightly lower than Thursday’s 67.8% and 892.21 feet, and nearly identical to levels on Wednesday at 67.8% and 892.23 feet.

One week ago, the lake was 68.1% full at 892.39 feet, and a month ago, on July 29, it reached 68.4% capacity at 892.61 feet. Prior to that, Canyon Lake was less than half full at 45.4% on May 29. Limited rainfall in recent weeks has kept levels relatively steady, but the slow decline continues.

Comal County and the Water Oriented Recreation District of Comal County (WORD) continue to monitor access closely. Only ramps 1, 14, 17, 18, and 19 remain open, according to a WORD official.

The short-lived Boat Ramp 8 was closed on August 12 after the lake dropped below the 892.72-foot threshold required for safe motorized launches only weeks after reopening to the public.. Similarly, Boat Ramp 2, which had reopened following the flood-driven surge, was recently closed when levels fell below its 892.28-foot safety mark.

Despite these closures, Canyon Lake remains a popular destination for boating, sunbathing and other water-based activities. Authorities urge visitors planning holiday trips to check current water levels and ramp access before heading out. With careful planning and attention to safety guidelines, Labor Day at Canyon Lake can still offer a memorable getaway, combining the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country with water-based recreation for the whole family.

Two boat ramps at Canyon Lake have reopened, marking a bittersweet return to normalcy for an area grappling with historic drought conditions. (SBG Digital)

CANYON LAKE, Texas — Two boat ramps at Canyon Lake have reopened, marking a bittersweet return to normalcy for an area grappling with historic drought conditions.

Residents have expressed relief and excitement as recent rainfall has allowed for the reopening of ramps one and two, providing much-needed water access.

"My heart is beating right now so fast, just because I'm so excited and I'm ready to get out there," said Kevin Hughes, a Canyon Lake resident.

The declining lake levels had seemed like a hopeless cause as water continued to evaporate, but the recent rain has been a welcome sight.

Tony Gonzalez, a Canyon Lake boat owner, said, "It's a blessing. I mean, it's sad what happened up in Kerrville, of course. But all the- all the rain, we've been praying for it for a long time."

The improved water levels have not only benefited boat owners but also local businesses.

Rebecca Sanders, co-owner of the Wildflour Cafe, noted that the beginning of the summer had been slower than last year.

However, she remains hopeful that increased lake visitors will boost business.

"We have already kind of started bringing more staff on. We have several that we're training right now...very hopeful that everything will be busy again this summer," Sanders said.

While the other seven ramps remain closed, residents and visitors are making the most of the available water access.

Ernest Contreras, a long-time visitor, said, "It feels great to me, especially if you've been coming here for 33 years."

Gonzalez added, "Two, three times a week, at least, try to get out...and use it as much as possible now that we have it back."

Boat owners anticipate increased traffic around the reopened ramps in the coming weeks as the community continues to recover from the drought.

Just three months ago, Canyon Lake was down to 46.6% capacity, , leaving boat ramps dry and unusable. But after , the lake has surged nearly 14 feet and now sits at 67.9%, triggering the long-awaited reopening of key boat ramps for the first time in nearly a year.

County officials confirmed to MySA that multiple public ramps are now accessible again, including those managed by Comal County, the Water Oriented Recreation District and Joint Base San Antonio. The popular Hill Country swimming destination has faced severe challenges due to the ongoing drought and city officials in October 2024 due to safety risks.

Some charge access fees, and conditions vary, but for local boaters and lake-dependent businesses, the reopening marks a major turning point. And Canyon Lake isn't the only body of water seeing relief. Here's how other major Texas reservoirs are rebounding after the recent storms:

Medina Lake, about 40 miles northwest of San Antonio, saw its mean water level rise from 971.67 feet a month ago to 984.22 feet Monday, increasing capacity from 2.5% to 6.3% and expanding its surface area from 587 to 929 acres, according to . Despite this gain, the lake remains far below its full capacity of 254,823 acre-feet, highlighting ongoing drought conditions.

Situated just northwest of Austin, in its mean water level over the past month, from 638.11 feet to 675.02 feet, according to s. Its capacity has nearly doubled, increasing from 44.0% to 90.0%, with reservoir storage growing from about 500,586 to over 1 million acre-feet. In just one week, the water level jumped over 8 feet, from 666.65 to 675.02 feet.

O.H. Ivie Reservoir, located in West-Central Texas along the Colorado River, has seen its water level rise steadily over the past month. The mean water level increased from 1,528.53 feet to 1,535.64 feet, boosting the lake level from 40.0% to 54.6%, according to . This steady rise reflects improving water conditions in the region, helping to secure water supply and support recreational activities for communities across Concho, Coleman and Runnels counties.

Located in the Texas Hill Country near Marble Falls, Lake LBJ remains near full capacity with a current level at 98.5%, according to Its mean water level has stayed steady around 824.7 feet over the past month, with reservoir storage holding just under 130,000 acre-feet of its 112,778 acre-feet conservation capacity. After a slight dip to 95.1% a week ago, the lake has rebounded.

