No, Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake are not the same thing. They are two distinct bodies of water located in Austin, Texas. While they are both lakes located along the Colorado River and within close proximity to downtown Austin, they have different histories, locations, purposes and features.
Key Differences Between Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake
Here are some of the main differences between Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake:
Location
- Lake Austin is located upriver (west) of downtown Austin along the Colorado River.
- Lady Bird Lake sits downriver (southeast) of downtown Austin along the Colorado River.
Purpose
- Lake Austin was created specifically to provide hydroelectric power for the city of Austin. The Tom Miller Dam was built in 1939 to form the reservoir.
- Lady Bird Lake’s main purpose is flood control. The Longhorn Dam was constructed in 1960 to control flooding along the Colorado River through Austin.
Recreational Usage
- Lake Austin is used more for residential purposes with homes and boat docks along its shoreline. It has a speed limit and no wake areas.
- Lady Bird Lake was designed and is managed more for recreation such as kayaking, canoeing, and rowing. The city’s hike and bike trail runs along its shoreline.
History of Lake Austin
Lake Austin was created in 1939 by the construction of Tom Miller Dam by the city of Austin. Austin needed a new water source as the city grew, but also wanted to generate hydroelectric power. By damming the Colorado River about 15 miles upstream from the city, Lake Austin could serve both purposes.
The reservoir flooded the former river channel and also covered parts of several small communities that had to be moved, including the town of Austin, Texas which dated back to the mid-1800s. Pieces of the old Austin town site can still be seen when the lake waters recede during droughts.
Lake Austin provided a new water supply source for Austin and also generates power at the Tom Miller Dam hydroelectric plant to this day. The lake shoreline has become highly desirable for luxury housing. Home prices on Lake Austin range from $2 million to over $10 million.
Recreational Activities on Lake Austin
Lake Austin offers many recreational opportunities, especially water sports. Popular activities include:
- Boating
- Fishing
- Waterskiing
- Wakeboarding
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
The lake is very popular for boating activities, but a 30 mph speed limit is enforced for most of the lake, with no wake zones near dams and bridges. There are numerous boat docks along the shoreline.
The lake provides good fishing for largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish and other species. A portion of the lake near the dam is designated as a trophy bass management area with a 16 to 21 inch slot limit.
History of Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake was created in 1960 by the Longhorn Dam, constructed for flood control purposes by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Prior to the dam, the Colorado River through downtown Austin was prone to severe flooding which damaged property and infrastructure.
The lake is named after former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, a long time Austin resident and environmental advocate. The official name was changed from Town Lake to Lady Bird Lake in 2007 after her passing.
Lady Bird Lake transformed the downtown riverfront from a floodplain into an iconic city park and recreation hub. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail encircles the lake and connects downtown with the lakefront park space. Major highlights of the trail include Auditorium Shores and the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue on the south shoreline.
Recreational Activities on Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake offers a wide range of recreational opportunities with a focus on water sports and downtown access. Popular activities include:
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Crew/Rowing
- Dragonboating
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Fishing
- Ziplining
- Hiking/Biking
The lake has an active paddling community and hosts several rowing clubs. Its calm protected waters also make it ideal for beginner kayakers and paddleboarders. Fishing is allowed from the shoreline and several areas offshore.
Geographic Details
Here are some key details about the geography and hydrology of Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake:
Lake Austin
- Impounded by the Tom Miller Dam
- Surface area: 1,248 acres
- Watershed size: 535 square miles
- Shoreline length: 32 miles
- Average depth: 40 feet
- Maximum depth: 135 feet
Lady Bird Lake
- Formed by Longhorn Dam
- Surface area: 416 acres
- Watershed size: 10.3 square miles
- Shoreline length: 10 miles
- Average depth: 18 feet
- Maximum depth: 60 feet
As the details show, Lake Austin is significantly larger than Lady Bird Lake in almost every dimension. This reflects their different purposes, with Lake Austin designed to hold far more water for hydroelectric generation. Lady Bird Lake only needs to store enough floodwater to protect downtown Austin.
Ecosystems and Wildlife
Both Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake provide urban habitat for a range of native fish, birds, and other wildlife species. Here is a brief overview of some of the key species found in each lake:
Lake Austin Ecosystem
Fish species: largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, Guadalupe bass, striped bass, crappie, American eel
Birds: great blue heron, cormorants, cliff swallows, belted kingfisher
Mammals: beavers, river otters, raccoons
Reptiles: red-eared slider turtles, western ribbon snakes
Lady Bird Lake Ecosystem
Fish species: largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, tilapia, common carp, Rio Grande cichlid
Birds: great egret, black-necked stilt, mallards, cliff swallows
Mammals: beavers, bats, raccoons
Reptiles: red-eared slider turtle, common musk turtle
Invasive species like tilapia and Rio Grande cichlids were introduced to Lady Bird Lake from aquarium releases. Lake Austin has fewer invasive species issues.
Connection Between the Lakes
Though distinct lakes, Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake are hydrologically connected as both are reservoirs along the Lower Colorado River. Here is how water moves between them:
- Lake Austin drains into Lady Bird Lake via the Tom Miller Dam, which regulates downstream river flow.
- When Lady Bird Lake water levels get too high, floodgates at Longhorn Dam are opened to discharge water downstream.
- Lady Bird Lake levels actually fluctuate more drastically than Lake Austin since it serves for flood control.
So during wet periods, Lady Bird Lake rises rapidly to hold floodwaters, which are eventually released downstream. Lake Austin has a more stable water level for consistent hydropower generation. But both lakes work together to control the Lower Colorado through Austin.
Conclusion
In summary, Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake are distinct man-made reservoirs along the Colorado River through Austin which serve different primary purposes. Lake Austin provides water supply and hydroelectric power generation, while regulating downstream flows. Lady Bird Lake’s main function is containing flood waters to protect downtown Austin. Both lakes offer recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, but with different amenities based on their locations and volumes. While connected hydrologically, Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake remain ecologically and geographically distinct Austin gems.
