If you are a water-lover, but afraid that a move to Austin, Texas means the end of lake sports, you obviously haven't heard about the three most popular lakes in the Austin, TX area. Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and Lake Travis are full of recreational opportunities to suit every level of play, from swimming and to jet skiing and lake cruises.

Lady Bird Lake is a calm and peaceful lake in the city of Austin, Texas, and it's just right for canoeing or kayaking. You can rent canoes or paddle boats at the Rowing Dock for a moderate fee. At six miles long, this lake runs between Riverside Drive and 1st street, making it a restful oasis in the urban downtown area. Take advantage of the walking trails that circle the lake and enjoy a stroll or a jog among the beautiful scenery. You can enjoy a boat tour of Lady Bird Lake, including dinner cruises for special events or group outings and get a glimpse of Austin, TX as you've never seen it before - from the water. Swimming, motor and jet skiing are prohibited at Lady Bird Lake.

Lake Austin is one of the most popular lakes in the area, and was created by Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam on the Colorado River.

Fish & Boat Commission, Coldwater Heritage Partnership Supporting Grassroots Work to Conserve PA?s Valuable Coldwater Streams, Trout Fisheries
A cooperative partnership that includes the Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is helping local organizations protect and conserve Pennsylvania?s coldwater stream habitats ? waterways that are critical to the health of the state?s wild trout fisheries.
Public review of draft Susquehanna River Anadromous Fish Restoration Cooperative (SRAFRC) Migratory Fish Management and Restoration Plan for the Susquehanna River Basin
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) today announced that the Draft Migratory Fish Management and Restoration Plan for the Susquehanna River Basin is now available for public review and comment.
PA Fish & Boat Commission Plans Open House at Linesville State Fish Hatchery
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will hold their annual Open House at the Linesville State Fish Hatchery on Saturday, April 3, 2010 from 11am ? 3:30 p.m.
Fish & Boat Commission Names John Arway Executive Director
A 30-year veteran of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has been chosen as the agency?s next executive director. During a special public meeting today, the Board of Commissioners selected John Arway to lead the Commission, one of the oldest and most effective conservation agencies in the nation.
Pennsylvania Announces Fisheries Position Regarding N.Y. City Reservoir Releases to Delaware River
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announced the release of a fisheries recommendation for management of water released to Delaware River tributaries from New York City water supply reservoirs.
Fish & Boat Urges Action on Susquehanna River Troubles
Calling the Susquehanna River ?increasingly impaired,? the board of commissioners of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today called on state and federal environmental agencies to expand efforts to determine the sources of pollution which are contributing to the demise of the river?s smallmouth bass fishery.
Fish & Boat Commission Names Acting Executive Director
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today named Brian Barner as the agency?s acting executive director, effective upon the retirement of Dr. Douglas Austen at the close of business today.
National Saltwater Angler Registry (attention shad, striped bass, and river herring anglers)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) are reminding anglers that a new federal law requires anglers who target or catch shad, striped bass, and river herring from the Delaware River below Trenton Falls or in the Delaware Estuary to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission staff at Butler Fishing Show
Staff from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will attend the Butler Fishing Show on February 13th and 14th 2010 at the Butler Senior High School.
Fish & Boat Winter Meeting Scheduled for January 27-28 in Harrisburg
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will hold its winter quarterly meeting on Jan. 27-28 at its Harrisburg office.
Biologist Report - West Branch Susquehanna River and Susquehanna River Younf-of-Year Smallmouth Bass
Biologists conducted backpack electrofishing surveys July 13-17 and 23-24, 2009 targeting YOY smallmouth bass at ten historic sampling sites in the West Branch and twenty-six historic sampling sites in the Susquehanna River.
Biologist Report - Laurel Hill Creek & Big Sandy Creek Basins, Somerset and Fayette Counties, Search for Wild Trout
Fisheries Management personnel from the Area 8 office surveyed 15 unassessed waters in the Laurel Hill Creek and Big Sandy Creek basins in Somerset and Fayette Counties.
Commissioner Lenny Lichvar Sworn in as District 4 Representative
Lenny Lichvar of Boswell, Somerset County, has been sworn in as the District 4 commissioner for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, representing Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin and Somerset counties.
Updated Fish Consumption Advisories Issued for 2010
State officials today released updated fish consumption advisories that include two new fish species and a water body that had not previously been on the list, but also eases or lifts advisories on fish from seven water bodies.
Eleven Complete Police Training Requirements at State Police Facility
Six waterways conservation officers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and five Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rangers have completed Municipal Police Officers Basic Training, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski announced today.
Biologist Report - Susquehanna River smallmouth bass
During September 21 ? 24, 2009, biologists conducted nighttime electrofishing surveys targeting adult smallmouth bass at four historic sampling sites located within the middle portion of the Susquehanna River from the Fabri Dam in Sunbury downstream to the York Haven Dam near Middletown to determine trends in abundance, size structure, age structure, and growth attributes, among other attributes.
Biologist Report - Wild Trout Streams, Cumberland and Perry Counties
A subset of unassessed streams were surveyed in the Sherman Creek and Yellow Breeches Creek basins in south central Pennsylvania to determine if wild trout were present.
Fish & Boat Commission to inspect Marcellus Shale drilling sites
Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation, a hydroelectric generating station on the lower Susquehanna River, announces plans to draw down the water level in Lake Clarke above the Safe Harbor Dam.

enthusiasts will really enjoy Lake Austin, with its high cliffs and lush shorelines. There are several launch sites where you can put your own boat in, or contact any of the rental boat services to get out on the water as soon as possible. There are several charter boat services that can take individual passengers or even large groups for scenic tours of the lovely Lake Austin. Imagine riding an old-fashioned riverboat around and learning more about the sites and stories that occurred on or near the lake.

Lake Travis, the longest lake in the region at more than 60 miles long, lies northwest of Austin, TX. Perfect for all kinds of boating, such as motor or sail boating, the lake features several boat docks, boat rental companies and even personal watercraft rentals. Several small communities encircle Lake Travis, and there are dozens of boat rental or boat storage facilities in each one.

Lake Travis is also the hub for a variety of other recreational activities. Fishing and swimming are always popular, as well as canoeing, kayaking and jet skiing. Check out the Volente Beach and Waterpark, a fun place for exciting water rides. The rolling hills of Texas Hill Country are wonderful for golf, and there are several resorts and clubs lakeside. It's a true resort atmosphere at Lake Travis, just 40 minutes from Austin, Texas.

These are just a few of the lakes and waterways that surround Austin, Texas. Take some time to get familiar with area lakes and the unique outdoor adventures that each one has to offer. Whether you own a boat or just like to play on one, Austin-area lake cruises and boat rentals can make it happen for Austin, TX residents.