Lake Buchanan, located in the Texas Hill Country northwest of Austin, is currently at full capacity at 100%, with a mean water level of 1,020.05 feet, according to . Over the past month, the reservoir's storage has surged from 61.3% to full, increasing from about 545,351 acre-feet to 881,479 acre-feet and forcing the Buchanan Dam open . Its surface area has expanded from 17,176 to 22,464 acres within the past month.This significant rise reflects recent heavy rains, restoring Lake Buchanan as a key water source and recreational destination in the region.

After Central and South Texas saw heavy rains over the past few weeks, water levels at Canyon and Medina lakes have risen dramatically, but is the region still in a drought? Our newsroom meteorologist took a look. In non-flood news, a beloved Mexican bistro shuttered recently after serving San Antonio for nearly two decades, and a San Antonio gambler was accused of running a million-dollar Ponzi scheme. Here’s the biggest news in San Antonio this week:

Heavy rains boost South Texas lakes but drought lingers in San Antonio

Unusually heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures have dramatically raised water levels in South Texas lakes, reversing record lows at Canyon Lake and Medina Lake. Canyon Lake rose over 14 feet in two weeks, now 67% full after dipping to just 45% in May, while Medina Lake climbed 12 feet but remains only 6% full. The Texas Hill Country saw rapid drought improvement, dropping from exceptional drought to just abnormally dry. Despite above-average rainfall this year, San Antonio and much of Bexar County remain in extreme drought due to a long-term rainfall deficit.

San Antonio favorite Tiago’s Cabo Grille closes after 18 years

Tiago’s Cabo Grille, a beloved Mexican bistro in San Antonio, closed its doors after 18 years of serving the community. Known for its coastal cuisine, wood-grilled dishes and signature margaritas, the restaurant built a loyal following at The Rim Shopping Center. The eatery changed ownership in March when Grupo Orraca took over but the reasons for its sudden closure remain unclear. Owners thanked patrons for their support and memories, saying the restaurant will always hold a special place in the community.

Camp Mystic tragedy raises questions over flood response and preparedness

A deadly flash flood at Camp Mystic in Kerr County claimed the lives of 25 campers, two counselors and the camp’s owner after a delayed evacuation despite a National Weather Service alert. The camp began moving children to safety at least 46 minutes after the warning, as floodwaters from the Guadalupe River rose rapidly and power and communications failed. Survivors and parents have criticized the camp’s sparse communication and questioned its preparedness, especially given the site’s history of flooding in “Flash Flood Alley.” The camp’s liability waiver mentioned floods only briefly and did not detail past incidents, leaving many families demanding answers about the camp’s emergency protocols. The disaster left more than 100 people missing and highlighted the dangers of extreme weather in the region.

Hill Country faces new evacuations as heavy rains trigger fresh floods

Heavy rains battered Texas' Hill Country, forcing new evacuations and water rescues just a week after deadly floods devastated the region. First responders rescued dozens in counties including Kimble, Lampasas and San Saba as rivers rose rapidly, threatening homes and prompting officials to evacuate RV parks and senior housing. Authorities suspended search efforts for last week's flood victims in Kerr County due to the renewed flood threat, later resuming operations as waters receded. Flash flood warnings and watches remained in effect as storms dumped several inches of rain, raising river levels above flood stage and causing widespread road closures. Residents were urged to avoid travel unless evacuating, with officials warning of dangerous and life-threatening conditions.

San Antonio gambler accused of running $9 million Ponzi scheme

A San Antonio man who called himself a “professional gambler” allegedly defrauded clients of $9 million through a Ponzi scheme, according to federal regulators. The SEC accused Imer Gomez and his companies of promising double-digit returns but instead using client funds to support a lavish lifestyle, pay off earlier investors and fund unrelated ventures. Gomez also allegedly loaned $666,000 in client money to his ex-girlfriend’s father, who used it to buy real estate. The SEC said Gomez sent fake account statements to clients and falsely claimed his firms were insured. Regulators are seeking to recover the lost funds for investors.

This content was partially generated by AI and then reviewed and edited by our newsroom staff. For more details on our use of AI, see our AI policy.

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It’s difficult to find a single thread of silver lining in the catastrophic flooding that devastated parts of the Hill Country and claimed more than 100 lives over the Fourth of July weekend. If there was one good to come out of the flooding event, it’s that several major reservoirs across the region got a badly needed drink of water following years of extreme drought.

Patrick Ireland with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department oversees a number of reservoirs around the region that were at or near record low water levels when the deadly flood waters came gushing in.

While most of the impoundments remain well below full capacity today, several have risen more than a dozen feet since the nightmarish weekend that pushed the Guadalupe, Llano, Comal, Colorado, San Saba and San Gabriel rivers well beyond their banks. Countless creeks and steep draws that drained into the shallow soils of the rocky watersheds helped fuel the havoc.

Ireland said new water is was still flowing into the reservoirs including Canyon, Travis, Buchanan and Georgetown for nearly a week following the historic floods. Though inflows have slowed with receding river levels, Ireland said the rises witnessed on some reservoirs have been pretty significant.

As of July 15, here are the current elevations of the lakes in question, pre-flood elevations and approximate rises in feet.

Current elevation: 890.38 feetPre-rain elevation: 878 feetChange: +12 feet64.7 of capacityAnticipating reopening of some boat ramps

Current elevation: 669.43 feetPre-rain elevation: 637 feetChange: +32 feet81.4 percent of capacity

Current elevation: 1,019.16 feetPre-rain elevation: 1,002.5 feetChange: +16.6.feet97.8 percent of capacity

Current elevation: 802 feetPre-rain elevation: - 780 feetChange: +22 feet100 percent of capacity

Current elevation: 601.50 feetPre-rain elevation: 594.7 feet Change: +6.8 feet 100 percent capacity

Current elevation: 631.85 feetPre-rain elevation: 620.5 feet Change: +11.35 feet100 percent capacity

Current elevation: 469.78 feetPre-rain elevation: 462.7 feet Change: +7.08 feet100 percent capacity

High water following extended periods of low can be a huge benefit for a reservoir and the fisheries finning around within them. Perhaps the biggest is called the “new lake effect.”

Extended periods of drought can be boon for habitat, because it allows weeds and native terrestrial vegetation like willows, salt cedars, buck brush, native grasses and mesquites to sprout on the dry lake bed. The longer the water stays low, the thicker and more widespread the new growth will become.

When water levels rise, all that new growth terrestrial vegetation is flooded and begins to decay. This pumps in rich nutrients that act as liquid fertilizer to promote a boom in plankton and aquatic vegetation growth. The process benefits everything from forage fish populations to predators like bass, catfish and crappie.

The jungle of flooded cover also provides young game fish and forage good places to hide from predators. This usually results in extremely high recruitment among one or more year classes of fish, and ultimately leads to banner fishing several years down the road as those fish mature. Fisheries biologists sometimes refer to the phenomenon as "trophic upsurge” or the "new lake effect."

Interestingly, the central Texas biologists overseeing lakes that caught water in the July floods don’t look for the new lake impacts to be that significant on those fisheries. In some cases, like Georgetown, the high water could have a negative impact, Ireland said.

“Water levels are definitely trending in the right direction — especially compared to the past few years,” Ireland said. “But any new lake effects at Georgetown are unlikely. Submerged vegetation had started to establish in Lake Georgetown prior to the recent water level rise, which was likely contributing to improved fishing conditions. However, with the high water, much of that vegetation will likely be lost.”

Ireland says Georgetown’s steep-sided topography and fluctuating water levels over the past few years have prevented much terrestrial vegetation from growing along the shoreline. As a result, it lacks the kind of vegetation that, when inundated, typically drives the new lake effect.

“We'll have a better sense of the impact once we complete our upcoming fish surveys,” he said.

“Similarly, we didn’t observe a significant new lake effect on Lake Travis when it refilled after the prolonged 2011 drought,” Ireland added. “While largemouth bass numbers remained high, we didn’t see much improvement in overall fish size. That may also be due to topographic limitations—there just isn’t much low-lying terrain on Travis that can support extensive terrestrial vegetation capable of being submerged when water levels rise.”

Ireland says time will tell on lakes Buchanan and Canyon.

“Canyon did have quite a bit of terrestrial vegetation growing so perhaps we’ll see a bump in the coming years,” he said.

TPWD fisheries biologist Andrew Althoff of Waco isn’t expecting to see much of an impact from recent spikes in water level on the lakes in his district, mainly because they have been low for extended periods of time.

“I wouldn’t anticipate any major impacts in our district’s reservoirs,” he said. “Most of our lakes flooded to a greater degree last year and were near full capacity earlier this summer. There will definitely be some short-term benefits with elevated water levels a little later in the year, but the impacts will be minimal compared to a reservoir that’s been several feet low for multiple years.”

One west Texas lake that is sure to benefit from recent rains is Lake O.H. Ivie near San Angelo, where rainfall totals of more than 12 inches were recorded in early July with more moisture in the forecast. ‘Ivie has risen more than seven feet since April, most of it coming the first week of July. Fisheries biologist Lynn Wright says the rise accounted for about 2,500 surface acres.

"It’s a good bit of water that was pretty localized,” Wright said. “The Concho River watershed caught quite a lot. It’s definitely going to help. We got all annual stockings done a while back, and all the newly flooded brush should provide some great cover for those Lone Star bass offspring.”

Wright added that lakes O.C. Fisher and Brady Creek have seen rises of 11.01 and 13.91 feet since April. Fisher is now at 19 percent of full capacity after reaching 1.2 percent of full capacity a year ago.